Definitions

Flashcard Strategies for CS

Build a flashcard deck for key terms and protocols

What the Research Says

Flashcards combine retrieval practice with spaced repetition, two of the most effective study strategies. For Computer Science, where you need to recall dozens of technical definitions and processes, flashcards are particularly powerful.

Evidence Base

Study	Finding	Impact
Kornell (2009)	Spaced flashcard review produced 46% better recall than massed (cramming) review.	46% improvement
Karpicke & Bauernschmidt (2011)	Repeated retrieval with expanding intervals is optimal for long-term retention.	Leitner system works
Wissman et al. (2012)	Students who made their own flashcards outperformed those who used pre-made decks.	Making = learning

Step-by-Step Method

1
Make your own cards — The act of writing the card is itself a learning activity. Put the term on the front and the definition + an example on the back.
2
Keep answers short — One definition and one example per card. Long paragraphs defeat the purpose of quick recall.
3
Sort into categories — Group by topic: CPU, Memory, Networks, Security, Programming, etc. This helps you target weak areas.
4
Use spaced repetition — Review new cards daily, then space out: 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days. Move correctly answered cards to longer intervals.
5
Test both directions — Sometimes look at the definition and recall the term. This builds deeper connections.

Example Card 1: Definition

Front: What is the MAR?
Back: The Memory Address Register holds the address of the memory location being read from or written to. It sends this address to RAM via the address bus.

Example Card 2: Comparison

Front: What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Back: RAM is volatile (loses data when power off), read/write, stores running programs. ROM is non-volatile (keeps data), read-only, stores boot instructions (BIOS).

Example Card 3: Protocol

Front: What does HTTPS do?
Back: HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. Transfers web pages between browser and server with TLS encryption to protect data in transit.

Common Pitfalls

Making cards too complex — One concept per card. If the back has 5 bullet points, split it into 5 cards.
Only reviewing easy cards — Focus on the ones you get wrong. Move known cards to less frequent review.
Using pre-made decks without editing — Pre-made decks are a starting point. Rewrite them in your own words for better recall.

When to Use This

Start making flashcards from your first revision session. Add 5–10 new cards after each study topic. Review your deck for 10–15 minutes daily. Use the StudyVault flashcard feature or physical cards.