GCSE Computer Science: Programming Revision

Quick check · one tap

What is a primary key?

Programming is a core part of GCSE Computer Science. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

VariableA named store whose value can change.

ConstantA named store whose value never changes.

IntegerA whole number with no fractional part.

FloatA number with a decimal point, e.g. 3.14.

BooleanA value that is True or False.

StringA sequence of characters, e.g. 'hello'.

FOR loopRepeats a block a fixed number of times.

WHILE loopRepeats while a condition is True.

IF/ELSERuns one block or another based on a test.

FunctionA named block of code that returns a value.

ParameterAn input passed to a function.

Return valueThe value a function gives back to the caller.

ProcedureA named block of code that does not return a value.

Local scopeA variable only visible inside its function.

What your exam board covers

Where Programming sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQAProgrammingSpec 8525

Data types and programming concepts
Programming techniques (sequence, selection, iteration)
Subroutines, structured programming and IDEs
Boolean operators and string handling

Source: AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

EdexcelProblem solving with programmingSpec 1CP2

Develop code
Constructs
Data types and structures
Input/output
Operators
Subprograms

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

EdexcelProgramming languagesSpec 1CP2

Part of: Computers

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

OCRProgramming fundamentalsSpec J277

Part of: Component 2 — Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Source: OCR GCSE (9–1) Computer Science (J277) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

OCRProgramming languages and IDEsSpec J277

Part of: Component 2 — Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Source: OCR GCSE (9–1) Computer Science (J277) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Cambridge IGCSEProgrammingSpec 0478

Programming concepts
Arrays
File handling

Source: Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Programming step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

What is a primary key?✗ A field that can have duplicate values. ✓ A field that uniquely identifies each record in a table.

What does SQL do?✗ Designs the physical hardware. ✓ Lets you query and manage data in a relational database.

Practise Programming — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 22 games in the Revision Arcade →

Programming

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Programming — free games

More GCSE Computer Science topics