Image Scaling Definition Image scaling is the process of resizing a digital image. Scaling down an image makes it smaller while scaling up an image makes it larger. Both raster graphics and vector graphics can be scaled, but they produce different results. Raster Image Scaling A raster graphic is a bitmap image comprised of individual pixels. Examples include JPEG and PNG files. The process of scaling raster graphics is also called "resampling," in which pixels are mapped to a new grid, which ma...

Snapchat Definition Snapchat is a mobile app and service for sharing photos, videos, and messages with other people. Once you view a message received via Snapchat, it is automatically deleted. This makes the service ideal for sharing quick updates with friends without accumulating media or messages on your mobile device. The Snapchat app is available for iOS and Android devices. Once you download and install the app, you can create an account and add friends. You can then take a "snap" and send...

Algorithm Definition An algorithm is a set of instructions designed to perform a specific task. This can be a simple process, such as multiplying two numbers, or a complex operation, such as playing a compressed video file. Search engines use proprietary algorithms to display the most relevant results from their search index for specific queries. In computer programming, algorithms are often created as functions. These functions serve as small programs that can be referenced by a larger prog...

App Definition App is short for "application," which is the same thing as a software program. While an app may refer to a program for any hardware platform, it is most often used to describe programs for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The term "app" was popularized by Apple when the company created the "App Store" in 2008, a year after the first iPhone was released. As the iPhone and App Store grew in popularity, the term "app" became the standard way to refer to mobile applic...

Raw Data Definition Raw data is unprocessed computer data. This information may be stored in a file, or may just be a collection of numbers and characters stored on somewhere in the computer's hard disk. For example, information entered into a database is often called raw data. The data can either be entered by a user or generated by the computer itself. Because it has not been processed by the computer in any way, it is considered to be "raw data." To continue the culinary analogy, data that ha...

Sprite Definition A sprite is a bitmap graphic that is designed to be part of a larger scene. It can either be a static image or an animated graphic. Examples of sprites include objects in 2D video games, icons that are part of an application user interface, and small images published on websites. In the 1980s and for most of the 1990s, sprites were the standard way to integrate graphics into video games. Graphic artists created small 2D images that were used to represent characters and other o...

FPS Definition Stands for "Frames Per Second." FPS is used to measure frame rate – the number of consecutive full-screen images that are displayed each second. It is a common specification used in video capture and playback and is also used to measure video game performance. On average, the human eye can process 12 separate images per second. This means a frame rate of 12 FPS can display motion, but will appear choppy. Once the frame rate exceeds 12 FPS, the frames appear less discrete and star...

Clip Art Definition Clip art is a collection of pictures or images that can be imported into a document or another program. The images may be either raster graphics or vector graphics. Clip art galleries many contain anywhere from a few images to hundreds of thousands of images. Clip art is typically organized into categories, such as people, objects, nature, etc., which is especially helpful when browsing through thousands of images. Most clip art images also have keywords associated with them...