50 Definitions Every Programmer Should Know

Summary

In this video, the presenter goes through 50 essential programming terms every coder should know, covering concepts such as algorithms, APIs, debugging, version control, and programming paradigms like OOP. The terms range from basic elements like bits and bytes to advanced topics like recursion, virtual machines, and cloud computing. The presenter provides clear, concise explanations for each term, making it easier for both beginners and experienced developers to grasp crucial programming concepts. The fast-paced yet informative delivery ensures that viewers gain a solid understanding of key programming terminology.

Takeaways

• 😀 An algorithm is a set of steps used to complete a specific task, adding logic and decision-making to a program.
• 😀 An API (Application Programming Interface) allows other programs to interact with a system by defining a set of actions without needing to understand the implementation.
• 😀 A bug is an error or fault in a program that causes incorrect behavior or results, originating from an incident with a moth inside a computer.
• 😀 Data structures like linked lists, hash maps, and binary trees help organize and store data efficiently for easy operations.
• 😀 Big-O notation helps classify algorithms based on how their runtime or space requirements grow with input size, offering insight into efficiency.
• 😀 A compiler translates high-level code into machine or assembly code, enabling programs to run on a computer.
• 😀 Cache stores data for faster future access, improving the speed of retrieving information.
• 😀 A virtual machine is a software-based computer that runs an operating system on top of actual hardware, providing an isolated environment.
• 😀 Open source software is free to use and allows developers to contribute, improve, and add features to the code.
• 😀 GitHub is a popular platform that hosts software development projects, enabling version control and collaboration between developers.
• 😀 Exception handling is a process where a program reacts to unintended behavior during execution, using special code blocks to recover from errors.

Q & A

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a set of steps or instructions used to complete a specific task, adding logic and decision-making to a program.

What does API stand for, and how is it used?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It defines a set of actions or operations a system or program can perform, which other programs can use to retrieve data or perform tasks without worrying about implementation details.

What is a bug in programming?

A bug is an error, flaw, or fault in a computer program or system that causes incorrect or unexpected results or behaviors. It originated from a real moth causing a malfunction in an early computer.

What is Big-O notation used for?

Big-O notation is used to classify algorithms based on how their runtime or space requirements grow as the input size increases. It helps evaluate the efficiency of an algorithm.

What is the role of a compiler?

A compiler is a program that translates code written in a high-level programming language into a low-level language, like assembly or machine code, to create an executable.

What is the purpose of a debugger?

A debugger is a tool that allows programmers to set breakpoints and step through code to identify and fix bugs by observing exactly where the error occurs.

How do garbage collectors work?

Garbage collectors automatically manage memory by reclaiming memory that was allocated by the program but is no longer being referenced, helping to prevent memory leaks.

What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on the concept of objects, which contain data and actions. It helps organize and structure code through classes and objects.

What is a version control system, and why is it important?

A version control system, like Git, is used to track and manage changes to code over time. It allows developers to collaborate efficiently, roll back to earlier versions, and maintain a history of the project.

What is the difference between a full-stack developer and a regular developer?

A full-stack developer has a broad understanding of all aspects of web application development, including the client-side, server-side, and database, whereas a regular developer may specialize in one area.