WHAT IS COMPUTING / COMPUTER SCIENCE?
Rocky K. C. Chang
August 31, 2015
Is Computer Science (CS) the science of Computing?
CS is not just about programming.
CS is not just about problem solving.
CS is not about computer?
IS CS Science?
“CS is the body of knowledge dealing with the design, analysis, implementation, efficiency, and application of processes that transform information”
According to Peter J. Denning
Computer science is the study of computation—what can be computed and how to compute it.
The evolution of CS (Denning 1985)• Theory (1940)• Numerical computation (1945)• Architecture (1950)• Programming languages and methodology (1960)• Algorithms and data structures (1968)• Operating systems (1971)• Networks (1975)• Human interface (1978)• Database systems (1980)• Concurrent computation (1982)• Artificial intelligence (1986?)
Why is CS so important now and in the future?
Because it is everywhere and is used all the time.
Such as your smartphones• Mobile operating system (Android, iOS)• Lots of sensors• Lots of apps• Wireless/mobile network connectivity• Cloud support• …
Source: http://www.technologyace.com/technology/types-sensors-modern-smartphones/
Embedded systems• An embedded system is special-purpose computer
system, part of a larger system which it controls.• Examples: home routers, cell phones, refrigerator, digital
camera, cars, set-top box, TV, remote control, etc.
Source: http://www.rohm.com/web/eu/news-detail?news-title=2013-04-23-lapis-semiconductor-s-new-mini-lp-micros-optimized-for-embedded-system-control
E.g., Automotive Electronics Le
vel o
f dep
ende
ncy
Embedded systems:90% future innovations40% price
1970 1980 1990 2000
ACC Stop&GoBFDALCKSG42 voltageInternet PortalGPRS, UMTSTelematicsOnline ServicesBlueToothCar OfficeLocal Hazard WarningIntegrated Safety
SystemSteer/Brake-By-WireI-DriveLane Keeping Assist.PersonalizationSoftware UpdateForce Feedback Pedal…
Electronic InjectionsCheck ControlSpeed ControlCentral Locking…
Navigation SystemCD-ChangerACC Adaptive Cruise
ControlAirbagsDSC Dynamic Stability
ControlAdaptive Gear ControlXenon LightBMW AssistRDS/TMCSpeech RecognitionEmergency Call…
Electronic Gear ControlElectronic Air ConditionASC Anti Slip ControlABSTelephoneSeat Heating ControlAutom. Mirror Dimming…
sour
ce: B
MW
The Internet
Source: http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/Internet_History.htm
Also because CS is becoming a necessary skill for all.
2008-2018 Employment Projections for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
CS in the K-12 STEM education in US
Coding at a younger age• Why Estonia Has Started Teaching Its First-Graders To C
ode• It was the birthplace of Skype.• It has launched a nationwide scheme to teach school kids from the
age of seven to 19, how to write code.
Computational Thinking
“Computational Thinking will be a
fundamental skill used by everyone in the
world in the middle of the 21st century“ Jeannette M. Wing
Specific techniques• Problem decomposition• Pattern recognition• Pattern generalization (abstractions or models)• Algorithm design• Data analysis and visualization• …
How important is the IT/Software/Internet industry to the worldwide economy?
Largest IT companies
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_largest_information_technology_companies
Largest software companies
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_software_companies
Largest Internet companies
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_Internet_companies
Conclusions• CS or Computing is a young, still evolving and very
exciting field.• There are many different ways that you could use
Computing/CS to contribute to society.• It is your job to find your own place.
• Computational thinking will be a fundamental skill used by everyone.
Self study• Watch a YouTube video on “Great Principles of
Computing” by Peter J. Denning.• Watch “How Estonia became E-stonia,” a BBC video.• Watch a YouTube video on “Solving Problems at Google
Using Computational Thinking.”• Try out https://learn.code.org/.• Read Peter J. Denning, “The Science of Computing: What
is computer science,” American Scientist, vol. 73, 1985.
Acknowledgments for the sources• Peter J. Denning, “The Science of Computing: What is
computer science,” American Scientist, vol. 73, 1985.