Computer Science Terminology. More than 250 Commonly Used Terms in Computer Science

Computer Science Terminology

Computer Science is the foundation of modern technology. It shapes how we design, develop, and interact with digital systems that power our daily lives. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, understanding the essential terminology of computer science is vital. These terms help in communicating ideas clearly, learning programming concepts, and staying updated with the rapidly changing tech world.

Below is a list of commonly used computer science terms, covering programming, networking, data structures, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more.

More than 250 Commonly Used Terms in Computer Science

Here are More than 250 Commonly Used Terms in Computer Science

Computer Science Terminology (A)

1. Abstraction– Hiding complex details while showing essential information.
2. Algorithm– A logical sequence of steps for solving a problem.
3. API (Application Programming Interface)– A set of tools allowing software systems to communicate.
4. Application– A program designed to perform specific tasks for a user.
5. Array– A data structure storing multiple elements of the same type.
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI)– The simulation of human intelligence by computers.
7. Assembler– A program that converts assembly language to machine code.
8. Assignment Operator– Symbol used to assign a value to a variable.
9. Attribute– A property that describes characteristics of an object or data.
10. Authentication– Verifying the identity of a user or device. 

Computer Science Terminology (B) 

11. Backup– A copy of data made for recovery purposes.
12. Bandwidth– The maximum amount of data transmitted over a network.
13. Baseband– Transmission using a single channel without frequency division.
14. Binary– The base-2 numbering system (0 and 1).
15. Bit– The smallest unit of data in computing.
16. Blockchain– A distributed digital ledger technology.
17. Boolean– A data type with two possible values: true or false.
18. Bootstrap– The process of starting a computer system.
19. Buffer– Temporary memory used for storing data during transfer.
20. Bug– An error or defect in a computer program. 

Computer Science Terminology (C) 

21. Cache– High-speed storage used to hold frequently accessed data.
22. Captcha– Test used to verify whether a user is human or not.
23. Class– Blueprint for creating objects in object-oriented programming.
24. Client– A computer or application that requests services from a server.
25. Cloud Computing– Delivery of computing services via the Internet.
26. Code– Set of instructions written in a programming language.
27. Compiler– Converts source code into machine language.
28. Compression– Reducing file size without losing essential information.
29. CPU (Central Processing Unit)– The main processing component of a computer.
30. Cybersecurity– Protecting systems and data from cyberattacks. 

Computer Science Terminology (D) 

31. Data– Raw facts and figures processed by computers.
32. Database– Organised collection of structured data.
33. Debugging– Process of finding and fixing code errors.
34. Decryption– Converting encrypted data back to its readable form.
35. Deep Learning– Subfield of AI using neural networks.
36. Defragmentation– Reorganising data on a disk to improve efficiency.
37. Domain Name– Human-readable website address.
38. Driver– Software that enables hardware to communicate with the system.
39. Dynamic Programming– Optimisation technique using overlapping subproblems.
40. DNS (Domain Name System)– Translates domain names into IP addresses. 

Computer Science Terminology (E) 

41. E-commerce– Buying and selling goods or services online.
42. Edge Computing– Processing data closer to the data source.
43. Encryption– Securing information by transforming it into unreadable code.
44. Ethernet– Wired networking technology.
45. Executable File– A file that runs a program when opened.
46. Exception– An event that disrupts normal program execution.
47. Export– Process of saving or sending data to another format.
48. Expression– Combination of values and operators producing a result.
49. Extension– Suffix identifying a file type (e.g., .exe, .docx).
50. External Storage– Devices used for data storage outside the system. 

Computer Science Terminology (F) 

51. Fibre Optics– Technology using light to transmit data.
52. Field– Single piece of data within a record.
53. File– A collection of data stored on a computer.
54. Firmware– Software programmed directly into hardware.
55. Firewall– Network system preventing unauthorised access.
56. Float– Data type used for decimal numbers.
57. Folder– Container for organising files.
58. Framework– Reusable structure for developing software.
59. Function– A reusable block of code performing a specific task.
60. FTP (File Transfer Protocol)– Protocol for transferring files over the Internet.

