JP's Wiki | Basics / Glossary

Character: A single letter, number of symbol such as typed from a keyboard.
Code: A series of instructions for a computer, in human readable format.
Compiler: A Program which translates Code into a Program.
Data: Information stored on a computer.
Drive: A material item (or a part of one) on which Data is stored. Usually (but not always) synonym with a physical hard drive.
Environment
Executable: A File which, when accessed, will have the computer perform a task. The main component of a program.
File: A cohesive set of information sitting somewhere on your computer.
Folder: The main mean of organization on a computer's drive(s). A folder contains your file.
Function: A set of instructions that require a specific kind of input and will provide a specific kind of output.
GUI: A Graphical User Interface, which is what you see with most programs in which you can click buttons to do things. By opposition to a command line environment.
Hash: A hash is a unique combination of letter and numbers which is used to identify something. It is extremely important in Git.
Input: The information provided to a function in order for it to complete its task.
Loop: A code structure allowing the repetition of a set of instructions a certain number of times or until a certain condition is met.
Memory: The space in which Data is stored in order for the computer to access it. By opposition to Data on a hard drive or other medium which must be read first.
Operating System: The Program running on the computer, which interfaces between the user, other programs and the hardware of the computer.
Output: The information provided by a function after it has completed (or failed to complete) its task.
Path: The collection of directories in which your OS (or program, ex.: Matlab) will look for the executable script/function when it is called. (Alternatively Search Path)
Program: A series of instructions for a computer, allowing it to perform a task and usually geared towards interactions with humans.
Script: A set of functions used to automatize simple tasks otherwise (usually) performed by (inefficient) humans.
String: A series of character
Variable: The name given to a piece of Data residing in the Memory of the computer.