Transcript What is Computing / Computer Science

WHAT IS COMPUTING /
COMPUTER SCIENCE?
Rocky K. C. Chang
August 31, 2015
Is Computer Science (CS)
the science of Computing?
CS is not just about
programming.
CS is not just about
problem solving.
CS is not about
computer?
IS CS Science?
“CS is the body of knowledge dealing with the
design, analysis, implementation, efficiency,
and application of processes that transform
information”
According to Peter J. Denning
Computer science is the study of
computation—what can be computed and
how to compute it.
The evolution of CS (Denning 1985)
• Theory (1940)
• Numerical computation (1945)
• Architecture (1950)
• Programming languages and methodology (1960)
• Algorithms and data structures (1968)
• Operating systems (1971)
• Networks (1975)
• Human interface (1978)
• Database systems (1980)
• Concurrent computation (1982)
• Artificial intelligence (1986?)
Why is CS so important
now and in the future?
Because it is everywhere
and is used all the time.
Such as your smartphones
• Mobile operating system (Android, iOS)
• Lots of sensors
• Lots of apps
• Wireless/mobile network connectivity
• Cloud support
•…
Source: http://www.technologyace.com/technology/typessensors-modern-smartphones/
Embedded systems
• An embedded system is special-purpose computer
system, part of a larger system which it controls.
• Examples: home routers, cell phones, refrigerator, digital
camera, cars, set-top box, TV, remote control, etc.
Source: http://www.rohm.com/web/eu/news-detail?news-title=2013-04-23-lapis-semiconductor-snew-mini-lp-micros-optimized-for-embedded-system-control
Level of dependency
Embedded systems:
90% future innovations
40% price
Electronic Injections
Check Control
Speed Control
Central Locking
…
1970
Electronic Gear Control
Electronic Air Condition
ASC Anti Slip Control
ABS
Telephone
Seat Heating Control
Autom. Mirror Dimming
…
1980
Navigation System
CD-Changer
ACC Adaptive Cruise
Control
Airbags
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
Adaptive Gear Control
Xenon Light
BMW Assist
RDS/TMC
Speech Recognition
Emergency Call…
ACC Stop&Go
BFD
ALC
KSG
42 voltage
Internet Portal
GPRS, UMTS
Telematics
Online Services
BlueTooth
Car Office
Local Hazard Warning
Integrated Safety
System
Steer/Brake-By-Wire
I-Drive
Lane Keeping Assist.
Personalization
Software Update
Force Feedback Pedal…
1990
2000
source: BMW
E.g., Automotive Electronics
The Internet
Source: http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/Internet_History.htm
Also because CS is becoming a
necessary skill for all.
2008-2018 Employment Projections for Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
CS in the K-12 STEM education in US
Coding at a younger age
• Why Estonia Has Started Teaching Its First-Graders
To Code
• It was the birthplace of Skype.
• It has launched a nationwide scheme to teach school kids from the
age of seven to 19, how to write code.
Computational Thinking
“Computational Thinking will be a
fundamental skill used by everyone in the
world in the middle of the 21st century“
Jeannette M. Wing
Specific techniques
• Problem decomposition
• Pattern recognition
• Pattern generalization (abstractions or models)
• Algorithm design
• Data analysis and visualization
•…
How important is the
IT/Software/Internet industry to
the worldwide economy?
Largest IT companies
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_largest_information_technology_companies
Largest software companies
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_software_companies
Largest Internet companies
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_Internet_companies
Conclusions
• CS or Computing is a young, still evolving and very
exciting field.
• There are many different ways that you could use
Computing/CS to contribute to society.
• It is your job to find your own place.
• Computational thinking will be a fundamental skill used by
everyone.
Self study
• Watch a YouTube video on “Great Principles of
•
•
•
•
Computing” by Peter J. Denning.
Watch “How Estonia became E-stonia,” a BBC video.
Watch a YouTube video on “Solving Problems at Google
Using Computational Thinking.”
Try out https://learn.code.org/.
Read Peter J. Denning, “The Science of Computing: What
is computer science,” American Scientist, vol. 73, 1985.
Acknowledgments for the sources
• Peter J. Denning, “The Science of Computing: What is
computer science,” American Scientist, vol. 73, 1985.