What is compsci: Definition and 23 Discussions

Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, and information theory) to applied disciplines (including the design and implementation of hardware and software). Though more often considered an academic discipline, computer science is closely related to computer programming.Algorithms and data structures are central to computer science.
The theory of computation concerns abstract models of computation and general classes of problems that can be solved using them. The fields of cryptography and computer security involve studying the means for secure communication and for preventing security vulnerabilities. Computer graphics and computational geometry address the generation of images. Programming language theory considers different ways to describe computational processes, and database theory concerns the management of repositories of data. Human–computer interaction investigates the interfaces through which humans and computers interact, and software engineering focuses on the design and principles behind developing software. Areas such as operating systems, networks and embedded systems investigate the principles and design behind complex systems. Computer architecture describes the construction of computer components and computer-operated equipment. Artificial intelligence and machine learning aim to synthesize goal-orientated processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, environmental adaptation, planning and learning found in humans and animals. Within artificial intelligence, computer vision aims to understand and process image and video data, while natural language processing aims to understand and process textual and linguistic data.
The fundamental concern of computer science is determining what can and cannot be automated. The Turing Award is generally recognized as the highest distinction in computer science.

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  1. S

    Other Are too many students going into CompSci?

    I was reading this article (paywalled), and this graph stuck out like a sore thumb: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/05/19/college-majors-computer-science-humanities/
  2. A

    Engineering Drawing velocity polygon for a press mechanism

    Hello, I'm new to the forum, I want to ask help on this problem here, above is a press mechanism and I'm tasked to draw a velocity polygon based on this mechanism. The point of contact between the two gears is A and consider it as a swivel hinge (rotating but stay still), so I guess it's O2...
  3. L

    Programs Software Development Degree vs CompSci Degree

    I was thinking which degree would open more doors? Would employers look down on me for having a Software Dev degree? Which degree has a better roi?
  4. M

    Programs Triple Majoring for MIT/Caltech: Math, Physics & CompSci?

    Is a triple major in math, physics and computer science possible? Can someone manage to get a hight GPA while triple majoring? One that can get you admitted to MIT or Caltech? And what do these universities look for in a student? What do you need to have to get accepted?
  5. L

    Other What's the best thing you can do with a CompSci degree?

    So I don't really know what kind of career path to pursue with a computer science degree. I'm going to be starting my second year in autumn. What's the best kind of work you can do in terms of interestingness/wage/impact on the world/whatever other kind of metric? I know's it very difficult to...
  6. S

    Other Guy Spent $37K on CompSci Degree & Can't Get Job at Best Buy

    http://www.businessinsider.com/profile-of-corinthian-student-michael-adorno-2015-4 Saw this today. :confused:
  7. X

    Should I stick with Computer Eng or switch to CompSci?

    I've been coding for several years and I've considered switching to computer science. I've made tons of money freelance coding, and I've made some really cool things in the past. I am currently a computer engineering major. Upon looking at every course offered at my Uni, I know all of them...
  8. K

    Programs Math or Compsci minor for Physics Major?

    I am entering my second year in college, and I am thinking about majoring physics with an emphasis in astrophysics. If I were to go to graduate school in astrophysics, which minor would best complement a physics major? Mathematics? Computer Science? Or maybe even statistics? If I were to...
  9. cpscdave

    Engineering CompSci & Electrical Engineering

    Hi Everyone, I originally have a BSc in Computer Science, and worked as a software Dev for 4 years, I have not returned to school and am entering my 4th (and final) year of electrical engineering. I've done 2 co-ops with a mining company working in Maintenance and Reliability, and have 1...
  10. S

    What Types and Levels of Math for Compsci?

    Hello everyone, I will be an incoming freshman next academic year at my local uni. I've been looking at and talking about majors with my friends and family and many mentioned that computer science was a very in demand, practical, and lucrative field (well, relatively lucrative, lol...
  11. S

    Working for CSA as a CompSci graduate?