Computer Science Terminology (G)

61. Gateway– Device connecting different networks.
62. Git– Distributed version control system.
63. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)– Handles graphics and visual data.
64. Graph– Data structure representing relationships between nodes.
65. GUI (Graphical User Interface)– Visual way of interacting with computers.
66. Gigabyte– Unit of data equal to 1,024 megabytes.
67. Gradient Descent– Optimisation algorithm in machine learning.
68. Grid Computing– Distributed computing over a network.
69. Groupware– Software supporting team collaboration.
70. Gateway Protocol– Defines rules for communication between gateways.

Computer Science Terminology (H) 

71. Hardware– Physical components of a computer.
72. Hash Function– Converts input data into a fixed-length value.
73. Heap– Memory area for dynamic allocation.
74. Hexadecimal– Base-16 numbering system.
75. Hosting– Service allowing websites to be accessible online.
76. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)– Standard language for web pages.
77. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)– Protocol for web communication.
78. HTTPS– Secure version of HTTP.
79. Hyperlink– Link connecting one web page to another.
80. Hybrid Cloud– Combination of private and public cloud systems. 

Computer Science Terminology (I) 

81. IDE (Integrated Development Environment)– Software for writing and debugging code.
82. IMAP– Protocol for managing and synchronising emails.
83. Import– Process of loading external data or modules.
84. Index– Structure improving data retrieval efficiency.
85. Inheritance– Object-oriented concept where one class derives from another.
86. Input Device– Hardware that provides data to a computer.
87. Interface– Shared boundary for communication between systems.
88. Interpreter– Executes code line by line.
89. IP Address– Unique identifier for a device on a network.
90. Iteration– Repetition of a process in programming. 

Computer Science Terminology (J)

91. Java– Popular object-oriented programming language.
92. JavaScript– Scripting language for dynamic web development.
93. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)– Lightweight data format.
94. JTAG– Hardware interface for testing and debugging.
95. Jupyter Notebook– Interactive coding environment for Python.
96. Job Scheduling– Assigning and managing computing tasks.
97. Join Operation– Combines tables in a database.
98. JRE (Java Runtime Environment)– Environment to run Java applications.
99. Just-in-Time Compiler– Converts code during execution.
100. Joystick– Input device used for control in gaming.

Computer Science Terminology (K) 

101. Kernel– Core part of an operating system.
102. Keylogger– Software that records keyboard strokes.
103. Keyword– Reserved word in a programming language.
104. Kotlin– Programming language used for Android development.
105. Knowledge Base– Database storing information and facts.
106. Kbps– Kilobits per second, unit of data transfer speed.
107. Kernal Panic– Fatal system error in operating systems.
108. Key Pair– Public and private key used in encryption.
109. Knowledge Graph– Represents relationships between data entities.
110. Keystroke– Action of pressing a key on a keyboard.

Computer Science Terminology (L) 

111. LAN (Local Area Network)– Network connecting computers within a small area.
112. Latency– Delay in data transmission.
113. Library– Collection of pre-written code for reuse.
114. Linked List– Data structure of connected nodes.
115. Load Balancer– Distributes network or server traffic evenly.
116. Logic Gate– Basic building block of digital circuits.
117. Loop– Repeating set of instructions in code.
118. Low-Level Language– Programming language close to machine code.
119. Login Credentials– Details used to access a system.
120. Lookup Table– Structure for retrieving precomputed values.

Computer Science Terminology (M) 

121. Machine Code– Binary code executed directly by the CPU.
122. Machine Learning– AI technique allowing systems to learn from data.
123. Macro– Sequence of commands that automate tasks.
124. Malware– Malicious software designed to harm systems.
125. Memory– Storage used to retain data and instructions.
126. Metadata– Data that provides information about other data.
127. Microprocessor– Integrated circuit that performs computations.
128. Modem– Device that converts digital signals to analogue and vice versa.
129. Motherboard– Main circuit board connecting all computer components.
130. Multithreading– Running multiple threads simultaneously.

