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

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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…

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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.