    Hello everyone, a little info on my current situation. Over the past few years I've been wanting to change careers from the trades, and go back to school. I'm currently 26 years old, I just reapplied to an adult high school program to relearn all the math, physics, and other sciences I've...
  12. trollcast

    Career prospects with either EE or CompSci

    Whats the career outlook for both these degrees with regard to both chances of gaining employment and the variety of different job opportunities availible? I'm always hearing that engineering and especially EE is a very good field for jobs, however is this trend likely to continue in the...
  13. STEMucator

    Engineering CompSci vs Software Engineering

    You know the deal. Very controversial topic. I'm currently enrolled in double major computer science and honors math, computing theory and numerical methods. Lots of different opinions on which one is better than the other in terms of a career. Pay is always debatable in the sense that...
  14. K

    Schools Better CompSci education or better college experience?

    I've had a lot of trouble with this for the past month. I live in Indiana, and there are essentially two schools that I am going to choose from. Either Indiana University or Purdue. Purdue is known for Engineering and Agriculture, but it apparently has a pretty good Computer Science program. It...
  15. A

    Linear Algebra / Vector Calc Text (for CompSci student)

    I'm taking a Linear Algebra / Vector Calculus course this semester as part of a maths major for my Comp Sci undergrad. degree. We don't have a prescribed text, but I'd very much like a hard copy of something that I can reference. The course is somewhat compressed compared to what the Maths...
  16. T

    Starting at CompSci first instead of Astro good path?

    I am 18 years old, going to a 2 year college to get my diploma and transfer to a University that does Computer Science, but I do not know if that is the right path..? I do not mind programming and Computer Science, but I have had more of a passion with Astronomy since I was a kid. I do not see...
  17. C

    Programs What are the job prospects for majors in Maths and CompSci?

    Originally I wanted to major in physics and maths. However, I have been shifting more towards majoring in Maths and CompSci. This is because I did really well in my CompSci in my first year, while in physics I did average and the physics department is terrible of my University. The CompSci...
  18. N

    Calculus book recommendation (CompSci)

    Hi there, I was looking for something to level-up my knowledge from basic differentiation/integration (I'm a Computer Scientist by degree) to things like multivariable, vector calc and other more advanced concepts. The problem is that working through definition-theorem-proof i.e. rigorous...
  19. D

    Just study Math AND CompSci (well) and get ready to rule the world

    Hello fellow Physics Forums attendees. I am not here to argue which is the best major to undertake in school. Instead, I am here to attempt to establish, or at least hear what others think about, the much said expression that people who major in both Math and CompSci can do anything. Me...
  20. E

    What Degree Leads to Compsci/ Security/ Cryptography

    What undergraduate degree will best prepare a person for one of these fields (comp security/cryptography)? - math - compsci ...out of the two, which one would better benefit me if I pursue a PhD with. I'm most interested in computer security and cryptography. Cryptography is...
  21. S

    CompSci: Undefined reference to

    Homework Statement I'm compiling ExprTree.cpp and it's giving me an Undefined reference to 'BinaryTree::BinaryTree(std::string)', 'BinaryTree::toString()', 'BinaryTree::~BinaryTree()', and an undefined reference to '_WinMain@16' ExprTree inherits from BinaryTree Homework Equations...
  22. C

    How Can You Efficiently Count Age Groups in C Programming?

    the assignment wants me to count the number of people in age groups and to report the number of people in each group. i came up with this, used an int for each group and incremented with if/else if statements. #include<stdio.h> main() { int x, infant, young, middleaged, old, older...
  23. JasonJo

    Java Program for Valid Binary Number Conversion and Checking | Help Needed

    hey I need to write a Java program to ask the user for a string input, that should be a binary number. i am to check if the string input is a valid binary number and then convert it into decimal. i know how to program the converting into decimal, but i am having a nightmare as to checking...
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