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Syntax
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The proper spelling, arrangement, and punctuation of keywords in a language.
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Semantics
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The meaning of a text with valid syntax. In a programming language, the result
is some returned data or action, which may or may not be what was intended.
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Language
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A mapping between Syntax and Semantics.
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Dictionary
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A list of keyword or variable definitions, which can be quickly accessed
by entering the keyword or variable name.
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Keywords
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The words provided in the initial dictionary of the JavaScript language.
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Statement
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A complete sequence of valid syntax with actionable semantics. Like a sentence,
but ending with a ";" instead of a "." for some weird reason.
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Program
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1. Code that implements some functionality via a sequence of statements.
2. A dictionary of definitions of functions and data structures.
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Scope
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A set of statements in which a specific variable is known and accessible.
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Block
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Collection of statements which act together and enclose a block scope. Indicated
by surrounding the statements with curly brackets. {} Blocks are the syntax
for achieving scope.
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Variables
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Labels for boxes in memory which can hold anything. These are also new entries
in the dictionary which you define.
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Objects
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Variables which are more complex and can hold other variables, and generally
know how to do things to themselves. Basically everything in JavaScript is
an object, although some can't be changed / varied.
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Functions
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Objects which contain statements which cause the computer execute their
instructions. They can be executed by following them with opening and
closing parentheses, which can contain arguments. This is referred to as
"calling" the function.
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Method
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Functions in objects.
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Parameters
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Variables in the definition of a function which are replaced by arguments
when the function is called. This lets us use the same function to act on
different variables.
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Arguments
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Normally, arguments are listed inside parenthesis () after the function name
when we call it.
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Operators
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+, -, *, /, stuff like that. Operators are just functions with very short
weird names that take arguments from either side
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Values
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Raw data, like numbers and strings of characters (which are just numbers
in ASCII (everything in a computer is a
number))
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Encapsulation
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Putting boxes inside other boxes.
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Information Hiding
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Making the inner boxes invisible so they don't clutter up the view
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Abstraction
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Applying a general idea (layout or Method) over many specific Instantiations.
See "this"
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Instantiation
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Copying the layout of a box and filling the spaces with new data
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Inheritance
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Re-using the layout of one box and extending it into a more complex layout
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Mutable
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Able to change
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Attribute
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Variable inside an object
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Constructor
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Function that initializes a new object
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