New to coding? These are the words you’ll meet most often on Beep & Pixel. Each one links to a lesson where you can learn more.
A · B · C · D · E · F · H · I · L · M · N · O · P · R · S · T · V · W
A
Algorithm: A set of exact steps for doing something, like a recipe. Computers follow algorithms. Learn more →
AND: A logic gate that is ON only when both of its inputs are ON. Learn more →
B
Binary: A way of writing numbers using only 0 and 1. Computers store everything in binary. Learn more →
Bit: A single 0 or 1. It’s the smallest piece of information a computer can store. Learn more →
Block coding: Coding by snapping together blocks that each hold an instruction, instead of typing. Learn more →
Bug: A mistake in a program that makes it do something you didn’t expect. Learn more →
Byte: A group of 8 bits. One byte can store a number from 0 to 255, or one letter. Learn more →
C
Character: A single letter, number, space or symbol, like A, 7 or !. Learn more →
Circuit: A loop that electricity can flow around, like a battery, wires and a light. Learn more →
Code: Instructions written in a language a computer can follow. Learn more →
Condition: A question with a yes or no answer, like “Is the battery low?”. Programs use conditions to decide what to do. Learn more →
CPU (processor): The part of a computer that follows the instructions. It’s like the computer’s brain. Learn more →
D
Data: Information, like numbers, words, pictures and sounds, that a computer stores or uses. Learn more →
Debugging: Finding and fixing bugs. Good debuggers test one small thing at a time. Learn more →
E
Event: Something that happens, like a key being pressed or a click, that can start a piece of code. Learn more →
F
Flowchart: A drawing of an algorithm, with boxes for steps and diamonds for questions. Learn more →
Function: A named set of instructions you can use again and again. In Python you make one with def. Learn more →
H
Hardware: The parts of a computer you can touch, like the screen, keyboard and chips. Learn more →
I
IDLE: A simple program for writing and running Python code. It comes with Python. Learn more →
If statement: Code that only runs if a condition is true. “If it’s raining, take an umbrella.” Learn more →
Input: Information that goes into a computer, from a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone or a sensor. Learn more →
Internet: Millions of computers around the world connected together so they can send each other data. Learn more →
L
List: A collection of things stored in order, like a shopping list. In Python, lists go in square brackets. Learn more →
Logic gate: A tiny switch-like part inside a computer that decides ON or OFF from its inputs. Learn more →
Loop: Code that repeats. Loops save you from writing the same thing over and over. Learn more →
M
Memory: Where a computer keeps the things it’s working on right now. Learn more →
N
NOT: A logic gate that flips its input: ON becomes OFF, and OFF becomes ON. Learn more →
O
OR: A logic gate that is ON when at least one of its inputs is ON. Learn more →
Output: Information that comes out of a computer, like pictures on a screen or sound from a speaker. Learn more →
P
Packet: A small piece of data sent across the internet. Big messages are split into lots of packets. Learn more →
Parameter: Extra information you give a function, like the size of a star to draw. Learn more →
Pattern: Something that repeats in a predictable way. Spotting patterns helps you write loops. Learn more →
Pixel: One tiny square of colour on a screen. Pictures are made of thousands or millions of pixels. Learn more →
Program: A complete set of instructions for a computer to follow. Learn more →
Python: A popular programming language with words that look a bit like English. Learn more →
R
Random: Chosen by chance, like rolling a dice. Python’s random module can pick random numbers. Learn more →
RGB: Red, green and blue: the three colours of light that screens mix to make every other colour. Learn more →
Robot: A machine that can sense the world, decide what to do, and act, all by following a program. Learn more →
Router: A device that passes packets along the internet towards where they need to go. Learn more →
Run: To start a program so the computer follows its instructions. Learn more →
S
Sensor: A part that lets a robot notice something, like light, touch, distance or sound. Learn more →
Sequence: Instructions in a particular order. Change the order and you can change what happens! Learn more →
Software: Programs. Software tells the hardware what to do. Learn more →
Sprite: A character or object in a game or animation, often made of pixels. Learn more →
String: Text in a program, written inside quote marks, like “Hello, Beep!”. Learn more →
Syntax: The rules for writing code in a language: where the brackets, colons and quote marks go. Learn more →
T
Turtle: A Python drawing tool. A little arrow carries a pen around the screen and draws as it moves. Learn more →
V
Variable: A named box that holds a value, like a score or a name. The value can change. Learn more →
W
While loop: A loop that keeps going as long as a condition is true. Learn more →