Glossary of Terms

Here are definitions for the common terms you'll encounter throughout this guide and in the world of programming.

Click on any term below to jump directly to its definition.

Argument

The actual value you "pass into" a function when you call it. If a recipe's parameter is (type_of_flour), the argument you use when cooking might be "whole wheat".

Array / List

A single variable that holds an ordered collection of multiple items. Think of it as a shopping list where the order of items is preserved. Lists are almost always zero-indexed.

Assignment Operator (=)

The equals sign (=) in programming. It's an action, not a question. It means "put the value on the right into the variable on the left." It's the act of filling a prep bowl.

Boolean

A data type that can only have one of two values: true or false. Think of it as a light switch that is either on or off.

Call (a function)

The act of running a function that has been defined. This is like deciding to follow a recipe card you have on file.

Code

The set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer what to do. The "recipe" for the computer.

Comment

A note written in the code for humans to read. The computer completely ignores comments. They are the "notes in the margin" of your recipe.

Compiler

A program that translates your entire source code into a machine-readable format before you run it. This is like translating a whole cookbook into another language before giving it to a chef. Languages like Rust, Go, and C# are compiled.

Concatenation

The process of joining two or more strings together to create a new, longer string. For example, "Hello" + " " + "World!" becomes "Hello World!".

Data Type

The category that a piece of information belongs to. The most common types are strings (text), numbers (integers/floats), and booleans (true/false). Think of them as the basic food groups of programming.

Define (a function)

The act of creating a function and giving it a name and a set of instructions. This is like writing down a new recipe on a card and filing it away for later use.

Dictionary / Map / Object

A collection of key-value pairs. Instead of accessing items by their numerical position (like in a list), you access them by a unique name (the key). Think of it as a recipe card, where you look for the label "Cook Time" to find the value "30 minutes".

Function

A named, reusable block of code that performs a specific task. You define it once and can call it many times. It's your "kitchen station" for a repeatable process.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

A software application that provides comprehensive tools for programmers, typically including a code editor, a debugger, and build automation tools. Examples include VS Code, PyCharm, and Visual Studio.

If/Else Statement

A fundamental control flow structure that allows a program to make decisions. If a condition is true, one block of code runs; otherwise (else), a different block of code runs. It's the "taste and adjust" step in a recipe.

Import

The act of bringing external code, like a library or module, into your program so you can use its functions. This is like getting a powerful "kitchen gadget" to use in your own kitchen.

Index

The numerical position of an item in a list or array. In programming, the index almost always starts at 0, not 1. So, the first item is at index 0, the second at index 1, and so on.

Infinite Loop

A common bug where a loop's ending condition is never met, causing it to run forever. This will cause your program to freeze or crash. It's like a kitchen mixer you can't turn off.

Interpreter

A program that reads and executes your code one line at a time. It's like a chef who has a recipe translated for them as they cook. Languages like Python and JavaScript are interpreted.

Key-Value Pair

The fundamental structure inside a dictionary. A unique key (a string label) is paired with a value (the data). For example, in "name": "Tomato Soup", "name" is the key and "Tomato Soup" is the value.

Library / Module

A collection of pre-written functions and tools that you can import into your program to perform common tasks without having to write the code yourself. Think of them as your programming "kitchen gadgets."

Loop (for, while)

A control structure that repeats a block of code multiple times.

• A for loop is used to iterate over every item in a collection (e.g., "for each step in the recipe...").
• A while loop is used to repeat an action as long as a certain condition is true (e.g., "while the water is not boiling...").

Parameter

A placeholder in a function's definition that acts as a variable inside the function. It's the named "ingredient" on the recipe card, like (cook_time). When you call the function, you provide an argument for that parameter.

Programming Language

A formal language with specific rules (syntax) that humans use to write instructions for a computer. Examples include Python, JavaScript, and Rust.

Return Value

The value that a function "sends back" to the code that called it. This allows functions to produce results that can be stored in variables and used elsewhere. It's the finished "dish" (like a sauce) that a recipe produces.

String

A data type used to represent text. A string is a sequence of characters surrounded by quotation marks (e.g., "Hello, World!").

Syntax

The set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a given language. In programming, it's the "grammar" you must follow for the computer to understand your code.

Variable

A named container for storing a piece of information. Using a variable is like putting an ingredient in a labeled prep bowl.