Kids Coding Glossary - A guide for Parents, popular terms explained.
Kids Coding Glossary - A guide for Parents, popular terms explained.
As parents, you need to first familiarise yourselves with the coding glossary to help your kids understand it, too. Here are the kids coding terms that can guide you as you and your kids go along the way of learning how to code.
A
abstraction - simplified and streamlined version of a complex idea.
accessibility - the ability for all users to access different designs such as devices, environment, products, and services, even for people with disabilities who experience has slow or old technology
algorithm - a detailed list and description of methods
app development - is the art of designing, developing, and creating applications for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.
argument - a way of providing additional information to a function
arithmetic operators - used necessarily in every application, especially in games. It gives or deducts extra point to a character depending on its actions
arrays - a collection of variables that are grouped together
Artificial intelligence - also known as AI, is a branch of computer science that caters to simulating human intelligence to machines through coding and programming. It enables machines to do tasks performed by humans.
assignment operators - operators that combine variable assignment to changing the value of a variable
Augmented Reality (AR) - an interactive experience of using gadgets for smartphones to bring digital objects in the real world. Pokemon go is an example of augmented
autonomous - can direct itself through programs and sensors. Robots, delivery bots, self-driving cars are the examples
B
binary - the use of two options to classify information
binary alphabet - only two options for the binary language
bit (or binary digit) - the single and simplest unit of representing the information in a computer system, usually defines 0 or 1
block-based programming language - also known as visual coding, a programming language designed to utilise blocks or graphical programming components instead of writing code through text. It includes drag, drop, or graphic programming blocks. Blockly, Scratch, Studio, and Swift are examples of this.
bug - an error or problem for a program to run smoothly
byte - the basic digital data unit. One byte owns 8 bits-word of data. “-byte” is usually added to “kilo-”, “mega-”, “tera-”, etc.
C
C++ - a low level of programming language, usually introduced to kids for them to learn to program and use it to solve complex problems
call (a variable) - use of variable or alterable representation in a program
call (a function) - a piece of code added to a program to imply that it should run the code within the function in a given time
click - press down the mouse button
camel case - a word with the first letter in lowercase, the rest of the letters are in the capital
code - the computer language programmers build and use
coding - the process of building commands and programs for a computer
coding camp - an extracurricular program for children to begin understanding computer, coding, and technology using fun smartphones, coding toys, and online platforms
coding classes for kids - lessons and activities helping kids learn and understand coding or computer programming
coding languages - the only language understandable by a computer. It can be C++ or Java. For kids, Javascript, Python, and Scratch are some examples they can work on.
coding toys - objects and materials used for kids to learn coding in a simple but exciting way
coding tutor - people capable of teaching coding and programming to different ages, particularly in kids.
command - a simple introduction to the computer. Algorithms and programs start with the combination of commands
computational thinking - a modification process using a computer or machine. It includes decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, and algorithms
computer program - a group of instructions assigned to a computer to process
Computer science - the utilisation of a computer's ability to solve problems and difficulties
conditionals statements - or indications that only run under certain conditions, either true or false
crowdsourcing - a process of finding help among a large group of people in order to accomplish a task more efficiently
CSS - also known as Cascading Style Sheets, is part of web documents and web pages that is responsible for adding styles such as fonts, spacing, colours, etc. It also works together with HTML.
cyberbullying - an act of continuous bullying using the internet, it makes the attacked person sad, angry, scared, and frustrated.
D
data - information usually characters, digits, symbols, and quantities added in a computer program
debugging - the process of identifying and solving programs or algorithm problems.
decompose - breaking down a concept into smaller parts
define (a function) - interpreting a problem you need to solve
digital citizen - a digitally literate person, who is responsible, respectful, ethical while online or using the internet
digital footprint - someone's personal data on the internet
DNS (Domain Name Service) - a service for URLs to IP addresses translation
double-click - quick tapping of mouse button twice
drag - click and hold the mouse button while you move the mouse pointer to the target position
drop - unclick or release of mouse button after dragging
DSL/cable- a procedure of sending data through television or telephone cables
E
else statement - a statement if the condition statement is false
event - an action that results in a reaction
event handler - a monitor designated for a computer's specific action or event. Once someone writes a code for an event handler, it will be enforced whenever the action or event occurs. It usually responds to mouse clicks.
F
F.A.I.L - First Attempt In Learning
fiber optic cable -a connection to send information using light
for loop -a loop that owns a predetermined start, end, and increment
frustrated - feeling of annoyance and anger due to failure to thing
function - a code you can easily call all the time
function call - definition the code inside a function that directs the program of its task after a function is called
G
game development - is the art of designing, developing, and creating games.
H
Hour of Code - a global event during Computer Science Education Week that promotes fun and creative computer sciences activities for students. It also inspires learners to discover more about technology.
HTML - also known as Hypertext Markup Language, is a code used to build web pages and content. It also enables you to create your own website.
