📚 SQA Computer Science Vocabulary Quick Memory Guide | SQA 计算机科学词汇术语速记指南
Mastering the key terms in SQA Computer Science (Higher/Advanced Higher) is half the battle. This guide breaks down essential vocabulary by topic, pairing each term with a memory hook so you can recall exam definitions quickly and accurately. Use these explanations to solidify your understanding and build confidence for both written and practical assessments.
掌握 SQA 计算机科学（Higher/Advanced Higher）的关键术语是成功的一半。本指南按主题分解必背词汇，每一条术语都配有记忆钩子，帮助你快速、准确地回忆考试定义。用这些解释来巩固理解，为书面考试和实操评估建立信心。
1. Data Structures & Algorithms | 数据结构与算法
Array: A fixed-size, indexed sequence of elements of the same data type stored contiguously in memory. Remember: ‘Array is a row of numbered lockers — you know exactly where to go.’
数组：一种固定大小、按索引访问、相同数据类型元素的序列，在内存中连续存放。记法：“数组就像一排带编号的储物柜，你知道每个位置在哪。”
Record: A composite data structure that groups related fields of possibly different types under a single name. Think: ‘A record is like a student profile — name, ID, grade all bundled together.’
记录：一种将可能不同类型但相关的字段组合在一个名称下的复合数据结构。联想：“记录就像学生档案——姓名、学号、成绩打包在一起。”
Stack (LIFO): A linear collection where elements are added and removed from the same end (top). Last In, First Out. Visualize a stack of plates — you take the top one first.
栈（后进先出）：一种线性集合，元素在同一端（栈顶）添加和移除。后进先出。可视化作一叠盘子——你总是先拿最上面的。
Queue (FIFO): A linear collection where elements are added at the rear and removed from the front. First In, First Out. Picture a ticket queue — the first person in line gets served first.
队列（先进先出）：一种线性集合，元素在尾部添加，从前端移除。先进先出。想象排队买票——排在前面的人先得到服务。
Algorithm efficiency (Big O): A notation describing how the time or space requirements of an algorithm grow with input size, e.g., O(1) constant, O(n) linear, O(n²) quadratic. Memory cue: ‘Big O tells you the worst-case growth rate — ignore constants, focus on the term that dominates.’
算法效率（大 O 表示法）：描述算法的时间或空间需求随输入规模增长的表示法，如 O(1) 常数， O(n) 线性， O(n²) 平方。记忆提示：“大 O 告诉你最坏情况增长率——忽略常数，关注主导项。”
2. Programming Paradigms | 编程范式
Procedural programming: A paradigm based on procedure calls, where programs are sequences of instructions operating on data. Key idea: step-by-step recipes — do this, then that.
过程式编程：基于过程调用的范式，程序是一系列作用在数据上的指令。核心理念：一步步的食谱——先做这个，再做那个。
Object-oriented programming (OOP): A paradigm that models real-world entities as objects containing data fields and methods. The four pillars: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction. Mnemonic: ‘EIPA’ — or remember ‘Every Person Is An object.’
面向对象编程：一种将现实世界实体建模为包含数据字段和方法的对象的范式。四大支柱：封装、继承、多态、抽象。助记：“EIPA”——或记住“每个实体都是一个对象”。
Functional programming: A paradigm where computation is treated as the evaluation of mathematical functions, avoiding mutable state and side effects. Core concept: functions are first-class citizens, pure and composable. Think of it as a pipeline of transformations.
函数式编程：将计算视为数学函数求值的范式，避免可变状态和副作用。核心概念：函数是一等公民、纯函数、可组合。可以想象成数据经过一系列转换的管道。
Declarative programming: A paradigm that expresses the logic of a computation without describing its control flow. You state what the result should be, not how to get it. SQL is a prime example.
