📚 Memory Tricks for IGCSE Computer Science Terminology | IGCSE计算机科学词汇术语速记指南
Welcome to your IGCSE Computer Science terminology survival guide. Mastering key terms is half the battle – once you know the language, you can decode exam questions and write precise answers. This article gives you memorable shortcuts for the most important words you’ll meet in Year 10.
欢迎来到IGCSE计算机科学术语速记指南。掌握关键术语是成功的一半——一旦你熟悉了这门语言，就能破解读题并写出精准答案。本文为你提供Year 10最重要词汇的记忆捷径。
1. Abstraction and Decomposition | 抽象与分解
Abstraction means hiding unnecessary details to focus on what matters. Imagine a road map – it only shows the streets you need, not every single tree. That is abstraction: simplifying a complex reality.
抽象意味着隐藏不必要的细节，专注于重要部分。想象一张道路地图——它只显示你需要的街道，而不是每一棵树。这就是抽象：简化复杂的现实。
Decomposition is breaking a large problem into smaller, manageable parts. Think of a jigsaw puzzle: you don’t assemble the whole picture at once, you group pieces by colour. In computing, you decompose a program into modules.
分解是将一个大问题拆分成较小、可管理的部分。就像拼图：你不会一次性拼完整幅图，而是按颜色分组。在计算机中，你把程序分解为模块。
2. Algorithm Design Basics | 算法设计基础
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem. Treat it like a cooking recipe – it must be clear, precise, and ordered. If you miss a step, the cake flops. That is exactly what happens when a bug slips in.
算法是解决问题的步骤序列。把它看作菜谱——必须清晰、精确、有序。如果漏了一步，蛋糕就失败。这就是代码出现漏洞时的情形。
Pseudocode is a readable way to plan algorithms using plain English mixed with logic. There is no strict syntax; just write ‘IF score > 80 THEN output “A”‘. Flowcharts use symbols: ovals for start/end, diamonds for decisions, rectangles for processes.
伪代码是用简明英语混合逻辑规划算法的方式。没有严格的语法；只需写成’IF 分数 > 80 THEN 输出 “A”‘。流程图使用符号：椭圆表示开始/结束，菱形表示判断，矩形表示处理。
3. Data Types and Structures | 数据类型与结构
Integer stores whole numbers (e.g., 7, -3). Remember ‘integer’ sounds like ‘intact’ – no broken pieces, no decimal parts. Real (or float) holds numbers with decimals. Boolean is a simple true/false switch, just like a light bulb: on or off.
整型存储整数（如7, -3）。记住’integer’听起来就像’intact’（完整的）——没有碎片，没有小数部分。实型（浮点型）存放带小数的数字。布尔型是简单的真/假开关，就像灯泡：开或关。
Char stores a single symbol like ‘A’ or ‘%’. String is a sequence of characters; think of beads on a thread – each bead a character. An array is a fixed-size collection of the same data type, like numbered lockers in a row.
字符型存储单个符号，如’A’或’%’。字符串是字符序列；想象穿在线上的一串珠子——每颗珠子是一个字符。数组是固定大小的同类型数据集合，就像一排带编号的储物柜。
4. Programming Constructs | 编程结构
Sequence is the default flow – instructions execute one after another, like following a recipe line by line. No skipping, no looping, just step 1, step 2, step 3.
顺序是默认流程——指令一条接一条地执行，就像逐行按照菜谱操作。不跳转，不循环，只有步骤1、步骤2、步骤3。
Selection means making a decision. Think of a fork in the road: ‘IF it is raining THEN take umbrella ELSE wear sunglasses’. This is the if-else structure, and the condition acts as a traffic officer.
选择意味着做决策。想象岔路口：’如果下雨，带伞；否则戴太阳镜’。这就是if-else结构，条件就像交通警察。
Iteration (loops) repeats a block of code. A FOR loop runs a set number of times, like counting 1 to 10. A WHILE loop keeps going until a condition is false, like running laps until the whistle blows. Remember: FOR is counting reps; WHILE is waiting for a signal.
