Table of Contents

• Vocab
• Important blocks
• On the AP exam
• Notebook Style Guide
  • Headings

AP CSP Vocabulary

Iteration

**Definition:** Repeating a set of instructions in an algorithm. **In My Own Words:** Iteration is when the program does the same group of steps multiple times instead of writing those steps over and over. **Example:** ``` REPEAT 3 TIMES { MOVE_FORWARD() } ``` This repeats MOVE_FORWARD() three times.

Algorithm

**Definition:** A finite set of instructions used to accomplish a task. **In My Own Words:** An algorithm is a limited number of instructions that helps complete a certain task. **Example:** ``` The instructions that move a robot to its final position. ``` This helps give the robot commands on what to do next.

Sequencing

**Definition:** Statements execute in the order they appear unless the flow of control changes. **In My Own Words:** Statements that continue in one order. **Example:** ``` ROTATE_LEFT() followed by MOVE_FORWARD() ``` This repeats MOVE_FORWARD() three times.

Selection

**Definition:** Uses a condition to determine which part of an algorithm is executed. **In My Own Words:** Waits until a specific condition plays to play a specific algorithm. **Example:** ``` IF (x < 3) ``` This repeats MOVE_FORWARD() three times.

Variable

**Definition:** A named value that can change while a program runs. **In My Own Words:** A symbol that can transition between values. **Example:** ``` i in i ← 3 ``` This repeats MOVE_FORWARD() three times.

Assignment

**Definition:** Stores a value in a variable. **In My Own Words:** changes the variable depending on what the value is, getting stored in it. **Example:** ``` i ← 3 ``` This repeats MOVE_FORWARD() three times.

## Vocab

Abstraction

The most fundamental idea in computer science, giving a name to something in a program to make it more readable.

Procedural abstraction

Using a procedure to name an idea, ex. the procedure "who" to the idea of picking an item from the list of people or cats.

Expression

An expression is a either a constant value (such as "4" or "winter") or a call to a reporter block including its inputs.

Important Blocks

broadcast

Sends a message to all the sprites. To set the message, click the down arrow and select "new..."

when I receive

(Click help on the block to learned more about it in order to complete this definition)

hat blocks

Blocks that sit on top of a script, which starts once a specific event occurs.

On the AP Exam

• Many languages (and the AP CS Principles Exam) use return instead of report as the name of the command to give a value back at the end of a function call.
• The exam uses “value of a procedure” to mean the value the procedure returns when called. For example, “the value of double(5)” means 10.

Markdown Style Guide for Coding Notebooks

Follow this guide to keep your coding notebook clear, consistent, and professional.

This ensures your notes are easy for you (and others) to read later.

---

Headings

When to use: Organize your notebook into sections (like days, topics, or projects).

• # for the notebook title (use once at the top).

• ## for each day or major topic.

• ### for subsections (like “Notes”, “Practice”, “Reflections”).

Example:

My Coding Notebook

Day 1

Notes

Practice

Text Formatting

When to use: Highlight important ideas or add emphasis.

Use bold for key terms or definitions.

Use italic for emphasis or side comments.

Use inline code for keywords, functions, or commands.

Example:

Class = a blueprint for objects

Remember: always test your code

Use System.out.println() to print

Code Blocks

When to use: Anytime you write multiple lines of code.

Inline code for short snippets.

Fenced code blocks with language for full examples.

Example:

public class Hello {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        System.out.println("Hello World!");

    }

}

Lists

When to use: Organize steps, notes, or key points.

Numbered lists for sequences or steps.

Bulleted lists for unordered ideas.

Example:

Define the class Write the main method Test your program Variables

• Loops

• Conditionals

Checklists

When to use: Track progress on assignments or tasks.

Example:

[x] Complete coding warm-up

• Finish project draft

• Reflect on learning

Blockquotes

When to use: Call out notes, reminders, or teacher comments.

Example:

💡 Remember: Loops repeat code until a condition is false.

Tables

When to use: Compare values, track progress, or organize data neatly.

Example:

Task

Status

Notes

|————–|————|—————–|

Homework 1

Done #

Submitted

Homework 2

Pending

Needs review

Links & Images

When to use: Add references, resources, or visuals.

Example:

Java Docs

To make an image that is a link, paste the image, then add the following before it, replacing website address with the link:

And after the image info, add: </a>

Collapsible Sections

When to use: Hide solutions, extended notes, or extra details.

Example:

Click to reveal solution

System.out.println("Answer: 42");

Footnotes

When to use: Add references or side notes without cluttering the page.

Example:

This concept is related to object-oriented programming.¹

Style Rules

Consistency matters more than creativity

Always use headings to structure your notes.

Always use code blocks for multi-line code.

Clarity first

Bold key terms.

Use lists instead of long sentences when outlining steps.

Professional tone

Don’t mix casual notes with formal work in the same section.

Use blockquotes for reflections or teacher feedback.

Track your learning

Use checklists to mark what’s done.

Use collapsible sections if you want to hide answers until review time.

Bottom Line:

Headings = Structure

Bold/Italic = Emphasis

Code blocks = Code

Lists = Steps/Ideas

Tables = Organization

Checklists = Progress

Blockquotes = Notes/Tips

Collapsible = Hide/Show detail

Keep it simple, consistent, and clear.

1. See “Objects and Classes” in your textbook. ↩