CH 4 Flashcards
abstraction
thinking at a higher level, hiding the implementation details so that just the semantics (meaning) is known; Example: when programmers use a method without worrying about the details or what’s inside the method, this allows the programmer to focus on a few concepts at a time
argument
value sent to a parameter in a method
calling a method
running, invoking or bringing a method into world.my firstmethod so that it is executed; some call it “summoning” a method
class
3D object in Alice, every class has its own set of methods and properties
class-level method
method that is specific to one object or class and does not reference other world-level methods; uses inheritance
function
asks a question in a program and returns a value
inheritance
dea of creating a new class based on a previously defined class; used to reuse previously written code in a different program
instance
an object derived from a class
instantiate
To instantiate is to create a new instance of an object; in Alice, we do this by adding a new object to the world
method
manipulates an object, actions performed by an object
object
3D models that perform methods
parameter
placeholder, or “empty basket” for an argument or value to be passed in
property
values associated with an object such as color and size
primitive method
pre-defined methods already written in Alice such as move, turn, roll, etc.
stepwise refinement
process of breaking a problem down into large tasks and then breaking each task down into simpler steps is called stepwise refinement.
