Glossary
- Abstraction
- Representing a concept by hiding unnecessary details, revealing only the details that are important.
- Active sensor
- Sends a signal and then detects changes in the environment based on the data returned. Usually requires an external power source.
- Algorithm
- A series of precise instructions to solve a problem.
- Analogue signal
- A continuous variable signal.
- API
- Application Programming Interface. A set of functions used when building software.
- Assets
- Items needed to create a project, such as images or 3D-printed parts.
- Bonding agent
- Adhesive for sticking components together (e.g. glue).
- Breadboard
- A reusable circuit board for prototyping electronic circuits.
- CAD
- Computer-Aided Design. Allows precise 2D and 3D drawings and models of real-world objects to be designed on a computer.
- Circuit
- A path along which current flows.
- Computational thinking
- A set of mental skills that help to define a problem in such a way that a computer can solve it.
- Constructs
- The basic elements of a computer program (e.g. if/else statements).
- Control flow
- The order in which Input Data entered into a program (e.g. a mouse click).
- Data structure
- A format for storing and organising data (e.g. an array).
- Decomposition
- Breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Digital signal
- A signal that is either on or off.
- Digital making
- Creative projects requiring technical skill and understanding.
- GPIO
- General-Purpose Input/Output. Pins connected to the Raspberry Pi that can be controlled with code.
- Input
- Data entered into a program (e.g. a mouse click).
- Markup language
- A language specifying the presentation and style of text.
- Microcontroller
- A small computer using a single chip.
- Output
- Data sent out of a program (e.g. sound from a speaker).
- Passive sensor
- Detects changes in the environment without actively sending out a signal (e.g. a PIR sensor).
- PCB
- Printed Circuit Board. A board connecting electronic components.
- Programming paradigm
- A style or way of thinking about programming (e.g. procedural, object-oriented).
- Protoboard
- Allows you to add components to a prototype circuit by soldering or cutting strips.
- Repetition
- Executing the same code multiple times (while/for loops).
- Schematic
- A diagram or plan representing a circuit.
- Selection
- Choosing which code to execute based on a condition (if/else).
- Sequencing
- Executing lines of code one after another.
- Subroutine
- A named set of instructions in a program (also referred to as a function/procedure).
- Upcycled
- Using materials which otherwise would be thrown away, in order to make something of value.
- Variable
- A named area in memory where data is stored.