If you’re new to Java the vocabulary can be overwhelming. We’re building this glossary of Java terms to help you along the way.
And if you’re looking for a more general glossary of computer science terms, we have that for you as well.
- abstract method
- A method with a name, parameter types and return type; but without implementation. Typically used within an abstract class when the implementation is not known for a specific method.
- argument
- Bit of data specified in a method call. Typically a literal value or a variable.
- ArithmeticException
- Exception thrown when an impossible math condition is used. Most common example is when you try to divide by zero.
- array
- A collection of data items. Depending on the language they may all have to be the same type. In some languages arrays are a fixed size.
- break
- Keyword used to exit a loop and start execution at the next line following the loop. Also used in switch case statements.
- casting
- Changing one data type to another.
- exception
- An event that disrupts the normal flow of a program
- int
- A primitive data type that can hold a whole number in the range \( -2^{31} ... 2^{31} - 1\)
- Java subset
- A subset of the Java language that the College Board expects you to know for the Computer Science AP-A exam. You can find a copy here.
- NullPointerException
- Exception thrown when trying to access a property or method of a
nullobject.