Today’s landscape demands a profound understanding of technology and further its role in human behavior.
But what is the role of Computer Science (CS) in this scenario? Is CS a Software Development methodology?
Is it even a part of the Software Development Life Cycle?
Let’s take a deeper look at Computer Science in IT!
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science (CS) comprises all edges related to computing, including algorithms and systems, from theoretical foundations to functional structures.
In terms of process, Computer Science often starts with the theory-design process and ends with development and application.
Its foundations on mathematical and engineering principles allow Computer Science to conceptualize and build structures while leveraging languages, frameworks, and stacks.
The Origins of Computer Science
The first computer arose in 1882 with Charles Babbage's invention. That's what led him to receiving the name "the father of the computer!"
What's more, the term "Computer Science" was firstly used in the Communication of the ACM.
The core goal was to differentiate CS from other computing-related fields.
This concept gained even more popularity when becoming an academic discipline.
Cambridge University added a Computer Science Diploma in 1953, and Purdue University created a CS department in 1962.
How does Computer Science Work?
The process of Computer Science involves three main stages:
- Basis Idea. Team define focuses, narrow down ideas and recognize the best procedures. This step helps in making decisions on the best way to proceed.
- Monitoring Process. Departments select information based on the selected processes. This stage includes cleaning unneeded data that would delay analysis and category creation within business goals
- Operating Process. Lastly, teams implement the chosen approaches to test their hypotheses. It include how to perform and allocate resources, and enables methods to get the appropriate results.
Types of Computer Science
As expected, Computer Science implies knowledge of areas such as:
Data Structures
A Data Structure is a selected format for organizing, processing and storing data to ease access and work.
These are key in organizing information so both machines and humans can better understand it.
In CS, Data Structures allow data storage to be used with algorithms.
These are known as Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA).
Each data structure has info on data values, relationships and functions.
Theory of Computation
Known as Automata Theory, the "Theory of Computation" deals with computation logic regarding simple machines.
This branch allows Computer Scientists to understand how machines compute different functions to solve specific problems.
ToC is key to enable the description and analysis of the dynamic behavior discrete systems may have.
Information Architecture
In the context of Computer Science, Information Architecture (IA) organizes structures and information environments.
IA encloses specialized research, modeling and validation techniques.
These develop detailed recommendations to organize information while acknowledging its interactions.
As a result, scientists can develop scalable, sustainable methods for developing said IAs.
Computer Programming
Programming consists of writing code to ease precise computer operations when building software.
The process includes which development teams enforce requirements gathering and code structure.
As a result, teams can deliver high quality software while complying with quality assurance standards.
Applications of Computer Science
Computer Science can be seen in a wide variety of fields!
- Development. Computer Science helps PMs and devs maintain systems while understanding the processes behind them. With approaches like Agile Methodologies, CS is key to guarantee a security-driven development.
- Gaming. CS has a key role in game design and development, from game engine dev to gameplay mechanics implementation. Based on continuous improvement, CS helps teams harness techs such as Virtual Reality.
- Healthcare. In healthcare, CS helps structuring receiving data for better decision-making processes. Computer Science can help hospitals and insurance companies analyze user data based on medical history. This allows for narrowing down diagnoses and finding new data to work with.
- Finance. With its theoretical knowledge of processes and structures, Computer Science has become a useful edge for finance operations. Teams can automate analysis tasks while ensuring quality and compliance with laws and regulations.
Computer Science vs Software Engineering
Software Development focuses on the practical skills needed to build software applications.
These operations apply on whether to build a product from scratch or to upgrade an existing one.
Here, teams work on development, continuous improvement and maintenance.
Contrariwise, Computer Science helps develop new algorithms that harness the developed software programs.
While it encloses coding, it also emphasizes Computation Theory and a more comprehensive range of subjects.
Some fields included are Machine Learning, Database Management and information security.
I see Computer Science as more focused on efficiency algorithms, comprising specific fields, while software engineering focuses on building a product that meets consumers' expectations. For example, Nasir Ahmed is a computer scientist who created an important algorithm for direct cosine transformation that allowed saving and transmitting digital videos on time. On the other hand, Jon Dahl, a Software Engineer, used that algorithm (and some other abstraction layers on top of it) to create Mux, a platform that allows us to record videos in real time and multiplex them for streaming. In the end, it’s a symbiotic relationship.” — Franco Roura, Software Architect @ Capicua.
Why is Computer Science Important?
Computer Science is key for any advances in the tech landscape!
Tnsights gathered by CS have wide applications, from predicting natural disasters to scanning checks and customer service.
There's no doubt of its importance when thinking of it from a Software Development methodology perspective.
As the future becomes increasingly data-driven, it's safe to say there is no future end for Computer Science!
Conclusion
Computer Science is a key element in building a strong connection between humans and technology.
With its logical thinking to solve real-life problems, it’s vital to build leading digital products.
Ready to leverage the power of Computer Science? Get in touch!