声明式编程：表达计算逻辑而不描述控制流程的范式。你声明结果“是什么”，而不描述“如何”得到。SQL 就是一个典型例子。
3. System Software & Operating Systems | 系统软件与操作系统
Operating System (OS): System software that manages hardware resources, provides common services for application programs, and acts as an interface between the user and hardware. Key roles: process management, memory management, file management, I/O management. Memory aid: ‘OS is the resource boss.’
操作系统：管理硬件资源、为应用程序提供公共服务、充当用户与硬件之间接口的系统软件。关键角色：进程管理、内存管理、文件管理、I/O 管理。记忆：“OS 是资源总管”。
Kernel: The core component of the OS that has complete control over everything in the system and runs in privileged mode. It handles low-level tasks like interrupt handling and process scheduling. Visualize it as the conductor of an orchestra.
内核：操作系统的核心组件，完全控制系统一切，运行在特权模式。它处理中断处理、进程调度等底层任务。想象成管弦乐队的指挥。
Virtual memory: A memory management technique that gives programs the illusion of a very large contiguous block of memory by combining RAM with secondary storage. Paging and swapping are used. Think: ‘RAM + disk = a bigger pretend memory.’
虚拟内存：一种内存管理技术，通过将 RAM 和辅助存储器结合，让程序感觉拥有一个极大的连续内存块。使用分页和交换。记法：“RAM + 硬盘 = 一个更大的假内存。”
Interrupt: A signal to the processor indicating an event that needs immediate attention, temporarily suspending the current process to run an interrupt service routine (ISR). Examples: clicking a button, I/O completion, timer.
中断：一种发给处理器的信号，指出需要立即处理的事件，暂时挂起当前进程以运行中断服务程序。例如：点击按钮、I/O 完成、定时器。
4. Computer Hardware & Architecture | 计算机硬件与体系结构
CPU: The central processing unit — the ‘brain’ of the computer that executes instructions. Composed of the ALU, control unit, and registers. Simplest model: fetch-decode-execute cycle.
中央处理器：计算机的“大脑”，执行指令。由算术逻辑单元、控制单元和寄存器组成。最简模型：取指-译码-执行周期。
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations. Connects to registers and the control unit. Think: ‘ALU does the math and logic.’
算术逻辑单元：CPU 中执行算术和逻辑运算的部分。连接寄存器和控制单元。记：“ALU 做数学和逻辑”。
Control Unit (CU): Directs the operation of the processor by sending timing and control signals, coordinating the fetch-decode-execute cycle. It’s the traffic controller inside the CPU.
控制单元：通过发送时序和控制信号，指挥处理器运行，协调取指-译码-执行周期。它是 CPU 内部的交通指挥官。
Register: A small, very fast storage location within the CPU used to temporarily hold data, addresses, or instructions during processing. Examples: PC (program counter), IR (instruction register), ACC (accumulator). Memory hook: ‘Registers are the CPU’s quick-access sticky notes.’
寄存器：CPU 内部极小、极快的存储位置，在处理过程中暂存数据、地址或指令。例如：程序计数器 PC、指令寄存器 IR、累加器 ACC。记忆：“寄存器是 CPU 的快速便签。”
Cache: A small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU that stores frequently used data and instructions to reduce average access time. Works on the principle of locality.
高速缓存：靠近 CPU 的小容量高速存储器，存放经常使用的数据和指令，以减少平均访问时间。基于局部性原理工作。
5. Networking & Protocols | 网络与协议
IP address: A unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1), IPv6 uses 128-bit. Think of it as a digital postal address for your device.
IP 地址：分配给网络中每台设备的唯一数字标签。IPv4 使用 32 位地址（如 192.168.1.1），IPv6 使用 128 位。可以看作设备的数字邮寄地址。
DNS (Domain Name System): Translates human-readable domain names (like aleveler.com) into IP addresses. It’s the phonebook of the Internet.
域名系统：将人类可读的域名（如 aleveler.com）转换为 IP 地址。它是互联网的电话簿。
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): A request-response protocol used for transmitting web pages between a client and server. Stateless protocol — each request is independent. HTTPS adds TLS/SSL encryption.
