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AP Computer Science Principles

Definition

AP Computer Science Principles is a high school course that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and computational thinking. It covers topics such as programming, algorithms, data analysis, and the impact of computing on society.

Analogy

Think of AP Computer Science Principles as a toolbox filled with different tools that help you understand how computers work and how to solve problems using code. Just like a toolbox has different compartments for different tools, this course has different units that cover various aspects of computer science.

Related terms

Programming: The process of writing instructions for a computer to execute. It involves creating algorithms and coding in specific programming languages.

Computational Thinking: A problem-solving approach that involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts and using logical reasoning to find solutions.

Data Analysis: The process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data in order to discover useful information and make informed decisions.