迭代（循环）重复代码块。FOR循环运行固定的次数，就像数1到10。WHILE循环持续到条件为假，就像一直跑圈直到哨声响起。记住：FOR是计数重复；WHILE是等待信号。
5. Input, Output and Storage | 输入、输出与存储
Input devices feed data into a computer (keyboard, mouse, sensor). Output devices show results (monitor, speaker, printer). Storage can be primary (RAM, ROM) or secondary (hard disk, USB stick). RAM is volatile working memory, like a whiteboard that gets wiped when power is off. ROM is non-volatile and holds boot instructions, like a tattoo that never fades.
输入设备将数据送入计算机（键盘、鼠标、传感器）。输出设备显示结果（显示器、扬声器、打印机）。存储器可以是主存（RAM、ROM）或辅助存储（硬盘、U盘）。RAM是易失性的工作内存，就像白板，断电后被擦除。ROM是非易失性的，保存开机指令，就像永不褪色的纹身。
Secondary storage provides long-term memory. HDD uses spinning disks (like a vinyl record), while SSD uses flash memory (instant, no moving parts). Think of HDD as a sleepy librarian fetching a book, SSD as a magician who conjures it instantly.
辅助存储提供长期记忆。HDD使用旋转磁盘（像黑胶唱片），而SSD使用闪存（即时，无运动部件）。把HDD想象成睡眼惺忪的图书管理员去取书，SSD则是瞬间变出书本的魔术师。
6. Network Terminology | 网络术语
LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices over a small area like a school. WAN (Wide Area Network) spans cities or countries; the internet is the ultimate WAN. Picture LAN as your classroom talk group; WAN as a worldwide broadcast.
LAN（局域网）连接小范围内的设备，如学校。WAN（广域网）跨越城市或国家；互联网是终极的广域网。将LAN想象成教室里的讨论组；WAN则是全球广播。
An IP address is a unique number that identifies a device on a network, like a postal address. A MAC address is a hardware identifier burnt into the network card – it’s the device’s fingerprint, never changing. HTTP/HTTPS are protocols for transferring web pages; the ‘S’ in HTTPS means Secure, adding encryption. Think of HTTPS as a sealed letter, HTTP as a postcard anyone can read.
IP地址是标识网络上设备的唯一号码，类似邮政地址。MAC地址是烧录在网卡上的硬件标识符——它是设备的指纹，永不改变。HTTP/HTTPS是传输网页的协议；HTTPS中的’S’表示安全，增加了加密。把HTTPS想象成密封的信件，HTTP则是任何人都可阅读的明信片。
7. Security and Ethics | 安全与伦理
Malware is malicious software – viruses, worms, trojans. Remember ‘mal’ means ‘bad’ (malware = bad software). Phishing is a scam that tricks you into giving away passwords; the attacker throws bait like a fake bank email.
恶意软件就是坏软件——病毒、蠕虫、木马。记住’mal’意思是’坏’（malware = 坏软件）。网络钓鱼是诱骗你交出密码的骗局；攻击者像扔诱饵一样发送假冒银行邮件。
A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, acting like a security guard at a club entrance. Encryption scrambles data so only someone with the key can read it – think of whispering secrets in a noisy room, where only your friend understands the code.
防火墙监控进出网络流量，就像俱乐部入口的保安。加密将数据打乱，只有拥有密钥的人才能阅读——想象在嘈杂的房间里耳语秘密，只有朋友懂你的暗号。
Data protection laws require that personal information is kept safe and used fairly. Ethical issues revolve around privacy, surveillance, and digital divides. Always ask: ‘Would I be okay if my own data were treated this way?’
数据保护法律要求安全地保存个人信息并公平使用。伦理问题围绕隐私、监控和数字鸿沟。永远问自己：’如果我的数据被这样对待，我能接受吗？’
8. Database and SQL | 数据库与SQL速记
A database is a structured collection of data. A table looks like a spreadsheet: rows are records, columns are fields. The primary key is a unique identifier for each record – a student ID number, never duplicated.
数据库是结构化的数据集合。表格看起来像电子表格：行是记录，列是字段。主键是每条记录的唯一标识符——如学号，绝不重复。
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SELECT * FROM students WHERE grade > 80 fetches all fields for students scoring above 80. Translate in your head: ‘Show me everything from the student list where the grade is higher than 80’. The * means ‘all columns’.
