B7.4.1.1.1 B7 (JHS 1) · Computational thinking · Introduction to programming

Programming terminologies

You should be able to: use the main words of programming correctly.

1. Learn

A program is a set of instructions a computer follows. Programming is writing those instructions in a language the computer (or a translator) understands, such as Scratch, Python, or JavaScript.

Learn these terms. Grouping them helps you remember.

• Algorithm — the plan (steps) before or besides the code. Example: steps to calculate school fees.
• Code / source code — the actual text or blocks you write.
• Syntax — the spelling and grammar of the language. A missing bracket is a syntax error.
• Bug — a mistake that makes the program behave wrongly.
• Debug — find and fix bugs.
• Variable — a named box that can hold a value that may change (score).
• Constant — a named value that should not change (PI or SCHOOL_NAME).
• Data type — the kind of value: whole number, decimal, text, true/false.
• Input — data going in (keyboard, sensor, file).
• Output — what the program shows or sends (screen, printer, speaker).
• Sequence — steps in order.
• Selection — a choice (if / else).
• Iteration / loop — repeat until a condition is met.
• Function / procedure — a named block of steps you can reuse.
• Compiler / interpreter — tools that turn code into something the machine can run.
• IDE — the program you write in (Scratch editor, VS Code, Python IDLE).

2. See

Open Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) or look at a screenshot. Point to: the blocks (code), a variable like “score”, a loop, and the stage (output).

3. Practice

1. What is the difference between an algorithm and a program?

   Show answer

   An algorithm is the step-by-step plan (can be in English or a flowchart). A program is that plan written in a programming language so a computer can run it.

2. A learner writes pritn("Accra") instead of print. Syntax error or logic bug?

   Show answer

   Syntax error — the language spelling is wrong, so it may not run.

3. Match: input, output, variable — (a) the word shown on the projector; (b) the name typed in a box; (c) age that later changes from 13 to 14.

   Show answer

   (a) output (b) input (c) variable

4. In one sentence, what does debug mean?

   Show answer

   To find and correct mistakes in a program.

5. List five programming terms in alphabetical order and explain each in your own words.

   Show a sample

   Algorithm, bug, debug, input, variable — explanations should match the Learn list, in the learner’s own English.

4. Project (GES exemplar)

List programming terminologies in alphabetical order or in groups to help recall. Explain each term. Use daily-life examples (names, scores, market prices) where you can.

Submit: a two-column table: Term | Meaning. At least 10 terms.

5. Check (GES proficiency)

• Emerging — remembers “code” and “bug” only
• Developing — lists terms but mixes variable and constant
• Approaching proficient — explains 8+ terms with one example
• Proficient — uses terms correctly in a short spoken explanation
• Highly proficient — teaches the table and corrects a classmate’s mix-up

Source: NaCCA Computing CCP B7.4.1.1 / B7.4.1.1.1. SURF-CLOUD Technology Institute.