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556 appendix abaud — The number of signal elements per unit time, often 1 bit per second.binary — Related to the number system with base 2.BIOS — Basic input/output system.bit — Contraction of “binary digit”; digit 0 or 1 in binary representation.Boolean algebra — A branch of symbolic logic dealing with logical relations asopposed to numerical values.boot — To “bootstrap”; to start a computer by loading the operating system.branch — To pick a path within a program based on the values of variables.bug — A mistake in a computer program or operating system; a malfunction.bus — A communication channel (a bunch of wires) used for transmittinginformation quickly among computer parts.byte — Eight bits of storage. Java uses two bytes to store a single character inextended unicode.byte code — Compiled code read by all computer systems but still needing to beinterpreted (or recompiled); contained in a class file.cache — Small, very fast memory used as temporary storage between very fast CPUregisters and main memory or between disk and RAM.calling sequence — The data and setup needed to call a method or subprogram.central processing unit (CPU) — The part of a computer that accepts and acts oninstructions; where calculations are done and communications controlled.checkpoint — A statement within a program that stops normal execution andprovides output to assist in debugging.checksum — The summation of digits or bits used to check the integrity of data.child — An object created by a parent object.class — (1) A group of objects or methods having a common characteristic. (2) Acollection of data types and associated methods. (3) An instance of an object. (4)The byte code version of a Java program.clock — Electronics that generate periodic signals to control execution.code — A program or the writing of a program (often compiled).column — The vertical line of numbers in an array.column-major order — The method used by Fortran to store matrices in which theleftmost subscript attains its maximum value before the subscript to the right isincremented. (Java and C use row-major order.)command — A computer instruction; a control signal.command key — A keyboard key, or combination of keys, that performs a predefinedfunction.compilation — The translation of a program written in a high-level language to(more) basic language.compiler — A program that translates source code from a high-level computerlanguage to more basic machine language.concatenate — To join together two or more strings head to tail.concurrent processing — The same as parallel processing; the simultaneous executionof several related instructions.conditional statement — A statement executed only under certain conditions.−101COPYRIGHT 2008, PRINCET O N UNIVE R S I T Y P R E S SEVALUATION COPY ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN COURSES.ALLpup_06.04 — 2008/2/15 — Page 556