超文本传输协议：一种用于在客户端和服务器之间传输网页的请求-响应协议。无状态协议——每个请求独立。HTTPS 增加了 TLS/SSL 加密。
TCP/IP model: A simplified layered networking model with four layers: Link, Internet, Transport, Application. Each layer provides services to the layer above, hiding implementation details.
TCP/IP 模型：一种简化的分层网络模型，含四层：链路层、互联网层、传输层、应用层。每层向上层提供服务，隐藏实现细节。
Packet switching: A method of data transmission where data is broken into packets, sent independently, and reassembled at the destination. Key concepts: source/destination address, sequencing, routing.
分组交换：将数据分成小包独立发送，在目的地重新组装的数据传输方法。关键概念：源/目的地址、排序、路由。
6. Database & SQL | 数据库与 SQL
Database: An organised collection of structured data, typically stored and accessed electronically. Relational databases use tables, rows, and columns; relationships are maintained through keys.
数据库：有组织的结构化数据集合，通常以电子方式存储和访问。关系型数据库使用表、行和列，通过键维护关系。
Primary key: A unique identifier for each record in a table. Cannot be NULL and must be unique. Often an ID field. Think: ‘Primary key is your passport number — no duplicates.’
主键：表中每条记录的唯一标识符。不可为空且必须唯一。通常是 ID 字段。记法：“主键是你的护照号码——不能重复。”
Foreign key: A field in one table that refers to the primary key of another table, creating a relationship. Ensures referential integrity.
外键：一张表中引用另一张表主键的字段，用于建立关系。保证引用完整性。
SQL (Structured Query Language): A standard language for managing relational databases. Key commands: SELECT (retrieve), INSERT (add), UPDATE (modify), DELETE (remove). Think: ‘SQL is the tool that talks to the database.’
结构化查询语言：管理关系型数据库的标准语言。关键命令：SELECT（查询）、INSERT（插入）、UPDATE（更新）、DELETE（删除）。联想：“SQL 是与数据库对话的工具。”
Normalization: The process of structuring a relational database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. First Normal Form (1NF): no repeating groups, atomic values; 2NF: no partial dependencies; 3NF: no transitive dependencies.
规范化：构建关系数据库以降低冗余、提高数据完整性的过程。第一范式（1NF）：无重复组，值原子；2NF：无部分函数依赖；3NF：无传递函数依赖。
7. Software Development Process | 软件开发过程
Waterfall model: A linear sequential development approach: requirements → design → implementation → testing → maintenance. Each phase must be completed before the next begins. Best for well-understood, stable projects.
瀑布模型：一种线性顺序开发方法：需求→设计→实现→测试→维护。每个阶段必须在下一阶段开始前完成。适合需求明确、稳定的项目。
Agile methodology: An iterative approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer feedback. Delivers software in small, incremental releases. Key values: individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
敏捷方法论：一种强调灵活性、协作和客户反馈的迭代方法。以小增量版本交付软件。核心价值：个体和互动高于流程和工具。
Scrum: An Agile framework that structures development in fixed-length sprints (usually 2-4 weeks). Roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team. Artifacts: product backlog, sprint backlog, increment.
Scrum：一种敏捷框架，将开发组织为固定时长的冲刺（通常 2-4 周）。角色：产品负责人、Scrum Master、开发团队。工件：产品待办列表、冲刺待办列表、增量。
Version control: A system that records changes to files over time, enabling tracking and rollback. Git is widely used. Keywords: commit, branch, merge, repository. Think: ‘Version control is a time machine for your code.’
版本控制：记录文件随时间变更的系统，便于跟踪和回滚。广泛使用 Git。关键词：提交、分支、合并、仓库。记：“版本控制是你代码的时光机。”
8. Web Technologies | 网页技术
HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The standard markup language for creating web pages, defining the structure and content with elements like <h1>, <p>, <img>. It’s the skeleton of a webpage.
