Coding terminology

Here are some popular coding terms to become familiar with.

Algorithm
An algorithm is a set of instructions that are followed to solve a problem. It's a
computer's thought process.

Argument
An argument is a way to provide more information to a function. The function can then
use that information as it runs, like a variable (For more info on variables, see below.)

Arrays
Arrays are containers that hold variables; they're used to group together similar
variables. You can think of arrays like shelves at a pet store. The array would be the
shelf, and the animals in cages are the variables inside.

Arithmetic operators
Arithmetic operators are essential in almost every application, especially in games. If
a game character earns experience, it needs to be added to the total earned. If an
arrow hits an enemy, the damage the enemy takes needs to be calculated.

Assignment operators
Assignment operators (+=, -=, *=, /=) are operators that combine variable
assignments (=) with arithmetic operators. They serve as a shortcut when coders
have to perform an operation that changes the value of a variable. If a rock falls on a
game player's head, health needs to be subtracted from their total, and so on.

Augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience where digital objects are placed
in a real-world environment in real time. While virtual reality creates a completely
artificial environment, augmented reality uses the existing real-world environment and
overlays new information on top of it. Pokémon Go is a popular example, blending
the real world captured through your phone’s camera with virtual characters
overlaid on top.
Autonomous
Autonomous robot, self-driving car, and delivery bot are all terms used to describe
robots that navigate their environments using sensors with little to no human
interaction.

Online coding courses and virtual tutors available now

Binary numbers
A binary number is a computer's way to represent information. Computers process
millions of 1's and 0's a minute using different rules to interpret them as numbers,
letters, operators, and everything else put into a computer.

Bit
The individual 1's and 0's you see in binary are called bits.

C++
C++ is a low-level yet versatile programming language. Kids who master this language
will be able to solve complex problems and understand how programs work.

Related: Online C++ tutoring for kids and teens

Camel case
Variables should be named using camel case, meaning the first word of the name is
lowercase and each new word after that is capitalized. It's called camel case because
when it was originally written as CamelCase, the capital Cs look like the humps on a
camel. iPhone, eBay, YouTube, and of course, iD in “iD Tech” are real-world examples of
camel casing!

Coding
Coding is how people create instructions for computers to follow. Just like people speak
different languages, so do programs. For instance, Roblox uses the coding language
Lua while Minecraft was built with Java.

Coding languages
Computers use coding languages to understand what people want them to do. Just like
how people communicate with each other in English or Japanese, people communicate
with computers in languages like C++ or Java. Some of the best coding languages for
kids include JavaScript, Scratch, and Python.

Computer program
A computer program is a group of instructions given to a computer to be processed.
These instructions are typically used to solve a problem, or make long problems for
humans shorter and easier.

Learn more: What is computer programming?

Conditional statements
Conditional statements evaluate to true or false. Use them to print information or move
programs forward in different situations.

Else statements
Else statements are used to do something else when the condition in the if statement
isn't true.

For loops
For loops allow you to run a block of code repeatedly, just like while loops. However, for
loops run a block of code a set number of times. (Remember, while loops run an unknown
or unspecified amount of times; more on that below.)

Functions
A function is a block of code that can be referenced by name to run the code it contains.

If statements
An if statement runs a block of code based on whether or not a condition is true.

Integrated Development Environment

Java
Java is a powerful multi-platform programming language. It's used for many professional
and commercial applications, including every Android application and even the Android
operating system itself!

Minecraft was completely developed in Java by Markus Persson. Gmail was created in
Java because Java has a great performance rate and a good framework for web.

When it comes to Java for kids, they can use Java to make a wide range of games and
programs.

Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook is a type of Integrated Development Environment. Jupyter handles
Python specifically.

Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system designed to run on multiple types of devices,
like laptops, phones, tablets, robots, and many others. In fact, the Android operating
system is based on Linux!

Loops
Loops check a condition and then run a code block. The loop will continue to check and
run until a specified condition is reached.

Main function
The main function is part of C++ and is called when the program starts.

Machine learning
Machine learning is getting a computer to act without explicitly being programmed to
do so. It's an application of artificial intelligence where we give machines access to data
and let them use that data to learn for themselves. Learn more about machine learning
for kids.

Micro:bit
The micro:bit is a small programmable computer more formally known as a
microcontroller development board.

Neural networks
Machine learning is all about training an algorithm. In order to train an algorithm, neural
networks are needed, which are sets of algorithms that are inspired by biological neural
networks. A neural network is the "brain" of the program.

Python
Python is a programming language that’s currently becoming more and more powerful
with every new library added to its collection. It handles everything from web
development and game design, to machine learning and AI. Python is known for having
syntax that's simpler and easier to write than many other languages like Java and C++.

Learn more: Python for kids

Scratch
Scratch coding is an MIT-developed graphical programming language, where kids can
learn drag-and-drop programming basics to create interactive stories and comics.

Learn more: What is block-based coding?

Scripts
In programming, a series of scripts, or sets of steps, are written for a computer to follow.
Computers process the steps line-by-line from top to bottom. Each step is created by
writing a statement.

Get started: Roblox scripting & Lua coding

Sprites
Sprites are computer graphics that you can move via code; a 2D player that walks is an
animated sprite. For kids, Scratch sprites provide a fun intro to coding.
Statement
The way you tell a computer to perform an action is by giving it instructions or writing
statements to explain a desired action. Again, it’s similar to writing sentences in English,
but with words, numbers, and punctuation added depending on the programming
language.

TensorFlow
TensorFlow is a library developed by Google to facilitate the creation and training of
machine learning models and neural networks.

Training
Training is the process of feeding huge amounts of data into an algorithm so the
algorithm can adjust and improve, as if it's learning.

Variable
A variable is a container that holds a single number, word, or other information that you
can use throughout a program. A variable is like a chest you can fill with different values.
You name the chests so you can find them later. Variables have three parts: type, name,
and value.

Variable types
Once a variable is declared, a variable type is specified. Basic variable types include:
string (words and phrases), char (short for “character;” a single letter or symbol you can
type), int (short for “integer;” for whole numbers), double or float (for decimal
numbers), and bool (short for “boolean;” for true or false values).

While loops
While loops are set up just like if statements. They check for a condition and run the code
in them until the condition is no longer true. A while loop will run forever (until the
condition is false).

For young minds interested in keeping the skill-building going, check out our
many coding classes for kids for in-person summer learning, and our year-round online
coding classes for kids, which can be started right now!