Cambridge International · International A Level · 9618
Computer Science — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level Computer Science (9618)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level Computer Science (9618)
Cambridge International International A Level Computer Science (9618)
Cambridge International A Level Computer Science (9618)
Cambridge 9618 (2026) covers information representation, communication, hardware, logic, systems software, security, ethics, computational thinking, programming, databases, and advanced topics (e.g. AI, functional programming) at A Level — paper combination depends on AS vs A Level route.
Mark schemes: Theory: precise definitions matching syllabus (e.g. normalisation stages). Algorithms: trace tables must match loop logic. Pseudocode should mirror Cambridge conventions where used. Programming project (if applicable): document design, iterative testing, evaluation against criteria — examiner reports stress evidence over assertion.
Active recall: 0 / 22 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information, hardware & logic | Core | Data vs information | Raw facts vs processed meaning. | |
| Information, hardware & logic | Core | Number systems & encoding | Binary arithmetic; two’s complement; floating-point outline. | |
| Information, hardware & logic | Core | Multimedia representation | Sampling, resolution, colour depth, compression trade-offs. | |
| Information, hardware & logic | Core | Logic circuits | Combinational vs sequential; flip-flops for memory. | |
| Information, hardware & logic | Core | Karnaugh maps | Simplify Boolean expressions. | |
| Information, hardware & logic | Advanced | Fetch–decode–execute | PC, MAR, MDR, CIR — register-level detail. | |
| Software, OS & security | Core | Operating system functions | Memory, process, file, I/O scheduling. | |
| Software, OS & security | Core | Translation | Compiler, interpreter, JIT — comparative advantages. | |
| Software, OS & security | Core | File systems | Directory structure, access permissions. | |
| Software, OS & security | Core | Encryption | Symmetric vs asymmetric; keys and certificates overview. | |
| Software, OS & security | Core | SQL DDL / DML | CREATE, INSERT, SELECT, JOIN — relational database operations. | |
| Software, OS & security | Advanced | Normalisation | 1NF, 2NF, 3NF — remove redundancy and anomalies. | |
| Programming & OOP | Core | Structured programming | Sequence, selection, iteration; procedures. | |
| Programming & OOP | Core | OOP concepts | Class, object, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism. | |
| Programming & OOP | Core | ADT | Abstract data type — interface vs implementation. | |
| Programming & OOP | Core | Recursion | Base case and recursive step — stack usage. | |
| Programming & OOP | Advanced | Big-O notation | Time complexity — compare algorithms. | |
| Communication, AI & ethics | Core | TCP/IP model | Layers and responsibilities — compare to OSI overview. | |
| Communication, AI & ethics | Core | Packet switching vs circuit switching | Efficiency and latency trade-offs. | |
| Communication, AI & ethics | Core | Machine learning vs explicit programming | Training data, model, inference. | |
| Communication, AI & ethics | Core | Professional ethics | Data protection, consent, accountability. | |
| Communication, AI & ethics | Advanced | Internet governance | DNS, IP addressing, IPv6 drivers. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Computer Science (9618) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International International A Level Computer Science keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important computer science terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level Computer Science (9618) (9618). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Computer Science glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for International A Level Computer Science (9618) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Computer Science.
- Can I download this Computer Science keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Computer Science list aligned to the 9618 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level Computer Science (9618) for Cambridge International International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Computer Science at International A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.