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A PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE AB{C}CODE BOOK

Writer's picture: Shadeira NesmithShadeira Nesmith

Updated: Dec 1, 2024


We provided clear, parent-friendly definitions to help explain how these terms work and what they are used for.


A - App: Short for “application,” it’s a program designed to perform a specific task, like helping you shop, play games, or check the weather on your phone, tablet, or computer



B - Binary: The language of computers, using only 0s and 1s to store and process all kinds of information, like text, images, and instructions.Binary is a way of counting using only two digits or bits: 1 and 0. For computers, 1 means "on" or true, and 0 means "off" or false.



C - Cloud: A way to store files, like photos and documents, on the internet instead of on your device, so you can access them from anywhere. An iPhone has what we call an “iCloud”. 



D - Debugging: The process of finding and fixing errors or bugs in a program so it runs smoothly and correctly.

Example: print(“Hello

Debugged: print(“Hello”)



E - Encryption: A security method that scrambles your data into a secret code, making it readable only by people or systems with the key to unlock it. 

Password Example: hey123

Encrypted: 02h44442WeyJ828019283



F - Function: In programming, a block of code written to perform a specific task, which you can use repeatedly without rewriting it. For example, calculating a total price or displaying a message.



G - Gigabyte: A measurement of digital storage. One gigabyte (GB) can hold about 300 songs, thousands of text files, or a few hours of video.


H - Hyperlink: A clickable piece of text, button, or image that connects you to another webpage, document, or file when you click on it.



I - Internet: The internet is like a massive, invisible web that connects millions of computers, phones, and other devices around the world, allowing them to share information.



J - JavaScript: A programming language used to make websites interactive, like adding animations, forms, or pop-up messages. It works with HTML and CSS to create dynamic web pages.



K - Keyboard: A physical or on-screen device with letters, numbers, and symbols, used for typing and controlling a computer or device.



L - Loop: In programming, a way to repeat a set of instructions until a specific condition is met. For example, it could show a message five times or process a list of items one by one.


M - Monitor: A monitor is the screen of your computer that displays everything you’re working on. It’s where you see text, images, videos, and anything you’re doing, whether it’s browsing the internet, editing a document, or watching a movie.


Think of it as the visual output of your computer. While the computer does all the processing in the background, the monitor shows you the results of that work, acting like a digital canvas for everything your computer is doing.



N - Network: A system that connects multiple computers or devices so they can share information, like the internet or your home WiFi setup.



O - Object: An object in code is like a real-world thing you know, but in the computer. Imagine a toy car. It has properties (like color, size, and speed) and actions it can do (like move, stop, or honk).

In code, an object works the same way:

  • Properties are details about the object (e.g., a car's color is red).

  • Actions are things the object can do (e.g., the car can drive).

For example, in a game, a "dog" object might have:

  • Properties: Name = "Buddy," Color = "Brown."

  • Actions: Bark(), Run().



P - Programming: Programming is the process of writing instructions for a computer to follow so it can perform tasks for you. Programming is how we build apps, websites, games, and even software that runs everyday things like phones, cars, and appliances.



Q - QR Code: A square-shaped barcode that stores information like website links or contact details, which you can scan with a smartphone to quickly access the information.



R - Robot: A machine, often controlled by a computer, that can perform tasks automatically, like assembling products or cleaning floors.



S - Syntax: Syntax in coding is like grammar in a language, it’s the set of rules that tells the computer how to read and understand your code.


For example, in English, a sentence needs to follow certain rules, like having a subject and a verb. If you write, “Run dog the,” it doesn’t make sense. But if you write, “The dog runs,” it follows the rules of English grammar.

In programming, syntax works the same way. If you write:


Python code

The computer understands you want it to display the word “Hello.”

But if you write:


Python code

Without the quotation marks, the computer gets confused because you broke the syntax rules.

So, syntax is all about writing code in the right way so the computer can understand and execute it. It’s not about what the code does, but how it’s written.


T - Tablet: A lightweight, portable computer with a touchscreen interface, like an iPad, used for browsing, reading, or watching videos.



U - URL: The unique address for a webpage, like “www.example.com,” that tells your browser where to find it on the internet.



V - Variable: A container in programming that holds a value, such as a number or word, which can change as the program runs. For example, a variable might store a player’s score in a game.



W - Website: A technology that lets devices like phones and laptops connect to the internet or communicate with each other without using wires.



X - XR (Extended Reality): An umbrella term for technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) that create immersive experiences by blending digital and physical environments.

Example: Virtual field trips - Students can take virtual tours of historical and art sites, or visit other countries to learn a languag



Y - YAML: YAML is like making a list or writing notes in a super simple way that a computer can understand.

For example, imagine you're planning a party, and you write this: This tells the computer:

The party's theme is "Superheroes."

Guests are Emma and Jack.

Food will be pizza and cake.

The party starts at 3:00 PM.

YAML is just an easy way to organize information so both people and computers can read it.



Z - Zip File: A compressed folder that reduces the size of files, making them easier to store or send. You can “unzip” it to access the original files inside.


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