Computer Science Terminology (N) 

131. Network– A group of interconnected computers sharing resources.
132. Node– A connection point in a network or data structure.
133. Nonce– A unique number used once in cryptography.
134. Normalisation– Organising data in a database to reduce redundancy.
135. Notebook– Interactive computing environment for code and output (e.g., Jupyter).
136. Null– Represents the absence of a value.
137. Nanotechnology– Technology that manipulates matter on an atomic scale.
138. Namespace– Container holding identifiers to avoid naming conflicts.
139. NIC (Network Interface Card)– Hardware for network connectivity.
140. Neural Network– AI model inspired by the human brain structure.

Computer Science Terminology (O) 

141. Object– Instance of a class in object-oriented programming.
142. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)– Paradigm using objects and classes.
143. Operand– Quantity on which an operator performs an action.
144. Operating System (OS)– Software managing computer hardware and applications.
145. Opcode– Machine instruction that specifies an operation.
146. Open Source– Software with freely available source code.
147. Output Device– Hardware that displays or outputs information.
148. Overflow– Condition where calculations exceed storage limits.
149. Optimizer– Component improving code or database performance.
150. Overloading– Defining multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.

Computer Science Terminology (P) 

151. Packet– A small segment of data transmitted over a network.
152. PaaS (Platform as a Service)– Cloud platform for application development.
153. Parallel Processing– Simultaneous execution of multiple processes.
154. Parameter– Variable passed into a function or method.
155. Patch– Update fixing software vulnerabilities or bugs.
156. Path– Directory location of a file or folder.
157. Phishing– Fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information.
158. Pixel– The smallest unit of a digital image.
159. Plugin– Software component adding functionality to an application.
160. Pointer– Variable storing the address of another variable.

Computer Science Terminology (Q) 

161. Query– Request for data from a database.
162. Queue– FIFO (First In, First Out) data structure.
163. QuickSort– Efficient sorting algorithm using partitioning.
164. Quantum Computing– Computing based on quantum mechanics.
165. QoS (Quality of Service)– Network feature ensuring reliable performance.
166. Quadrant– Section of coordinate space in graphical systems.
167. Quotation Marks– Used to denote string literals in code.
168. Quicksave– Temporary storage of progress in applications.
169. Queue Buffer– Temporary storage for queued processes.
170. Query Optimiser– Component that improves database query efficiency.

Computer Science Terminology (R) 

171. RAM (Random Access Memory)– Temporary memory for data in use.
172. Ransomware– Malicious software demanding payment for data release.
173. Recursion– A function calling itself to solve smaller subproblems.
174. Repository– Storage location for software or data.
175. Resolution– Measure of image or display clarity.
176. ROM (Read-Only Memory)– Non-volatile storage for permanent data.
177. Root Directory– The top-level directory in a file system.
178. Router– Device that directs data traffic between networks.
179. Runtime– Period during which a program is running.
180. RSA Algorithm– Public-key encryption algorithm used for secure communication.

Computer Science Terminology (S) 

181. SaaS (Software as a Service)– Cloud-based software delivery model.
182. Sandbox– Isolated testing environment for applications.
183. Scanner– Input device that digitises images or text.
184. Script– Sequence of instructions executed by an interpreter.
185. Semaphore– Variable controlling access to shared resources.
186. Server– Computer providing resources or services to clients.
187. Session– Temporary interaction period between systems or users.
188. Shell– Interface for interacting with the operating system.
189. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)– Protocol for sending emails.
190. SQL (Structured Query Language)– Language for managing databases.

Computer Science Terminology (T) 

191. Tag– Markup element defining content structure.
192. TCP/IP– Protocol suite for network communication.
193. Terminal– Interface for entering text commands.
194. Thread– Smallest unit of processing within a program.
195. Token– Small data unit used for authentication or processing.
196. Topology– Arrangement of network components.
197. Trojan Horse– Malware disguised as legitimate software.
198. Tuple– Immutable ordered collection of data elements.
199. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)– Dual-step verification method.
200. Typecasting– Converting one data type into another.

