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: 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: new-mini-lp-micros-optimized-for-embedded-system-control

E.g., Automotive Electronics Level of dependency Embedded systems: 90% future innovations 40% price ACC Stop&Go BFD ALC KSG 42 voltage Internet Portal GPRS, UMTS Telematics Online Services BlueTooth Car Office Local Hazard Warning Integrated Safety System Steer/Brake-By-Wire I-Drive Lane Keeping Assist. Personalization Software Update Force Feedback Pedal… Electronic Injections Check Control Speed Control Central Locking … Navigation System CD-Changer ACC Adaptive Cruise Control Airbags DSC Dynamic Stability Control Adaptive Gear Control Xenon Light BMW Assist RDS/TMC Speech Recognition Emergency Call… Electronic Gear Control Electronic Air Condition ASC Anti Slip Control ABS Telephone Seat Heating Control Autom. Mirror Dimming … source: BMW

The Internet Source:

Also because CS is becoming a necessary skill for all.

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 Code Why Estonia Has Started Teaching Its First-Graders To Code 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:

Largest software companies Source:

Largest Internet companies Source:

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.YouTube video Watch “How Estonia became E-stonia,” a BBC video.a BBC video Watch a YouTube video on “Solving Problems at Google Using Computational Thinking.”YouTube video Try out 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.