超文本标记语言：创建网页的标准标记语言，用 <h1>、<p>、<img> 等元素定义结构和内容。它是网页的骨架。
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Describes how HTML elements should be displayed — layout, colours, fonts. Separates content from presentation. The stylist of the web.
层叠样式表：描述 HTML 元素如何呈现——布局、颜色、字体。使内容与表现分离。网页的造型师。
JavaScript: A client-side scripting language that enables interactive and dynamic web pages. Runs in the browser, handles events, manipulates the DOM. Think: ‘JavaScript brings the webpage to life.’
JavaScript：一种客户端脚本语言，实现交互和动态网页。在浏览器中运行，处理事件、操作 DOM。记：“JavaScript 让网页活起来。”
Client-side vs Server-side: Client-side processing runs in the user’s browser (faster response after initial load, reduces server load, exposes code). Server-side processing runs on the web server (secure, can access databases, generates dynamic content).
客户端 vs 服务器端：客户端处理在用户浏览器中进行（初始加载后响应更快，减服务器负载，但代码暴露）。服务器端处理在 Web 服务器上运行（安全，可访问数据库，生成动态内容）。
9. Security & Encryption | 安全与加密
Encryption: The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and a key, protecting confidentiality. Reverse process: decryption.
加密：使用算法和密钥将明文转换为密文的过程，保护机密性。逆过程：解密。
Symmetric encryption: The same key is used for both encryption and decryption. Fast but requires secure key distribution. Example: AES. Memory aid: ‘Same key locks and unlocks.’
对称加密：加密和解密使用同一个密钥。速度快但需安全分发密钥。例如 AES。记：“同一把钥匙上锁和开锁。”
Asymmetric encryption: Uses a key pair — public key for encryption, private key for decryption. Solves key distribution problem. Example: RSA. Visualize: a mailbox—anyone can drop a letter (public key), but only the owner has the private key to read it.
非对称加密：使用密钥对——公钥加密，私钥解密。解决密钥分发问题。例如 RSA。形象化：一个邮箱——任何人都可以投信（公钥），但只有拥有者用私钥才能取出阅读。
Hashing: A one-way function that converts input data into a fixed-size digest. Cannot be reversed; small change in input produces drastically different hash. Used for integrity checks and password storage. Think: ‘Hash is a digital fingerprint.’
哈希：一种将输入数据转换为固定大小摘要的单向函数。不可逆；输入微小变化导致剧烈不同的哈希值。用于完整性校验和密码存储。记：“哈希是数字指纹。”
Firewall: A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Acts as a barrier between trusted internal and untrusted external networks.
防火墙：基于预设安全规则监控和控制进出网络流量的网络安全系统。充当可信内部网络与不可信外部网络之间的屏障。
10. Computational Thinking | 计算思维
Decomposition: Breaking a complex problem into smaller, manageable parts. Essential first step in problem-solving. Think: ‘Eat an elephant one bite at a time.’
分解：将复杂问题拆解成更小、易于管理的部分。解决问题的关键第一步。记法：“一次一口吃掉大象。”
Pattern recognition: Identifying similarities or common characteristics among subproblems. Helps reuse solutions and predict outcomes. Example: recognising that sorting is needed in many tasks.
模式识别：找出子问题之间的相似性或共同特征。有助于重用解决方案和预测结果。例如：识别出许多任务都需要排序。
Abstraction: Focusing on important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail. Creates a simplified model. In programming, interfaces and classes are abstractions. Simple memo: ‘Abstraction is seeing the forest, not the trees.’
抽象：仅关注重要信息，忽略无关细节。创建简化模型。编程中接口和类就是抽象。简单记：“抽象是见森林，不见树木。”
Algorithm design: Producing a step-by-step solution to the problem, using constructs like sequence, selection, iteration. Can be expressed in pseudocode or flowcharts. It’s the strategy phase.
算法设计：使用顺序、选择、循环等结构，生成解决问题的分步方案。可用伪代码或流程图表达。这是策略阶段。
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