address A sequential number, beginning with zero, of each memory location.
ANSI C A term used to represent the standard C programming language as accepted by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) committee.
argument The value sent to a function or procedure. This can be a constant or a variable. C's arguments are always enclosed in parentheses.
array A list of variables, sometimes called a table.
ASCII Abbreviation for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. This defines a unique number for each character the computer can produce.
ASCII file A file containing characters that programs can access. Also called a text file.
B
backup file A copy of a file that preserves your work in case the original file is damaged. Often, backup files reside on tape, CD-ROM, or other largecapacity storage devices.
binary A numbering system based on two digits: 0 and 1. See also bit.
binary zero Another name for null zero.
bit Abbreviation for binary digit, the smallest unit of storage on a computer. Each bit has a value of 0 or 1, indicating the absence or presence of an electrical signal. See also binary.
bitwise operators C operators that manipulate the internal binary representation of data.
block One or more statements treated as if they are a single statement. C blocks are always enclosed within braces.
bubble sort An easy-to-code sorting routine that sorts arrays of values.
bug An error in a program that prevents the program from running correctly. This term originated when a moth short-circuited a printer's connection, preventing the computer from printing.
byte A basic unit of data storage and manipulation. A byte is equivalent to eight bits and can contain a value ranging from 0 through 255.
