My DevCat Studios Portfolio

Table of Contents

Vocab

Abstraction The most fundamental idea in computer science, giving a name to something in a program to make it more readable.
Procedural abstraction Using a procedure to name an idea, ex. the procedure "who" to the idea of picking an item from the list of people or cats.
algorithm Step-by-step instructions. Example: The steps to making cookies and a method we use for long math problems are both examples of algorithms.
sequencing The order things happen in. Example: Brushing your teeth might consist of these steps: Put toothpaste on the toothbrush. Use the toothbrush to clean your teeth.
event-driven programming Detect an event Example: Using events to control a program
java A programming language. Example: Java and JavaScript are completely different languages.
object-oriented-language A way of writing code where you group related data and actions into reusable "objects." Example: Kind of like organizing tools into labeled boxes.
procedural-languagese Focus on procedures that operate on data in a linear top-down sequence. Example: Procedures are also known as functions
java-class A blueprint that defines the structure and behavior of objects you can create from it. Example: Structure and data is data and actions
java-method A block of code inside a class that performs a specific task when it's called. Example: Like classes, everything inside the curly braces { } is considered inside the method.
console The area of a computer that notes from a program can be printed to. Kind of like a notebook. Example: On Skill Struck (python, javascript, and java) this is the area that your code is printed to

Important Blocks

broadcast Sends a message to all the sprites. To set the message, click the down arrow and select "new..."
when I receive (Click help on the block to learned more about it in order to complete this definition)

On the AP Exam

image

  • Many languages (and the AP CS Principles Exam) use return instead of report as the name of the command to give a value back at the end of a function call.
  • The exam uses “value of a procedure” to mean the value the procedure returns when called. For example, “the value of double(5)” means 10.

## Code Examples

### Print Statements

  public class Hello {
      public static void main(String[] args) {
          System.out.println("Hello World!");
      }
  }

System accesses a Java class that’s built into the language

out is short for “output”.

println is short for “print line”.

Markdown Style Guide for Coding Notebooks

Follow this guide to keep your coding notebook clear, consistent, and professional.

This ensures your notes are easy for you (and others) to read later.

Headings

When to use: Organize your notebook into sections (like days, topics, or projects).

Example:

My Coding Notebook

Day 1

Notes

Practice

Text Formatting

When to use: Highlight important ideas or add emphasis.

Use bold for key terms or definitions.

Use italic for emphasis or side comments.

Use inline code for keywords, functions, or commands.

Example:

Class = a blueprint for objects

Remember: always test your code

Use System.out.println() to print

Code Blocks

When to use: Anytime you write multiple lines of code.

Inline code for short snippets.

Fenced code blocks with language for full examples.

Example:


public class Hello {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        System.out.println("Hello World!");

    }

}

Lists

When to use: Organize steps, notes, or key points.

Numbered lists for sequences or steps.

Bulleted lists for unordered ideas.

Example:

Define the class Write the main method Test your program Variables

Checklists

When to use: Track progress on assignments or tasks.

Example:

[x] Complete coding warm-up

Blockquotes

When to use: Call out notes, reminders, or teacher comments.

Example:

💡 Remember: Loops repeat code until a condition is false.

Tables

When to use: Compare values, track progress, or organize data neatly.

Example:

Task Status Notes

|————–|————|—————–|

Homework 1 Done # Submitted
Homework 2 Pending Needs review

Links & Images

When to use: Add references, resources, or visuals.

Example:

Java Docs

Markdown Logo

To make an image that is a link, paste the image, then add the following before it, replacing website address with the link:

And after the image info, add: </a>

Collapsible Sections

When to use: Hide solutions, extended notes, or extra details.

Example:

Click to reveal solution System.out.println("Answer: 42");

Footnotes

When to use: Add references or side notes without cluttering the page.

Example:

This concept is related to object-oriented programming.1

Style Rules

Consistency matters more than creativity

Always use headings to structure your notes.

Always use code blocks for multi-line code.

Clarity first

Bold key terms.

Use lists instead of long sentences when outlining steps.

Professional tone

Don’t mix casual notes with formal work in the same section.

Use blockquotes for reflections or teacher feedback.

Track your learning

Use checklists to mark what’s done.

Use collapsible sections if you want to hide answers until review time.

Bottom Line:

Headings = Structure

Bold/Italic = Emphasis

Code blocks = Code

Lists = Steps/Ideas

Tables = Organization

Checklists = Progress

Blockquotes = Notes/Tips

  1. See “Objects and Classes” in your textbook. ↩