Define 'algorithm' in computer science

Step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem

Describe 'encapsulation' benefit

Improves maintainability, flexibility, and security by hiding internal state and behavior

Define 'data structure'

A way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently

Define 'interface' in Java

Abstract type used to specify a method that must be implemented by a class

Describe 'abstraction' in programming

Process of hiding complex implementation details and showing only essential features

Define 'serialization' in Java

Process of converting an object's state into a byte stream for storage or transmission

Define 'race condition'

Behavior where the output depends on the sequence and timing of uncontrollable events

Define 'linked list'

Data structure consisting of nodes, each containing data and a reference to the next node

Define 'database normalization'

Process of structuring a database to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity

Define 'computer graphics'

Field of computer science that focuses on creating images and animations from digital data

Define 'Internet of Things (IoT)'

Network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data

Define 'composition' in OOP

Design principle where a class contains instances of other classes to reuse code

Define 'software engineering'

Application of engineering principles to software development in a systematic method

Define 'static' keyword usage

Associates a method or variable with a class, rather than an instance

Describe 'heap' memory management

Area of memory used for dynamic allocation, where objects are stored and managed at runtime

Describe 'compile-time error'

Error detected by the compiler, preventing the program from being compiled

Define 'class loader' in Java

Part of JVM that loads binary classes into memory during runtime

Describe 'bubble sort' algorithm

Repeatedly steps through list, compares adjacent elements and swaps them if in wrong order

Define 'object' in OOP

Instance of a class, containing data and methods to manipulate data

Define 'Java Memory Model'

Specification dictating how threads interact through memory and how changes are communicated

Define 'concurrency' in computer science

Ability of a system to run multiple parts of a program, or multiple programs, at the same time

Describe 'cryptocurrency'

Digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank

Describe 'functional programming'

Programming paradigm where programs are constructed by applying and composing functions

Define 'Java package'

Namespace mechanism to group related classes and interfaces, avoiding naming conflicts

Define 'polymorphism' in object-oriented programming

Ability of different classes to respond to the same method call in different ways