Best APCSP Quizlets to Study From!

WARNING: This article has not been updated to the new 2021 CED due to a lack of current Quizlet decks for the new unit structure!

AP Computer Science Principles is one of the newer classes offered by the College Board, and although the course has a focus split between knowledge and theory and actual programming, having a solid understanding of the 7 Big Ideas, 6 of which are heavily academic, and how to apply them is crucial to acing the exam. 

❓ Why Quizlet?

One of the most popular study sites used by AP students is Quizlet and for good reason! Quizlet combines the classic flashcard studying method with unique, fun games to learn vocabulary. However, the number of resources provided by Quizlet can make it challenging to find the best decks for each AP CSP Big Idea. For that reason, here are the most comprehensive Quizlet decks for effective studying! Vocabulary is critical for understanding different concepts, laws, and theories.

Note: Big Idea 1 is not tested on the AP Exam!

📀 Big Idea 2: Abstraction

Abstraction plays a huge role in not only analyzing but also creating technology. Ultimately, abstraction is used to make programs and software as simple and concise as possible, so it’s important to understand the many ways this is accomplished.

Best Quizlet Deck: Abstraction by Ryan_Johnston15

Most Important Terms to Know:

• Abstraction — To reduce detail or information for a purpose in a program; to generalize concepts so that they can be used in a variety of instances
• Simulation — A virtual representation of how an object or environment will behave or react given a set of conditions or inputs; more abstract (with less detail) than reality; used to understand or solve a problem
• Lower-level abstractions — Abstractions with lots of detail; very specific
• Higher-level abstractions — Abstractions with few details; broad

📋 Big Idea 3: Data and Information

Data is all around us, but programmers understand how to take the best and most important aspects and points and make something useful out of them. It’s also beneficial to understand the classification and effective usage of this data. 

****Best Quizlet Deck: Data and Information Big Idea #3 by jenningba

Most Important Terms to Know: 

• Big Data — The huge and complex data sets generated by today's sophisticated information generation, collection, storage, and analysis technologies
• Metadata — Data that describes other data
• Scalability — Describes how well a system can scale up, or adapt to the increased demands of growth

➗ Big Idea 4: Algorithms

Algorithms go hand in hand with Abstraction. Using algorithms allows for logic and simplicity while being able to easily communicate and understand the complexities of what you build.

Best Quizlet Deck: Algorithms Big Idea #4 Vocabulary by jenningba

Most Important Terms to Know:

• Algorithm — A methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem
• Boolean Values — Binary values (usually denoted true and false), intended to represent the truth values of logic and Boolean algebra
• Heuristic — A problem-solving approach (algorithm) to find a satisfactory solution where finding an optimal or exact solution is impractical or impossible.

👨‍💻 Big Idea 5: Programming

The actual building part of Computer Science Principles comes with its own vernacular that you should get very familiar with. Not only will it show up repeatedly on word problems and error messages, but it’ll also help you grow and keep learning outside of the classroom. 

Best Quizlet Deck: Programming Big Idea #5 by jenningba

Most Important Terms to Know:

• Debugging — Finding and fixing problems in your algorithm or program
• Integers — Whole numbers and their opposites (no decimals)
• Procedure — Section of code that will be executed only when they are called by the main program or another procedure

💻 Big Idea 6: The Internet

Although the Internet is all around us, most people never realize how complex its inner workings truly are. From the journey of data packets to resolutions, understanding the Internet is crucial to understanding computer science. 

Best Quizlet Deck: The Internet by jenningba

Most Important Terms to Know:

• Domain name — The name of the server that hosts the data/ a human-readable way of locating an internet site
• Internet protocols (IP) — An addressing system that finds paths to distant computers and splits data into small packets sent separately
• Packet Switching — The internet sends short bursts of information, not long continuous strings

🌐 Big Idea 7: Global Impact

You’ve made it to the last Big Idea, where we finally step back and analyze the big picture. Through Global Impact, you’ll discover how each detail and innovation has changed the way we live as a society, and how you can become a better innovator and builder in the present. 

Best Quizlet Deck: Global Impact Big Idea #7 by jenningba

Most Important Terms to Know:

• Creative Commons Licensing — Guidelines whereby content creators allow or limit your use to copy, edit, remix, build upon, or distribute all or parts of their work
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) — Makes it illegal to circumvent technology-based protections of copyrighted materials
• Machine Learning — Leverages massive amounts of data so that computers can act and improve on their own without additional programming.

Resources Based on Current CED

We will update this article based on the current 5 big ideas once we can find the most optimal Quizlet decks. For now, here are some resources so that you could brush up on each specific, current day, big idea:

• 📝Read: AP Computer Science Principles - Big Idea 1: Creative Development
• 📝Read: AP Computer Science Principles -  Big Idea 2: Data
• 📝Read: AP Computer Science Principles - Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming
• 📝Read: AP Computer Science Principles - Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks
• 📝Read: AP Computer Science Principles - Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing

Closing Thoughts 💭

APCSP is not a super difficult 💪 class, but it does require you to understand and apply some basic programming 👨‍💻 vocabulary! Make sure to study these decks before exam day to ace your MCQ and get that five 5️⃣