Glossary


 * declare
 * This means to set up a variable in memory. To declare a variable in C++, you'd type something like . You don't need to declare variables in advance in python.


 * declaration
 * In C++, this is a line of code that goes above main (or into a .h file if you're splitting into separate files). Declarations tell your compiler, "hey, I'm writing my own function- here's it's name, what it returns, and what it needs as parameters!". Function declarations are also called prototypes (they are a little different, but for the scope of our class, you can use them interchangeably). A sample C++ declaration might look like this: . In this declaration, the int is the return type, char c is the parameter, and "Bugs" is the name of the function. Python functions do not need declarations.


 * function
 * A block of code that's only run when called. Functions are especially useful when you don't want to write a chunk of code over and over again. They also help keep your code organized.


 * for loop
 * A type of loop that runs a set number of times.


 * IDE
 * This stands for Integrated Development Environment. IDEs provide you a place to type your code, and will also help you organize, debug, and compile and run your programs. Examples of IDEs include Visual Studio, Thonny, and PyCharm. Replit is an example of an online IDE.


 * loop
 * A block of code that runs multiple times. Common loop types include for loops, while loops, and do-while loops.


 * initialize
 * This means to put an initial or first value into a variable so it's not empty. In C++, this might look like this: . In python, it's simply like this:


 * variable
 * A storage box for information in your game. Variables hold things like player position, scores, ammo, and lives.


 * while loop
 * A loop that runs for as long as a condition is true. For example, game loops often run until the player runs out of health. Unlike do-while loops, while loops check their condition before they start running, and sometimes don't run at all if that condition is false.