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Computer Science
How computers think: binary, programming, algorithms, data structures, the web and staying safe online.
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Computer Science on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu has 80 interactive topics. Each one has a plain-English explanation, a live animation you can control, key ideas to remember and a quick quiz. Computing ideas run phones, search engines, games and the wider internet.
Computing Basics
1What Is a Computer?A computer takes input, processes it and produces output.2Hardware ComponentsCPU, memory, storage and I/O devices make up a computer.3The CPU and Fetch–Decode–ExecuteThe CPU repeats a cycle: fetch, decode, execute.4Operating SystemsThe OS manages hardware, files and programs.5Software TypesSystem software runs the machine; application software helps users.6The History of ComputingComputing grew from mechanical calculators to smartphones.7Moore's LawTransistor counts have roughly doubled every two years.8Input and Output DevicesDevices let us communicate with computers.9Storage and MemoryComputers store data in memory hierarchies.10Computational ThinkingBreak a problem down, find patterns, abstract and design steps.Binary and Data
11Binary NumbersComputers use 1s and 0s because switches have two states.12Converting Binary and DecimalConvert by adding the place values of the 1s.13HexadecimalHex uses 16 digits to shorten binary.14Binary AdditionBinary addition carries when the sum is 2.15Text and Character EncodingCharacters are stored as numbers using ASCII or Unicode.16Images and PixelsImages are grids of pixels each with colour values.17Sound and Digital AudioSound is sampled thousands of times per second.18Data CompressionCompression stores the same information in fewer bits.19Logic GatesGates combine bits using AND, OR and NOT.20Boolean Algebra and Truth TablesTruth tables list outputs for every input combination.Programming Fundamentals
21What Is Programming?Programs are step-by-step instructions written in a language computers can run.22Variables and Data TypesVariables name stored values of types like integer, float, string and boolean.23Operators and ExpressionsOperators combine values: arithmetic, comparison and logical.24StringsStrings are sequences of characters.25Conditionalsif, else if and else choose between paths.26LoopsLoops repeat code.27FunctionsFunctions package reusable code with inputs and outputs.28Lists and ArraysLists store ordered collections.29Dictionaries and MapsDictionaries map keys to values.30Input and OutputPrograms read input and print output.31DebuggingDebugging finds and fixes errors.32TestingTests check that code works as expected.33RecursionA function calls itself on a smaller version of the problem.34Object-Oriented ProgrammingClasses bundle data and behavior into objects.35Event-Driven ProgrammingPrograms respond to clicks, keys and messages.36Exceptions and Error Handlingtry/except catches errors so programs don't crash.37Scratch and Block ProgrammingBlock languages teach logic without syntax.38Python BasicsPython is a readable, popular language.39JavaScript BasicsJavaScript makes web pages interactive.40Version Control with GitGit tracks changes and lets teams collaborate.Algorithms and Data Structures
41What Is an Algorithm?An algorithm is a finite list of steps to solve a problem.42Flowcharts and PseudocodeDiagrams and plain-language code plan algorithms.43Linear SearchCheck each item in turn until you find the target.44Binary SearchHalve a sorted list repeatedly to find an item.45Bubble SortRepeatedly swap neighbouring items that are out of order.46Selection SortFind the smallest item and move it to the front.47Insertion SortInsert each item into its place in the sorted part.48Merge Sort and Quick SortDivide-and-conquer sorts are far faster for large data.49Big O NotationBig O describes how run time grows with input size.50Stacks and QueuesStacks are last-in first-out; queues are first-in first-out.51Linked ListsNodes link to the next node by pointers.52Trees and GraphsTrees and graphs model hierarchies and networks.53Hash TablesHash tables jump straight to data using a hash function.54Pathfinding and Shortest PathsAlgorithms like Dijkstra and A* find routes.Networks, the Web and Security
55The InternetThe internet is a global network of networks.56How the Web WorksBrowsers request pages from servers using HTTP.57HTML and CSSHTML structures pages; CSS styles them.58Web Servers and DatabasesServers store and send data; databases organise it.59Packets and RoutingData is split into packets that travel independently.60Wi-Fi and Mobile NetworksRadio waves connect devices without cables.61Cybersecurity BasicsSecurity protects data and systems from attack.62Passwords and AuthenticationStrong passwords and two-factor authentication protect accounts.63EncryptionEncryption scrambles data so only key holders can read it.64Phishing and ScamsPhishing tricks people into giving away information.65Privacy and Digital FootprintEverything you post leaves a trace.66Ethics in ComputingTechnology raises questions of fairness, privacy and responsibility.67Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningAI systems learn patterns from data.68Data Science and VisualisationCharts turn data into insight.69Robotics and AutomationRobots sense, think and act.70Cloud ComputingThe cloud means using remote servers over the internet.71Careers in ComputingComputing offers roles from developer to data analyst.72Algorithms in Everyday LifeRecipes, directions and search rankings are algorithms.73Games and SimulationGames use loops, events and physics simulations.74SpreadsheetsSpreadsheets compute with cells, formulas and charts.75Databases and SQL BasicsSQL selects, inserts, updates and deletes data in tables.76Open Source and LicensingOpen source code can be read, used and improved by anyone.More Computing
77The Caesar CipherThe Caesar cipher shifts each letter by a fixed number of places.78Parallel ComputingParallel computers split work across many processors at once.79Internet of ThingsEveryday objects with sensors and network connections form the Internet of Things.80Quantum ComputingQuantum computers use qubits that can be 0 and 1 at once.No topics match.
Frequently asked questions
What topics are in Computer Science?
There are 80 topics, including What Is a Computer?, Hardware Components, The CPU and Fetch–Decode–Execute, Operating Systems, Software Types, and more.
Who is Computer Science on LearnViz for?
High school students who want to understand computer science visually, teachers who want a quick classroom demonstration, and parents helping with homework.
Do I have to study the topics in order?
No. The list follows the order of the course, but every topic has its own page, so you can start wherever you need help.
How do I track my progress?
Open a topic and press “Mark as learned”. This subject page then shows how many topics you have completed. Progress is saved in your own browser.
How is Computer Science used in real life?
Computing ideas run phones, search engines, games and the wider internet.