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 a computer executes instructions
- 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 which 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 by 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. object-oriented)
- protoboard
- a board which 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)
- upcycle
- 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