Computer science

In its most general sense, computer science (CS) is the study of
computation, both hardware and software. In practice, CS includes a variety
of topics relating to computers, which range from the abstract analysis of
algorithms to more concrete subjects like programming languages, software,
and computer hardware. As a scientific discipline, it is a very different
activity from computer programming, although the two are often confused.

The Church-Turing thesis states that all known kinds of general computing
devices are essentially equivalent in what they can do, although they vary
in efficiency. This thesis is sometimes characterized as the fundamental
principle of computer science. Computer scientists usually emphasize von
Neumann computer or Turing machines (computers that do one small,
deterministic task at a time), because that resembles most real computers in
use today. Computer scientists also study other kinds of machines, some
practical (like parallel and quantum machines) and some theoretical (like
random and oracle machines).

CS studies what programs can and cannot do (computability and artificial
intelligence), how programs should efficiently evaluate specific results
(algorithms), how programs should store and retrieve specific bits of
information (data structures), and how programs and people should
communicate with each other (user interfaces and programming languages).

CS has roots in electrical engineering, mathematics and linguistics. In the
last third of the 20th century computer science has become recognized as a
distinct discipline and has developed its own methods and terminologies.

The first computer science department was founded at Purdue University in
1962. Most universities today have CS departments.

The highest honor in computer science is the Turing Award, the winners of
whom are all major pioneers in the field.

     Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about
     telescopes
          - Edsger Dijkstra

Related fields

Computer science is closely related to several other fields. These fields
overlap considerably, though important differences exist

   * Information science is the study of data and information, including how
     to interpret, analyze, store, and retrieve it. Information science
     started as the foundation of scientific analysis of communication and
     databases.
   * Software engineering emphasizes analysis, design, and construction of
     useful software using contemporary tools and practices.
   * Information systems is the application of computing to support the
     operations of an organization: operating, installing, and maintaining
     the computers, software, and data. Management information systems is a
     key subfield that emphasizes financial and personnel management.
   * Computer engineering is about the analysis, design, and construction of
     computer hardware.
   * Information security is about the analysis and implementation of
     information system security (cryptography is included).

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