Glossary
A
Abstraction
Removing the specifics that are not relevant in a given context.
Lessons: Customization
Algorithm
A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task. This can be a simple process, such as multiplying two numbers, or a complex operation, such as playing a compressed video file.
Lessons: Algorithm
Argument
Any area in a block that accepts user input, or another block. It could be a Boolean Block or a value placed inside of a variable or block. The value that is "passed into" a parameter of a custom block.
Lessons: Customization
B
Backgrounds
Pictures that fill the entire stage area.
Block
Puzzle-piece shapes that are used to create code in snap!
References: Blocks | Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Boolean Expression
A value (text, number, picture, etc.) that evaluate to true or false.
Lessons: Loops
Boolean Operators
Boolean expressions that can be nested.
Lesson: Loops
C
Cloning
A feature that allows a sprite to create a clone, or semi-duplicate, of itself, while the project is running. Clones of a sprite will be the same as the original or parent sprite but as a separate instance. Clones inherit the parent's scripts, costumes, sounds, and properties, yet they can then be modified.
Lessons: Cloning
Command Block
Puzzle-piece shaped block that executes a command (it causes an effect).
Lessons: Customization
Computer
A machine which can be instructed to accept, process, store and output data
Lessons: Algorithm
Computer Science
The science that deals with the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the applications of computers.
Lessons: Algorithm
Conditional
A block used to make a choice between executing two different chunks of code."If" statements.
Lessons: Loops
Contains Block
Checks an operator block for a particular variable.
Lessons: Lists
Costume
A costume is one out of possibly many "frames" or alternate appearances of a sprite.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Custom Blocks
Allow for one to make their own programming blocks.
Lessons: Customization
D
Detail Removal
Reducing the complexity of an algorithm or process by focusing on the important parts.
Lessons: Customization
Do Now
Assigned work to be completed at the beginning of each class period before teacher instruction begins
Lessons: Snap!
E
No E entries
F
Functions/Methods
Other programming languages, like Python or Java, use these terms to refer to the same idea as a Custom Block in Snap! a reusable.
Lessons: Loops
G
Generalization
Combining a group of related concepts or processes into a single category.
Lessons: Customization
Global Variable
A variable that can be used by all of your sprites.
Lessons: Cloning
Glossary
A list of vocabulary and their definitions from the course
Links: Cloning
H
No H entries
I
Index Variable
Keeps track of where you currently are in a list.
Lessons: Lists
J
Join Block
Links two values together and reports the result.
Lessons: Lists
Jukebox
A collection of sounds that can be applied to a sprite costume.
K
No K entries
L
Labs
Assignments created to help understand the concepts of each lesson and apply your learning Lessons: Lists
Lesson Notes
Information from each lesson for reference and guidance Lessons: Snap!, Loops, Lists
Lists Block
A block which controls a list. Lessons: Lists
List Element
A part of a list.
Lessons: Lists
Loop
A type of block that causes other code to run multiple times in succession. A control flow statement that allows code to be executed repeatedly based on a given Boolean condition.
Lessons: Loops
M
Modeling
Building a system to simulate the behavior of a real-life phenomenon by simplifying or ignoring certain details.
Lessons: Loops
N
Nested Loop
A loop used inside the body of another loop.
Lessons: Loops
O
Operator Block
A block that performs math functions and string handling.
Lessons: Lists
P
Predicate Block
A hexagonal block that always returns a Boolean value (true or false).
Procedural Decomposition
Breaking a problem down into smaller subtasks, usually to increase readability and/or maintainability, often by applying one of the above concepts.
Lessons: Customization
Program
A collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work.
Lessons: Algorithm
Programming Language
An artificial language used to write instructions that can be translated into machine language and then executed by a computer.
Lessons: Algorithm
Programming List
Called an 'array' in most programming languages, this holds lots of values.
Lessons: Lists
Projects
Assignments that require you to use content and skills that you learned in a variety of a lessons to reach a larger goal
Lessons: Lists
Q
No Q entries
R
Receive Block
Code Block in Control that receives a message from another block.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
References
A listing of all the blocks that are utilized within Snap! as well as additional resources to help you use the program
Related Links References
Reporter Block
Report a value, usually for use in another block's input slot.
Lessons: Customization
S
Say Block
The block gives its sprite a speech bubble with the specified text — the speech bubble stays until an another speech or thought block is activated, or the stop sign is pressed.
Lessons: Customization
Scenario
A description of a set of interactions and/or tasks that describe a start-to-finish example of how a user might want to use the application
Lessons: Final Project
Snap!
Snap! is an extended reimplementation of Scratch that allows you to Build Your Own Blocks. It also features first class lists, first class procedures, first class sprites, first class costumes, first class sounds, and first class continuations. These added capabilities make it suitable for a serious introduction to computer science for high school or college students.
Related Snap How-to's
Scripts
Different types of blocks linked together
References: Blocks |Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Sequential Search Algorithm
A method for finding a target value within a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list for the target value until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched.
Lessons: Lists
Sprites
An object in Snap! Which performs functions controlled by scripts.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Stage
The background of a project, performs functions through scripting.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Super-sprite
A sprite that is composed of pieces that can move together but can also be separately articulated.
T
Transform
Create a new list based on the values of the old list.
Lessons: Lists
Traverse
Go through or travel across an item/list.
Lessons: Lists
Truth Tables
A tool for evaluating the possible inputs and outputs of a Boolean expression.
Lessons: Loops
U
No U entries
V
Variable
A placeholder for some value. Types of variables: Global variables - apply to all sprites Sprite variable - applies to one sprite Script variable - parameter that applies to one script
W
Wardrobe
A collection of sprite costumes. The wardrobe is located in the Costumes tab, which is accessed through the file icon.
Watcher Block
reporter blocks you can click the checkbox for; they will appear in the Stage and you can track them.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Wireframe
A high-level sketch of an application's user interface intended to help visualize layout, interactions, and transitions
Lessons: Final Project
X
X Position
The position that a sprite or the mouse is at along the horizontal axis.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Y
Y Position
The position that a sprite or the mouse is at along the vertical axis.
Lessons: Getting Started with Snap!
Z
No Z entries
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