Is being good at programming necessary for comp sci major?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the necessity of programming skills for a computer science major, exploring the relationship between coding proficiency and interest in theoretical aspects of computer science, such as algorithmic complexity and discrete mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for theoretical aspects of computer science, such as algorithmic complexity, over practical coding tasks, questioning if they can major in computer science despite not being a strong programmer.
  • Another participant suggests that it is possible to excel in computer science research without being proficient in programming.
  • A participant inquires about the nature of work done by computer science researchers, indicating a curiosity about the field's scope beyond coding.
  • One contributor argues that there is a distinction between software engineering/information systems and computer science, suggesting that the latter leans more towards applied and discrete mathematics.
  • Another participant advises checking the required courses for a computer science major, noting that some programs may focus heavily on programming languages rather than theoretical concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of programming skills for a computer science major, with some suggesting that a focus on theoretical aspects is valid, while others caution about the programming-heavy nature of certain programs. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of programming proficiency.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in computer science programs, indicating that some may prioritize programming over theoretical study, which could affect a student's decision to pursue a major in this field.

Frion
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I used to think that computer science was all coding and making software. That displeased me greatly since I'm not the greatest at coding. Certainly not one of those people who started at 10 or even 16. It's not that I'm fundamentally bad at it, but I just tend to dislike it. Yet I am drawn to some aspects of compute science like the BigO stuff. I think I'd be perfectly alright with an advanced course about the algorithmic complexity since it seems fun. I also do like coding when it's to construct a date structure from others, like a binary tree from linkedlists and in general I'm still at the point where finding a cool way to do something recursively makes me happy inside. I'm also reading a book on cryptography right now and I like the stuff... But I hate the stuff the involves coding a program to output a company's payroll statistics or anything involving GUIs. So in short, I really like the parts of computer science that are sort of math-related but I hate the parts that are practical. Should I just stick with math and go down some path involving that stuff or could I major in comp sci despite not being the best progammer?
 
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It's quite possible to be a really good computer science researcher and be a horrible programmer
 
What do computer science researchers do?
 
I think that sticking with computer science would be fine. There seems to be a much larger division between software engineering/information systems and computer science. Computer science tending towards the applied math/discrete math side of things.

Best thing to do is look at some modules/research areas and see what interests you - are they in computer science departments or applied math?
 
You need to look carefully at the required courses for a CS major at your college (or intended college). Some so-called CS majors are nothing but programming - worse, they are all about programming languages. You learn N languages, and you're out the door.

I think this is regrettable, and is fortunately less common than it was, but you still need to be aware of this.
 

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