Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Glossary
algorithm A set of rules to be followed to calculate or solve a problem. Common
algorithms are those used for sorting information or data.
argument A piece of information given to a function, which the function then
uses to perform its task. The argument goes inside the brackets that follow the
function name. In the function time.sleep(2) , for example, you use the
argument (2) , which is the number of seconds you want the program to wait
before executing the next line.
boot The first thing a computer does when you turn it on is to start up, or boot ,
the operating system.
breadboard A reusable device that allows you to create circuits without needing to
solder all the components. Breadboards have a number of holes into which you
push wires or jumper cables and components to create circuits. The two col-
umns of holes on either side of the breadboard are for power. The column next
to the red line is for positive connections and the column next to the blue line
is for negative connections.
broadcast A message used to coordinate the actions of different sprites and the
stage in Scratch. The broadcast message keeps all the scripts running for each
sprite and keeps the stage synchronized.
capacitor Electronic component used to store an electric charge. The capacity of
this component is measured in farads (F). A farad is a very large quantity, so
most of the capacitors you see will be measured in microfarads.
circuit diagram A diagram showing which electronic components, represented by
symbols, are connected to complete a circuit and in what order they should be
placed.
CLI (command-line interface) The CLI screen allows you to communicate with a
computer by typing in text commands.
comments Notes within your code that explain what a line or section of code in
intended to do. Each comment line begins with the # symbol, which tells the
computer running the program to ignore that line.
 
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