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Computer Science Research Resources

Explore key concepts and essential resources for computer science (CS) research. UH Libraries provide access to articles, books, research data, and more to support your work.

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CS Glossary

A

  • Algorithm: A set of steps or instructions to solve a problem or complete a task, like following a recipe to make a dish.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, or understanding language.

B

  • Binary: A number system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1. It’s the language computers use to process and store information.
  • Browser: A software application like Google Chrome or Firefox that allows you to access and navigate the internet.

C

  • Cloud Computing: Using the internet to store, manage, and process data instead of relying on your computer's hard drive. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox are examples.
  • Compiler: A program that turns code written by a developer into a form that a computer can understand and execute.

D

  • Data Structure: A way of organizing and storing data in a computer so it can be accessed and worked with efficiently, like how a library organizes books by genre or author.
  • Debugging: The process of finding and fixing problems (or bugs) in a computer program to make sure it runs smoothly.

E

  • Encryption: A method of securing information by turning it into a code that can only be decoded by someone with the correct key, like locking a message in a safe.
  • Entity: An object or thing in a database that has information stored about it, such as a person or a product.

F

  • Firewall: A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, helping to protect computers from unauthorized access or attacks.
  • Function: A section of code in a program that performs a specific task, like a calculator that adds two numbers when given as input.

G

  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): A processor that handles and speeds up graphics rendering, commonly used in gaming, video editing, and tasks requiring high-speed data processing, such as AI.
  • Graph: A way of representing data through points (nodes) connected by lines (edges), used to show relationships, like social networks or website links.

H

  • Hashing: A process of converting information (like a password) into a fixed-length value, used to securely store data or speed up searching.
  • Hypertext: Text that includes links to other pieces of information, often found on websites. Clicking on a link takes you to another webpage.

I

  • Interface: The part of a system that allows humans and computers (or two systems) to interact, like a smartphone’s touch screen.
  • IP Address: A unique number assigned to each device connected to a network (like an address for your computer or phone on the internet).

J

  • Java: A popular programming language used to create a wide range of applications, from websites to mobile apps.
  • JIT (Just-In-Time) Compilation: A method that speeds up a program by translating code into a language the computer can understand as it runs, rather than beforehand.

L

  • Latency: The delay before a transfer of data begins, such as the time it takes for a video to start playing after you press "play."
  • Library: A collection of pre-written code that can be used in programs to save time, like how a library in real life lets you borrow books instead of writing them yourself.

M

  • Machine Learning (ML): A type of AI where systems learn from data to improve over time, like teaching a computer to recognize pictures of cats by showing it many examples.
  • Model: A system that makes predictions or decisions based on data it has learned from, often used in machine learning to predict future outcomes.

N

  • Node: A point in a system, such as a device in a network or a point in a data structure like a list.
  • Network: A group of connected computers and devices that can communicate and share information, like the internet or a local school network.

O

  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): A programming style that organizes code around "objects" that represent real-world items or concepts, such as cars or employees.
  • Operating System (OS): The software that manages all the hardware and software on a computer, like Windows, macOS, or Linux.

P

  • Protocol: A set of rules that define how data is transmitted across the internet or within a network, ensuring communication happens smoothly and securely.
  • Python: A beginner-friendly programming language known for its simple syntax and versatility, widely used for web development, data analysis, and AI.

R

  • Recursion: A programming technique where a function calls itself to solve a problem by breaking it down into smaller, simpler versions of the same problem, typically until it reaches a base case.
  • RAM (Random Access Memory): The temporary memory that stores data your computer is currently using, which helps it run programs quickly.

S

  • Server: A powerful computer that provides services or resources, like hosting a website or managing data.
  • SQL (Structured Query Language): A language used to manage and retrieve data from databases, often used to organize large sets of information.

T

  • Token: A small unit of data, like a word or symbol, that a computer can understand when processing text or code.
  • Topology: The arrangement of elements (such as computers or devices) in a network and how they connect.

U

  • User Interface (UI): The layout and design of a software or website that allow users to interact with it, like buttons, icons, and text fields.
  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The web address used to access resources on the internet, like www.google.com.

V

  • Virtual Machine (VM): A software-based computer that acts like a real computer, allowing you to run different operating systems or programs in isolation.
  • Version Control: A system that tracks changes to files over time, letting users manage different versions and collaborate on projects.

W

  • Wi-Fi: A wireless technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or local networks without using cables.
  • Web Scraping: A technique used to automatically collect data from websites, like extracting product prices from online stores.