AP CSP Study Guide

Big Idea 1: Creative Development

Key Concepts:
 Collaboration: Working effectively with others to develop
solutions.
 Program Function and Purpose: Understanding what a
program is designed to do.
 Program Design and Development: Creating programs
that solve specific problems.
 Identifying and Correcting Errors: Debugging and
improving programs.
Study Guide:
Questions:
1. What are some effective strategies for collaboration
in software development?
 Answer: Effective strategies include clear
communication, using version control systems like Git,
regular meetings, pair programming, and dividing tasks
based on team members' strengths.
2. How do you determine the function and purpose of a
program?
 Answer: Analyze the problem statement, identify user
requirements, and define the program's goals. Create
use cases and scenarios to understand how the
program will be used.
3. What steps are involved in program design and
development?
  Answer: Steps include requirement analysis, designing
algorithms, writing code, testing, debugging, and
documentation. Iterative development and feedback
loops are crucial.
4. How can you identify and correct errors in a program?
 Answer: Use debugging tools, read error messages,
conduct code reviews, write test cases, and employ
systematic testing methods like unit testing and
integration testing.
Big Idea 2: Data
Key Concepts:
 Binary Numbers: Understanding how data is represented in
binary.
 Data Compression: Techniques for reducing the size of
data.
 Extracting Information from Data: Using data to gain
insights.
 Using Programs with Data: Writing programs that
manipulate and analyze data.
Study Guide:
Questions:
1. How do you convert a decimal number to binary?
 Answer: Divide the decimal number by 2, record the
remainder, and repeat with the quotient until you reach
0. The binary number is the sequence of remainders
read from bottom to top.
2. What are some common data compression
techniques?
  Answer: Common techniques include lossless
compression (e.g., Huffman coding, LZW) and lossy
compression (e.g., JPEG, MP3). Lossless compression
retains all original data, while lossy compression
reduces file size by removing some data.
3. How can you extract meaningful information from a
dataset?
 Answer: Use statistical methods, data visualization
tools, and machine learning algorithms. Techniques
include calculating averages, identifying trends, and
clustering data.
4. What are some ways to manipulate and analyze data
using programs?
 Answer: Write programs that perform operations like
sorting, filtering, aggregating, and visualizing data. Use
libraries and frameworks like Pandas for data
manipulation and Matplotlib for visualization.
Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming
Key Concepts:
 Variables and Assignments: Using variables to store data.
 Data Abstraction: Simplifying complex data structures.
 Mathematical Expressions: Performing calculations in
programs.
 Strings: Manipulating text data.
 Boolean Expressions: Using true/false values in logic.
 Conditionals: Making decisions in code (if, if-else, nested
if).
 Iteration: Repeating actions (loops).
  Developing Algorithms: Creating step-by-step solutions.
 Lists: Managing collections of data.
 Binary Search: Efficiently searching sorted data.
 Calling Procedures: Using functions to organize code.
Study Guide:
Questions:
1. How do you declare and assign values to variables in
a program?
 Answer: Use syntax specific to the programming
language. For example, in Python: x = 5 assigns the
value 5 to the variable x.
2. What is data abstraction and why is it important?
 Answer: Data abstraction involves hiding the
complexity of data structures and providing a simplified
interface. It is important because it makes programs
easier to understand and maintain.
3. How do you perform mathematical operations in a
program?
 Answer: Use operators like +, -, *, /, and functions
like math.sqrt() for square root. Ensure proper order of
operations using parentheses.
4. How can you manipulate strings in a program?
 Answer: Use string methods
like concat(), substring(), replace(), and split(). For
example, in Python: s = "hello" + " world" concatenates
two strings.
5. What are Boolean expressions and how are they
used?
  Answer: Boolean expressions evaluate to true or false.
They are used in conditionals and loops to control
program flow. Example: x > 5.
6. How do you use conditionals in a program?
 Answer: Use if, else if, and else statements to execute
code based on conditions. Example: if (x > 5) { //
code } else { // code }.
7. What are loops and how are they used?
 Answer: Loops repeat actions until a condition is met.
Types include for, while, and do-while. Example: for (int
i = 0; i < 10; i++) { // code }.
8. How do you develop algorithms to solve problems?
 Answer: Break down the problem into smaller steps,
write pseudocode, and implement the algorithm in
code. Test and refine the algorithm.
9. How do you manage lists in a program?
 Answer: Use list methods
like append(), remove(), sort(), and index().
Example: list = [1, 2, 3].
10. How does binary search work?
 Answer: Binary search divides the sorted list into
halves and checks the middle element. If the target is
less than the middle, search the left half; otherwise,
search the right half. Repeat until the target is found or
the list is exhausted.
11. How do you call procedures in a program?
 Answer: Define functions and call them using their
names. Example: def myFunction(): //
code and myFunction().
Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks
Key Concepts:
 Computer Systems: Understanding hardware and software
components.
 Networks: How computers communicate over networks.
 Internet: Structure and functioning of the internet.
 Cybersecurity: Protecting data and systems from threats.
Study Guide:
Questions:
1. What are the main components of a computer
system?
 Answer: Main components include the CPU, memory
(RAM), storage (hard drive or SSD), motherboard, power
supply, and peripheral devices (keyboard, mouse,
monitor).
2. How do computers communicate over networks?
 Answer: Computers use network protocols like TCP/IP
to send and receive data. Data is transmitted in packets
over wired or wireless connections.
3. What is the structure of the internet?
 Answer: The internet is a global network of
interconnected computers. It uses protocols like HTTP,
DNS, and IP addresses to facilitate communication.
4. What are some common cybersecurity threats and
how can they be mitigated?
 Answer: Common threats include malware, phishing,
and DDoS attacks. Mitigation strategies include using
 antivirus software, firewalls, encryption, and educating
users about safe practices.
Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing
Key Concepts:
 Social and Ethical Impacts: Understanding the broader
effects of computing on society.
 Privacy and Security: Issues related to data privacy and
security.
 Global Impact: How computing affects different parts of the
world.
 Legal and Ethical Considerations: Laws and ethical
guidelines related to computing.
Study Guide:
Questions:
1. What are some social impacts of computing?
 Answer: Social impacts include changes in
communication, education, and employment.
Computing has enabled remote work, online learning,
and social media.
2. What are the key privacy issues related to
computing?
 Answer: Privacy issues include data collection,
surveillance, and data breaches. Protecting personal
information and ensuring user consent are critical.
3. How does computing affect different parts of the
world?
  Answer: Computing has led to globalization, affecting
economies, cultures, and access to information. It has
enabled international collaboration and innovation.
4. What are some legal and ethical considerations in
computing?
 Answer: Legal considerations include intellectual
property rights, data protection laws, and cybersecurity
regulations. Ethical considerations involve responsible
use of technology, avoiding harm, and ensuring
fairness.
General Study Tips:
 Practice Questions: Use past exam questions to test your
knowledge.
 Flashcards: Create flashcards for key terms and concepts.
 Group Study: Discuss topics with classmates to deepen
understanding.
 Online Resources: Utilize online tutorials, videos, and
forums for additional help.