AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) is a broad introduction to computing — not just programming. The exam tests conceptual understanding of data, the internet, algorithms, and the societal impacts of computing. The Create Performance Task is 30% of your score.
Units 1–2: Binary, Data, and the Internet
Binary representation: all data (numbers, text, images, audio) stored as bits. Bits needed for n values: ⌈log₂(n)⌉. Overflow occurs when a value exceeds available bits. Lossless compression (no data lost) vs. lossy compression (data permanently removed — JPEG, MP3). Metadata = data about data (file size, creation date, GPS coordinates in photos). Internet protocols: IP addresses identify devices; DNS translates domain names to IP addresses. TCP/IP: TCP ensures reliable delivery (acknowledgment, retransmission); UDP is faster but unreliable. HTTP vs. HTTPS (TLS encryption). Fault tolerance: packets take different routes; no single point of failure.
Units 3–4: Algorithms and Programming
Algorithm properties: must be finite, definite, and produce output. Efficiency: time complexity measures how runtime grows with input size. Linear search O(n) vs. binary search O(log n) — binary requires sorted data. Undecidable problems: the halting problem cannot be solved by any algorithm. Heuristics: approximate solutions for intractable problems. Programming constructs: sequencing (order matters), selection (if/else), iteration (loops), procedures/functions with parameters enable abstraction. Lists (arrays) store multiple values; traverse with loops.
Units 5–6: Impacts of Computing and Cybersecurity
Beneficial impacts: simulation enables scientific discovery, crowdsourcing enables distributed problem-solving, machine learning finds patterns in big data. Harmful impacts: filter bubbles, algorithmic bias, deepfakes, surveillance. Intellectual property: Creative Commons licenses vs. copyright; open-source software. Privacy: personally identifiable information (PII); data aggregation can identify individuals even from "anonymous" data. Cybersecurity threats: phishing, malware, DDoS attacks. Encryption: symmetric (same key) vs. public key (asymmetric) cryptography.
Create Performance Task Requirements
Written response must address: (1) program purpose and function — describe what it does and demonstrate input/output; (2) data abstraction — show a list that stores multiple values and explain how it manages complexity; (3) managing complexity — explain how abstraction (a procedure) manages complexity; (4) procedural abstraction — show a procedure with a parameter and explain its role; (5) algorithm implementation — describe sequencing, selection, and iteration in your procedure; (6) testing — describe two calls with different inputs/outputs and identify the condition being tested.
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