Cambridge International · IGCSE · 0478
Computer Science — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)
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 IGCSE Computer Science (0478)
Cambridge International IGCSE Computer Science (0478)
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)
Aligned to Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 (2026): data representation, hardware, logic, communication, databases, programming, ethics and security — Core vs Extended where applicable.
Mark schemes: Theory papers reward precise computing vocabulary. Algorithm questions need clear logic (trace tables, pseudocode). Extended tasks: modular structure, meaningful identifiers, test data including boundary values. Compare with recent examiner reports for common misconceptions (e.g. confusing LAN/WAN, lossy vs lossless).
Active recall: 0 / 34 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data representation & logic | Essential | Bit / byte | Binary digit; group of 8 bits. | |
| Data representation & logic | Core | Binary, denary, hexadecimal | Number bases — conversion and use in addresses/colour. | |
| Data representation & logic | Core | ASCII / Unicode | Character encoding schemes. | |
| Data representation & logic | Core | Bitmap / vector graphics | Pixels vs objects; scaling behaviour. | |
| Data representation & logic | Core | Sampling rate & resolution | Digital sound — quality vs file size. | |
| Data representation & logic | Core | Logic gates | AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR — truth tables and simple circuits. | |
| Data representation & logic | Advanced | Boolean algebra | Simplify expressions; Karnaugh maps if in syllabus. | |
| Hardware & systems | Essential | CPU | Fetches, decodes, executes instructions; ALU, CU, registers. | |
| Hardware & systems | Core | RAM / ROM | Volatile working memory vs permanent firmware. | |
| Hardware & systems | Core | Secondary storage | HDD, SSD, optical — capacity, speed, portability. | |
| Hardware & systems | Core | Input / output devices | Purpose and typical applications. | |
| Hardware & systems | Core | Embedded system | Dedicated microcontroller inside a larger device. | |
| Hardware & systems | Advanced | Fetch–decode–execute cycle | Program counter, instruction register, accumulator roles. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Core | System software | OS, utilities, drivers. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Core | Application software | Programs for end-user tasks. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Core | Compiler / interpreter / assembler | Translation to machine code — when each applies. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Core | High-level vs low-level language | Readability vs hardware control. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Core | Algorithm | Finite sequence of steps solving a problem. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Core | Pseudocode / flowchart | Design notation before coding. | |
| Software, languages & algorithms | Advanced | Validation vs verification | Check input plausibility vs check transcription accuracy. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | LAN / WAN | Local vs wide area network. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | Client–server model | Requests and responses across a network. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | IP address | Unique logical address on a network. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | Router / switch | Forwarding packets vs connecting devices in LAN. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | Packet switching | Data split into packets with headers. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | Relational database | Tables linked by keys — entity relationships. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Core | Primary key / foreign key | Unique row identifier; link between tables. | |
| Networks, internet & databases | Advanced | SQL keywords | SELECT, INSERT, WHERE — purpose in queries. | |
| Ethics, security & emerging tech | Core | Malware | Virus, worm, trojan, spyware — definitions. | |
| Ethics, security & emerging tech | Core | Firewall / encryption | Access control; ciphertext vs plaintext. | |
| Ethics, security & emerging tech | Core | Authentication | Passwords, 2FA — prove identity. | |
| Ethics, security & emerging tech | Core | Phishing | Social engineering to steal credentials. | |
| Ethics, security & emerging tech | Core | Cookies | Stored browsing data — privacy implications. | |
| Ethics, security & emerging tech | Advanced | AI ethics | Bias, job displacement, accountability — syllabus-level discussion. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Computer Science (0478) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International IGCSE 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 IGCSE Computer Science (0478) (0478). 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 IGCSE Computer Science (0478) 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 0478 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) for Cambridge International IGCSE. 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 IGCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.