I
if-statement - also known as a conditional statement, use to implement conditions in a programming structure
input - a manner of adding information to a computer
internet - a computer network connected to each other
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) - a software for more effortless coding. Visual Studio is an example of IDE
IP address - a number allocated to any item connected to the Internet
iteration - a repetitive action or command within programming loops
J
Java - a well-known multiplatform for programming. It started applications in Android and even its operating system.
JavaScript - is a programming language that is commonly used to animate images, control multimedia, update content, other tasks for Web pages. It is an example of a text-based coding language.
K
kids coding - an opportunity for kids to learn about coding while they are young
kids coding books - books and literature for children to learn coding, its principles, and concepts. It also introduces them to the world of computer sciences through stories and interactive activities.
kids coding school - a school that promotes and specialises in teaching coding classes and programming activities for kids
L
Linux - is an open-source operating system for devices
Lenovo - is a multinational technology company incorporated in Hong Kong. It has several products like laptops, computers, mobile devices, and other appliances.
loop - the act of doing something repetitively
M
machine learning - a branch of artificial intelligence that incorporates methods of data analysis to automate analytical model building. It highlights how systems can acquire data, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention.
main function - is called when the C++ program starts
Micro: bit - or microcontroller development board, is a small computer capable of creating programs
Minecraft - is a popular video game that highlights different kinds of blocks for three-dimensional virtual worlds. It also includes modding, allowing users to build their own mods through programming.
N
neural networks - or the brain of the programs, helps to set the algorithm
O
online - successful connection to the Internet
output - a manner of getting data out of a computer
P
packets - small pieces of information broken down from larger chunks of data into smaller
pattern - matching determining similarities between things
parameter - an extra element of data added to a function to customise it as a specific purpose
persistence - never giving up even things are going difficult
Pixel - short term for picture element, the basic unit of the digital image usually showcase a larger image from tiny dots or squares
program - an algorithm with codes added to any machine to run it
programming - the art of building and creating a program
project-based learning - an instructional and learning approach that engages students to challenges and problems of the real world. It enables learners to develop skills and knowledge for real-life situations.
Python - is a multi-platform programming language for game design and development. It also offers programming platform for kids
R
repeat- to do something again
robot - a machine programmed by a computer program to do specific tasks and following direct commands
Roblox - is a free online game available worldwide, enabling people to play and interact together. This platform also allows users to design and build their own games.
run program - allowing the computer to track and perform commands written in the program
S
Scratch programming - an MIT-developed graphical language and platform for kids which includes drag and drop programming to build interactive comics or stories
scripts - a list of steps for a computer to follow. Writing a statement is needed for each step.
search engine - a problem design for searching as it identifies items in a database that conforms to keywords or characters added by the user
servers - computers design to provide things to others
Skill Samurai - an after school coding and robotics classes for learners ages 7 to 18. It is a certified STEM educational institution that brings out the best coding and programming skills for primary, middle, and high school students.
Sprites - is a 2D computer graphics that someone can move via code
statement - the way of instructing a computer to do an action
STEM education - also known as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. It is a curriculum that focuses on teaching the four fundamental subjects to help learners master the four fields. Coding classes are part of the STEM curriculum.
T
TensorFlow - a library built by Google design for machine and neural network creation
text-based programming language - a set of programming languages that conforms to the rules of syntax and grammar. It requires proper punctuation marks and accurate text and codes for writing the programs. Unlike block-based programming languages, text-based programming languages are more complex and known to be the traditional programming setup.
try - an attempt or experiment to do something
U
unplugged coding activities - coding activities, lessons, and tasks without any use of electronics. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor activities as long as it ensures a fun but educational code learning experience.
URL (Universal Resource Locator) - a simplified address in a webpage
username - or screen name is a preferred name to use or see on a website or platform
V
variable - a placeholder or alternative piece of data
video Editing - is the skill of creating, editing, and assembling raw videos into an organised video. It is one of the most important skills for the 21st Century.
W
website - worldwide web's connection of interlinked web pages
white loop - continuous repetition of the loop if the condition is true
Wi-Fi - a wireless connection for sending and receiving of information through radio waves
workspace - white area and space for creation and manipulation of programs
Y
YouTube - is a free video-sharing website that enables users to watch and upload videos.
YouTube Kids - is a free video-sharing website created by Youtube to let kids watch and upload child-friendly videos.
3D Printing - a process of making three-dimensional digital models from printers or machines.
For your child to fully understand the terminologies in coding, you may sign up their names on an afterschool activity featuring kids coding classes. It will help your child learn about the world of coding while they are young to prepare for a much brighter and successful career in the future.
In Sydney, Australia, a code school for kids, Skill Samurai, can guarantee your child’s kids coding journey along with other computer sciences skill sets such as robotics, STEM, artificial intelligence, and other coding languages. Through this program, your child would help them get equipped with career opportunities for computer sciences.
Remember, you should start them young so they can be the next leading experts in the world of coding and programming. Get started today.