SQL代表结构化查询语言。SELECT * FROM students WHERE grade > 80 提取分数高于80的学生的所有字段。在脑海中翻译：’给我看看学生名单中分数高于80的全部信息’。星号*表示’所有列’。
9. Binary and Hexadecimal | 二进制与十六进制
Binary uses only 0 and 1. Each position represents a power of 2 (from right: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 …). The number 1101₂ is (1×8)+(1×4)+(0×2)+(1×1) = 13. Think of binary as light switches; each switch toggles a weight.
二进制只使用0和1。每个位置代表2的幂（从右起：1, 2, 4, 8, 16 …）。数字1101₂是(1×8)+(1×4)+(0×2)+(1×1) = 13。把二进制想象成电灯开关；每个开关控制一个权重。
Hexadecimal (base 16) uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F (A=10, F=15). One hex digit represents a nibble (4 bits). Conversion trick: group binary into chunks of four from the right. 1011 1100₂ becomes BC₁₆. ‘B’ for 1011 (11), ‘C’ for 1100 (12). Hex shortens long binary strings – programmers use it for memory addresses.
十六进制（基16）使用数字0-9和字母A-F（A=10, F=15）。一位十六进制数字代表半个字节（4位）。转换技巧：从右侧起将二进制分成四位一组。1011 1100₂变成BC₁₆。’B’代表1011 (11)，’C’代表1100 (12)。十六进制缩短了长二进制串——程序员用它表示内存地址。
10. Logic Gates and Circuits | 逻辑门与电路
Logic gates process binary inputs. NOT flips the input: 0 becomes 1. Memorise: NOT is an inverter, like a ‘reverse’ button. AND outputs 1 only when both inputs are 1 – think of it as a double-lock door: you need two keys.
逻辑门处理二进制输入。NOT将输入翻转：0变成1。记忆：NOT是反相器，像一个’反转’按钮。AND仅当两个输入均为1时才输出1——把它想象成双锁门：需要两把钥匙。
OR outputs 1 if at least one input is 1. Picture a hallway with two light switches on the wall; either one can turn on the light. XOR (exclusive OR) outputs 1 when the inputs are different – ‘one or the other, but not both’. Like a restaurant with only one chef’s special: you can have fish or chicken, not both.
OR只要至少一个输入为1就输出1。想象走廊里墙上的两个电灯开关；任何一个都能开灯。XOR（异或）当输入不同时输出1——’非此即彼，不能两者都选’。就像餐厅只有一道主厨特色：你可以选鱼或鸡肉，不能两样都要。
11. Software Categories | 软件分类速记
System software manages the hardware and runs the computer. The operating system is the chief of staff – it handles memory, processes, and file management. Utility software does maintenance tasks, like antivirus scanning or disk defragmentation. Think of the OS as the venue manager; utilities are the cleaning crew.
系统软件管理硬件并运行计算机。操作系统是幕后的总管——处理内存、进程和文件管理。实用软件执行维护任务，如杀毒扫描或磁盘碎片整理。把操作系统想象成场馆经理；实用软件则是清洁工。
Application software lets users perform specific tasks – word processors, spreadsheets, games. If the OS is the stage, applications are the actors performing the show. Knowing this difference helps you describe the role of each piece in exam answers.
应用软件让用户执行具体任务——文字处理、电子表格、游戏。如果操作系统是舞台，应用软件就是在表演的演员。理解这种区别有助于在考试答案中描述每个部分的作用。
12. Exam Command Words | 考试指令词
‘State’ requires a short, factual answer – no reasons needed. Memorise: State = just name it. ‘Describe’ wants you to paint a picture with words: ‘What does it look like / what are the features?’
‘State’要求简短的事实答案——不需要理由。记住：State = 说出名字即可。’Describe’要你用文字描绘画面：’它看起来像什么/有什么特征？’
‘Explain’ asks for the ‘how’ or ‘why’ – you must link cause and effect. Use because or due to. ‘Compare’ means identify similarities and differences; always use comparative words like ‘whereas’ or ‘faster than’. If you just list features without linking, you lose marks.
‘Explain’要求说明’如何’或’为什么’——必须联系因果。使用因为/由于。’Compare’意为找出异同；始终使用比较词如’而’或’比…更快’。如果只罗列特征而不建立联系，就会失分。
Published by TutorHao | Computer Science Revision Series | aleveler.com
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