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14 core topics · free sets

Computer science flashcards and quizzes

Computer science flashcards are ideal for definitions, number systems, algorithms and networking terms, and practice quizzes check you can trace and apply them, which is how exam questions test you.

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Core computer science topics

Pick a topic to open a ready-made set request: choose your level and counts, then generate. For exam revision, narrow it to your unit or paste your class notes.

Levels

What does computer science cover at each level?

School (about ages 11–16)

Data representation, hardware, networks, security, algorithms, programming and the impact of technology.

Pre-university (A-Level, IB, AP)

Data structures, algorithm complexity, computer architecture, theory of computation and a programming project.

University

Algorithms, systems, theory, software engineering and specialist areas such as AI, security and databases.

Courses differ by country and exam board, so check your own specification. Our exam board guides cover 23 countries and curricula.

Exam boards

Exam board guides for computer science

Computer science is examined by 10 of the boards and qualifications we cover. Each guide explains grading, exam dates and what to know, with sets matched to that board.

Revision

How should you revise computer science?

Drill conversions until automatic

Binary, denary and hexadecimal conversions come up every year. A few quiz questions a day make them quick and reliable.

Trace algorithms by hand

Work through bubble sort or binary search on paper with a small list. Exams ask you to show each pass.

Learn definitions word for word

Terms like protocol, volatile and abstraction have precise meanings. One card each, in your course's wording.

Card the comparisons

RAM vs ROM, TCP vs UDP, compiler vs interpreter: "compare" questions are common, so make cards for the differences.

Watch out

What are the most common computer science mistakes?

  • Mistake: RAM keeps your data when the power is off.

    Correct: RAM is volatile: its contents are lost when power is removed. Secondary storage such as an SSD keeps data.

  • Mistake: Binary search works on any list.

    Correct: Binary search only works on a sorted list. For an unsorted list, use a linear search or sort it first.

  • Mistake: The internet and the World Wide Web are the same thing.

    Correct: The internet is the global network of connected networks. The web is one service that runs on it: web pages accessed over HTTP.

Examples

Sample computer science flashcards

One idea per card, a clear question, a short answer. This is the style every generated set follows.

Computer science

What is the binary number 1011 in denary?

Back

11 (8 + 2 + 1).

Computer science

What does the ALU in a CPU do?

Back

The arithmetic logic unit carries out arithmetic calculations and logical operations, such as comparisons.

Computer science

What is the difference between a stack and a queue?

Back

A stack is last in, first out (LIFO); a queue is first in, first out (FIFO).

FAQ

Computer science: questions

How do I revise computer science theory?

Turn each specification point into a few flashcards with precise definitions, then use quiz questions to practise applying them, especially comparisons and "explain why" questions.

Can flashcards help with programming?

They help with syntax, key concepts and algorithm steps, but programming skill comes from writing code. Use cards for the knowledge and practise coding regularly.

What computer science topics come up most?

Most courses test data representation, hardware, networks, security, algorithms and programming concepts. Your specification has the full list.

More subjects

Make your first computer science set

Pick a topic, choose how many cards and questions, and have a set ready in about a minute. Free.

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