What is computer science?

Computer science is the academic and practical study encompassing computation, information, and automation. It spans theoretical topics like algorithms and information theory as well as applied fields such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer architecture. At its core, the discipline is fundamentally concerned with determining what can and cannot be automated.

What we know

• Computer science spans both theoretical disciplines like algorithms and applied disciplines including hardware and software design. [4]
• The fundamental concern of computer science is determining what can and cannot be automated. [4]
• The Turing Award is generally recognized as the highest distinction in computer science. [4]
• Glossaries in computer science cover definitions of terms and concepts used across sub-disciplines, software, data science, and programming. [1, 2]

Where to go next

• how it workedHow do algorithms and data structures form the core of computation?
• the bigger pictureWhat is artificial intelligence and machine learning in computer science?
• a case in pointWhat is a record data structure in programming?
• compared withHow does software engineering differ from theoretical computer science?
• what followedWhat is the Turing Award?
• an unexpected connectionHow does linear algebra connect to computer science?Although sublinear functions originate as mathematical concepts in linear algebra and functional analysis, a completely different notion of sublinear functions also exists within computer science.

Sources

• [1]glossary of computer science (Wikidata Q55639805) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Glossary of computer science · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Sublinear function · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Computer science · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Record (computer science) · CC BY-SA 4.0