This glossary lists 22 terms that students mix up in Sains Komputer. Each has an English name, a Malay equivalent, a short example and the term it is confused with.
Use it beside SPM Computer Science while you study. The BM-English terminology bridge adds Chinese explanations. Wording differs between textbooks, so check yours.
Terms
| English | Malay | Meaning and example | Confused with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algorithm | Algoritma | Ordered steps that solve a problem, such as the steps to total three marks. | Program |
| Pseudocode | Pseudokod | Steps written in structured plain language, not tied to one language. | Code |
| Flowchart | Carta alir | A diagram of steps using shapes and arrows. | Algorithm |
| Variable | Pemboleh ubah | A named place whose value can change, such as total. | Constant |
| Constant | Pemalar | A named value that stays fixed, such as a tax rate of 6%. | Variable |
| Data type | Jenis data | The kind of value stored, such as integer or string. | Variable |
| Selection | Pilihan (selection) | A decision with IF, choosing one path. | Loop |
| Loop | Gelung | Repeats steps until a condition changes, such as FOR or WHILE. | Selection |
| Function | Fungsi | A named block that can return a value. | Procedure |
| Parameter | Parameter | A value passed into a function, such as a mark. | Variable |
| Array | Tatasusunan | An ordered list of values held under one name. | Table |
| Trace table | Jadual surih | A table showing each variable’s value as a program runs. | Test table |
| Syntax error | Ralat sintaks | A rule of the language is broken, so the program will not run. | Logic error |
| Logic error | Ralat logik | The program runs but gives a wrong result. | Syntax error |
| Validation | Pengesahan input (validation) | A check that input is sensible, such as an age above 0. | Verification |
| Verification | Verifikasi | A check that data was entered as intended, such as typing it twice. | Validation |
| Primary key | Kunci primer | A field that identifies each record, such as StudentID. | Foreign key |
| Foreign key | Kunci asing | A field that links to another table’s primary key. | Primary key |
| Record | Rekod | One row in a table. | Field |
| Field | Medan | One column or attribute, such as Name. | Record |
| Query | Kueri / pertanyaan | A request to a database, such as SELECT with WHERE. | Table |
| Join | Cantuman (join) | Combining rows from two tables on a matching column. | Union |
Question words
| Word | What to write |
|---|---|
| State | One short fact |
| Explain | A fact plus the reason |
| Trace | A table of variable values |
| Compare | Both items with a difference |
| Justify | A choice and its evidence |
How do you use this list?
Start with the confused pairs. Write one example that separates each pair. For instance, a program that should average three marks but prints their total runs without a message, so it is a logic error and not a syntax error.
For the skills behind the terms, see programming foundations and data and databases. The exam guide shows how command words change the answer.
If you want a teacher to test your understanding of the terms, see online one-to-one Computer Science tuition.