AP Computer Science Principles Comprehensive Study Guide

📚 Video References

Enhance your understanding of key concepts with these video resources:

🔍 Big Ideas in AP CSP

Overview of the essential big ideas in AP CSP.

🧠 Understanding Algorithms

Learn about key algorithms and their importance.

🔒 Data and Privacy

Understand the relationship between data, privacy, and security.

🌍 Global Impact of Computing

Explore how computing affects the global landscape.

🌐 Unit 1: The Internet

Concept	Description
IP Address	Unique string of numbers assigned to each device on a network.
Packets	Small chunks of data that travel separately across the internet.
DNS	Domain Name System: Translates domain names to IP addresses.
Redundancy	Multiple pathways that improve network reliability.
Fault Tolerance	Network’s ability to function even when parts of it fail.
Protocols	Rules for data transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS).

📊 Unit 2: Data and Information

Concept	Description
Binary	Base-2 numeral system using 0s and 1s.
Lossless Compression	Reduces size without losing data (e.g., PNG files).
Lossy Compression	Reduces size by removing data (e.g., JPEG, MP3).
Metadata	Data about data (e.g., file size, resolution, creation date).
Data Visualization	Visual representations to identify patterns in data.
Bias in Data	Data reflecting human or algorithmic bias.

🧑‍💻 Unit 3: Algorithms and Programming

Algorithm Control Structures

Structure	Description	Example Syntax (Pseudocode)
Sequence	Instructions run in order	`a = 1; b = 2; c = a + b`
Selection	Conditional logic	`IF score > 90 THEN grade = "A"`
Iteration	Repetition of steps (loops)	`FOR i FROM 1 TO 10 DO`

Key Terms

Variables: Store values (e.g., x = 10)
Procedures: Reusable blocks of code (functions)
Lists/Arrays: Collections of items accessed by index
List Operations: append, remove, length, index

Common Algorithms

Algorithm	Description	Example Use Case
Linear Search	Check items one by one	Finding a name in an unsorted list
Binary Search	Divide and conquer (sorted data)	Searching in a phonebook
Bubble Sort	Repeatedly swap adjacent elements	Basic sorting algorithm
Merge Sort	Divide the list, sort sublists, merge	Efficient, fast sorting

❓ MCQ Corrections and Clarifications

Common Mistakes & Insights

Difference Between IP Address and DNS:
- IP Address: A unique identifier for devices on a network.
- DNS (Domain Name System): Translates human-readable domain names (e.g., google.com) to IP addresses.
Binary vs. Decimal Systems:
- Binary (Base-2): Uses 0s and 1s. The fundamental language of computers.
- Decimal (Base-10): The system we use daily, consisting of digits 0-9.
Lossy vs. Lossless Compression:
- Lossless Compression: No data loss (e.g., PNG files).
- Lossy Compression: Some data is discarded to reduce file size (e.g., JPEG images, MP3 audio).
Linear Search vs. Binary Search:
- Linear Search: Checks each item sequentially. Ideal for unsorted data.
- Binary Search: Requires sorted data. Efficiently divides the list to find the target value.
Loop Structures in Pseudocode:
- For Loop: FOR i FROM 1 TO 10 DO runs through a set number of iterations.
- While Loop: WHILE condition DO repeats until the condition becomes false.

🖥 Unit 4: Computer Systems and Networks

Concept	Description
Input Device	Device used to input data (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
Output Device	Device used to output data (e.g., monitor, printer).
RAM	Temporary storage for active processes.
Hard Drive	Long-term storage for data.
Operating System	Software that manages hardware and other software.
LAN/WAN	Local Area Network vs. Wide Area Network.

🔐 Unit 5: Cybersecurity

Concept	Description
Malware	Malicious software designed to harm or exploit devices.
Phishing	Fraudulent attempts to acquire sensitive information via email.
Symmetric Encryption	Uses the same key for encryption and decryption.
Asymmetric Encryption	Uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.
Authentication	Verifying the identity of a user (passwords, biometrics).
Firewalls	Security systems that monitor and control incoming/outgoing traffic.

🌍 Unit 6: Global Impact of Computing

Topic	Key Idea
Ethics	The responsibility in using and developing tech (AI, privacy, copyright).
Digital Divide	The gap between those with and without access to technology.
Accessibility	Making technology usable by all, including individuals with disabilities.
Open Source	Software that is free to use and modify.
Automation	The replacement of human tasks by machines or algorithms.

📝 Create Task - Performance Task Requirements

Requirement	Description
Purpose	The program must have a clear purpose and goal.
Data Abstraction	Use data structures like lists or arrays to manage complexity.
Algorithm	Must include sequencing, selection, and iteration in the code.
Procedure with Parameters	Include at least one function that takes a parameter.
Written Response	Provide a detailed explanation of your code (max 750 words).

📅 Exam Format

Multiple Choice

70% of the total score
Approximately 70 questions
Includes both single-select and multi-select questions

Performance Task

30% of the total score
Submit to the AP Digital Portfolio
Maximum 750 words written response

📖 Key Vocabulary Reference Table

Term	Definition
Abstraction	Simplifying complex systems by focusing on essential details.
Boolean	A data type that represents either `true` or `false`.
Conditionals	Statements that perform actions based on conditions (e.g., `if`, `else`).
Event-driven	Code triggered by external actions (e.g., button clicks).
Parameter	A variable passed into a function.
Variable	A container for storing data values.
Loop	Repeats code a specified number of times or until a condition is met.
Binary	A number system that uses only 0s and 1s, the language of computers.

📈 Strategies and Reminders

🔄 Practice tracing code by hand to understand flow and logic.
📚 Memorize logic structures (if, for, while) and their syntax.
🧠 Recognize common algorithm patterns such as searching, sorting, and recursion.
📋 Review past Create Task examples and rubrics for better preparation.
💡 Understand the purpose of data structures like lists, arrays, and dictionaries.
🕰 Take time to carefully break down and analyze multiple-choice questions.

APCSP Exam Study

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