Computer Science Terminology (U) 

201. UI (User Interface)– Visual part of a program users interact with.
202. UDP (User Datagram Protocol)– Communication protocol faster than TCP.
203. Unicode– Character encoding standard supporting global scripts.
204. Update– New version of software or system improvements.
205. Upload– Sending data from a local device to a server.
206. URL (Uniform Resource Locator)– Web address identifying online resources.
207. USB (Universal Serial Bus)– Standard interface for connecting peripherals.
208. User Agent– Software identifying a browser or client application.
209. Utility Software– System software for maintenance tasks.
210. Uptime– Duration a system or service remains operational.

Computer Science Terminology (V) 

211. Variable– Storage location holding a value in programming.
212. Version Control– System for tracking code changes.
213. Virtual Machine (VM)– Software-based emulation of a computer.
214. Virtual Memory– Portion of storage used as temporary memory.
215. Virus– Malicious program that replicates itself.
216. Visualization– Representation of data in graphical form.
217. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)– Technology for transmitting voice online.
218. VPN (Virtual Private Network)– Secure network connection over the Internet.
219. VR (Virtual Reality)– Computer-generated immersive environment.
220. Vulnerability– Weakness that can be exploited in a system.

Computer Science Terminology (W) 

221. WAN (Wide Area Network)– Network covering large geographical areas.
222. Web Browser– Software for accessing websites.
223. Web Hosting– Service that stores and serves website files.
224. Web Server– Computer delivering web content to users.
225. Website– Collection of related web pages.
226. Wi-Fi– Wireless networking technology.
227. Widget– Small user interface component on applications.
228. Word Processor– Software for creating and editing documents.
229. Workflow– Sequence of automated tasks or processes.
230. Worm– Self-replicating malware spreading across systems.

Computer Science Terminology (X) 

231. XML (Extensible Markup Language)– Format for data storage and sharing.
232. XHTML– Combination of HTML and XML standards.
233. XOR Gate– Logic gate producing true when inputs differ.
234. XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)– Web security vulnerability.
235. XPath– Language for navigating XML documents.
236. X-Server– Component providing graphical interface in UNIX systems.
237. Xcode– Apple’s integrated development environment.
238. Xen Virtualisation– Open-source hypervisor for creating virtual machines.
239. XML Schema– Defines structure and rules for XML documents.
240. X Window System– Framework for graphical interfaces on UNIX systems.

Computer Science Terminology (Y) 

241. YAML (YAML Ain’t Markup Language)– Human-readable data format.
242. Yield– Keyword in programming for returning generator output.
243. Yottabyte– Unit of data equal to one septillion bytes.
244. YouTube API– Interface allowing developers to integrate YouTube data.
245. Y-Coordinate– Vertical position in a graphical system.
246. Yellow Book– Standard for CD-ROM file systems.
247. Yottabit– Unit representing one quadrillion gigabits.
248. Yield Curve– Concept in finance modelling computational data sets.
249. Y-Model– Software process model combining multiple development stages.
250. Yahoo Query Language (YQL)– Language for querying web data sources.

Computer Science Terminology (Z) 

251. Zero-Day Exploit– Attack occurring before a software patch is available.
252. Zip File– Compressed archive containing multiple files.
253. Zombie Process– Defunct process that remains in a system.
254. Zooming– Magnifying or reducing digital content on a screen.
255. Zettabyte– Unit of data equal to 1,024 exabytes.
256. Z-Buffer– Technique for depth management in computer graphics.
257. ZigBee– Wireless communication protocol for IoT devices.
258. Zone File– DNS file mapping domain names to IP addresses.
259. Z-Index– CSS property controlling layer order on web pages.
260. Zookeeper– Apache service managing distributed systems.

Conclusion

The world of Computer Science evolves rapidly, introducing new terms and technologies every year. Understanding these terminologies helps in mastering core concepts, communicating effectively, and applying technical knowledge to real-world problems. Whether you are coding, managing data, or securing networks, these terms act as your foundation.

Learning these terminology builds a strong foundation in understanding how computers and digital systems operate. Each term carries unique importance – from basic hardware and software to modern fields like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

By familiarising yourself with these Computer Science terminology, you enhance your technical vocabulary, strengthen your learning process, and step confidently into the world of technology and innovation.

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