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what does computer scientists do?

I like working with #computers a lot.

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Steve’s Answer

Hi Mariem,

It might be easier to explain what Computer Science is. If you decide to pursue a degree in Computer Science, you will be able to understand how a computer goes from manipulating bits of data (0's and 1's) to transforming them into an image or GIF displayed on your screen, a website loading in your browser, music play on your iTunes.

Computer science allows you to understand how a computer works and processes information, and this starting from the lowest level: the hardware:
- what's are CPU, memory sticks, peripherals? how do they work together?
- How is data transfer from one peripheral such as hard drive to another one like a USB drive (eg. what happens when you transfer music from your USB to your laptop)

Then the CS degree will teach you the higher level: "Soft"ware and how to connect it to the "Hard"ware:
How do we go from data bits (0's and 1's) and translate them into meaningful information (words, calculus, image, sounds)

Therefore Computer Science is not a job title per say, it is more the fundamental knowledge that when you acquire them allow you to choose which technological path you would like to pursue:
- information technology / sotfware development: "I want to write software, web site, mobile apps"
- networking: "I want to build network and cluster of physical and virtual devices that can communicate one with another"
- database management: "I want to manipulate data, and optimize how developers or others people across the globe will access them"
- information of things: "I want to connect my phone to my house and control turning the lights and the heat directly from my phone"
- and many more...

Hope this helps.
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denny’s Answer

In short, There can be many various fields of work and study that computer science can bring to the table. From working at a call center to working on an operation supervisor as a system admin at a hospital facility.
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Sabuj’s Answer

Computer scientists are mathematicians who specialize in algorithms, graph theory, number theory, statistics, machine learning, and many different aspects of computing. Just to name a few: https://www.quora.com/What-are-different-fields-in-computer-science .

It's often easy to confuse a computer scientist with a programmer. You don't have to be a computer scientist to know how to program. But you have to have a solid understanding of computer science principals, esp. graphs and algorithms to be a really good programmer.
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karthik’s Answer

Research on Next gen Computer Technologies To Make It more reliable ,secured and Faster Processing of data
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Chet’s Answer

People with Computer Science degrees play many different roles. Most obvious are programmers who build different types of computer software. This includes obvious things like computer programs, apps, operating systems, and firmware such as BIOS, ME, and so forth. In addition CS engineers can architect, build and test computers. They could further assist in career offshoots like technical support, sales, marketing, etc.
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Peter’s Answer

Hi Mariem - At its core/essence, computer scientists are always finding better ways to use machines to make us more efficient and productive. The broad domains are hardware and software. Computer scientists working on the hardware domain aim to increase the efficiencies of current computers so they can do more work with less resources. Those working in the software domain aim to develop programs and applications that humans can use to increase their output with better quality. Hope this helps! -Peter
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Lamesa’s Answer

You can do so much with computers! I can see why you like working with them. You can specialize in either hardware, software, or a combination of both! For example, take a robotic vacuum cleaner, the actual piece that you see zooming around the room is the hardware. The code that tells the robot vacuum to turn around when it bumps into a wall is the software. It takes knowledge of both hardware and software for the robot to perform. Don't think you HAVE to learn both. If you are more interested in either software or hardware you will have plenty of options to choose from in both areas. You could specialize in hardware or software development. It may be helpful to learn about engineering as well. You could even build video games or virtual reality programs. Some program robots that can do surgery. I would say the sky is the limit, but as a computer scientist you could even build programs or code for outer space. Computer science is extremely versatile.
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