A list of basic terms and phrases used in programming

Coding Terminology & Lingo for Beginners

Here are 64 popular coding terms and words to become familiar with.

1. Algorithm

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

2. AngularJS

AngularJS is like a toolkit for building websites and apps that feel smooth and interactive. It helps developers create dynamic web pages by connecting what you see on the screen to the code behind it, so changes happen instantly without needing to reload the page. 

3. API (Application Programming Interface)

APIs let different programs or apps talk to each other so they can share information or perform tasks, without needing to know all the behind-the-scenes details. Think of an API like a menu at a restaurant. It shows you what’s available (like features or data) and tells you how to ask for it (like placing an order).

4. API Key

An API key is a set of unique characters used to identify and verify a user of an account when they access an API through the code.

5. API Call

An API Call is a request made to a server, for example, OpenAI, to perform a task.

6. 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.)

7. Array

An array is a container that holds 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. 

8. Arithmetic operator

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.

9. Assignment operator

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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Binary numbe

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.

13. Bit

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

14. Block coding

With block-based coding, programming "blocks" fit together like puzzle pieces. When you code with blocks, you take the first block you want the program to execute and attach it to another block, and so on. 

15. Boolean

A boolean is a variable that only holds a true or false value. In Java, you declare a boolean using the boolean keyword.

16. C++

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

17. 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!

18. Class

A class is a blueprint from which different objects are created. And because a class is a type of variable, it can be passed to a method just like any other variable.

19. 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. 

20. Coding language

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.

21. 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.

22. Conditional statement

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

23. Else statement

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

24. Else if statement

Use an else if statement to do something when the if statement's condition isn't true but before the else statement. Else if statements also check a specific condition.

25. For loop

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.)

26. Function

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

27. Header file

A header file allows you to write code for other files to use, making it possible to share code between files and organize your code as projects grow.

28. If statement

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

29. Increment and decrement operator

Increment (++) and decrement (--) operators add or subtract one from the numerical value of the variable they're adjacent to. They're useful for situations when you only want to change a value by exactly one, like leveling up or using a life.

30. Input

Input is any interaction from the user to the program. In video games, this includes using the keyboard to move or using the mouse to look around.

31. Integrated Development Environment 

Software such as Visual Studio is known as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which is where you type your code and run your programs. Basically, an IDE is software that makes coding simpler.

32. IntelliJ

To start writing code in Java, you can use IntelliJ, an IDE created for writing and running code.

33. 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.

34. JavaScript

There are a lot of different text programming languages programmers can use, and JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages. It is used in 95% of websites and can be used for programming phones and robots. 

35. Jupyter Notebook

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

36. Library

A library is a collection of code made by other programmers for you to import and use.

37. 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!

38. Loop

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

39. Main function

For a program to run, it must have a main function, which runs first each time you start your program. The main function is where the bulk of your code will go.

40. 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. 

41. Micro:bit

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

42. Neural network

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.

43. Neuron

In machine learning, a neuron is a simple, yet interconnected processing element that processes external inputs.

44. Open Source

Open source means that the code behind a program or tool is shared with everyone, like a community recipe book. Anyone can look at it, use it, change it, or even improve it. It’s like a group project where developers around the world work together to make great tools that anyone can use. Examples include Linux, Python, and even some of your favorite apps.

45. Pointers

A pointer points to a specific value stored at a specific address in a computer's memory. You can think of it as a variable for another variable's address.

46. Programming

Programming is creating a set of instructions for a computer to follow. Think of it like a language between people and machines. Programming is most commonly used to make long and repetitive tasks quick and easy.

47. Programming language

Programmers use programming languages to communicate instructions to computers. These languages include Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, and more. 

48. PyCharm

PyCharm is an integrated development environment made specifically for Python programmers.

49. 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++.

50. Scratch

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

51. Script

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. 

52. SFML

The Simple and Fast Multimedia Library (SFML) is a library that, with C++ for example, allows you to create images, generate sound effects, and even connect multiple computers

53. Sprite

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. 

54. 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.

55. String

Variables can hold data besides numbers, including words. Programmers refer to variables holding words as strings.

56. TensorFlow

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

57. Terminal

Terminal is a text-based interface for sending commands to a computer.

58. Text Coding

Text coding uses letters, numbers, and punctuation to create lines of code and programs. Text coding allows for more freedom than block coding, and is what professional programmers use.

59. 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.

60. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the more popular distributions, or versions, of Linux.

61. 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.

62. 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).

63. Visual Studio

Visual Studio is used to program in C++. It’s an industry-wide platform with many tools and features to help you! 

64. While loop

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).