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Coding in computer science

How much coding is used in computer science? because I know that I would like to go into computer science/maybe computer repair, but I don't know how interested I am in coding.

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Hannah’s Answer

My boyfriend is pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, and he has not been exposed to coding much, if at all, during his education. It just depends on what path you take. You may not need coding for what you want to do, but I have heard that experience/knowledge of coding makes you more marketable.
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Steve’s Answer

Computer science is the study of making code correct and efficient. It involves a lot of coding and math. I doubt you will enjoy CS if you don’t enjoy coding.
Computer repair sounds a little vague, but if you mean building computers from component parts and setting them up, then that’s more of an information technology trade study and will involve very little coding.

Steve recommends the following next steps:

Look at the required courses for a university computer science degree and read the descriptions.
Look at IT careers and their job descriptions.
Try taking a free online coding class. See if you enjoy it.
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Fred’s Answer

It all depends on what part of CS you are interested in.

CS is a very broad generalization that spans many areas. Coding is one. So is networking, security, project management, and thirty other areas. Each will require different amounts of coding skills. And even within a field, the answer varies. I am currently in a masters in cyber security program, and we are doing a LOT of coding. We are creating/coding attacks against target systems (all within a controlled, authorized environment - we are not attacking random systems). Eventually we will READ code from payloads inserted into a system to compromise it.

But in my day-to-day job right now, I never write or read code. I help manage a systems of servers around the globe, working with developers to minimize the chances of any negative impact.

Knowing how to code is always advantageous. Even if you are not writing it in your day-to-day, having been exposed to it helps you communicate ideas with your peers, understand what is happening, and know why something can/cannot be done within given restrictions (time, money, etc).

So the short version is: There are jobs out there related to CS that do not require you to write code on a day-to-day basis, but understanding coding principles will always help you in your CS job.
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Akos’s Answer

I think Fred's answer is the closest to my advice. IT is a general term covering networking, coding, support, system administration, project management, cybersecurity, and probably a lot more. Not all of these require coding. Although coding may sometime come in handy, it should not be a strict requirement. It can help you write scripts for example, or automate certain tasks. During the study, you will probably learn a small portion of all these and later you can decide on the direction and specialize in a given area. My experience is that school will not give you all the knowledge you need, you will have to learn and practice a lot on the job and on your own.
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Mohana’s Answer

Definitely coding skill will help. When you are studying computer science, several classes require coding as class assignments. first try out small coding exercises to get comfortable.
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Manideep’s Answer

Not every person working in Tech firm needs to know coding. There are different areas in an IT firm such as Sales, Support, Marketing, Human Resources, Administration which do not need coding skills. 

Some roles would need code debugging (reading code) rather than writing code. However, if you are interested in the core tasks i.e. Software Development, then the suggestion is to learn coding and practice on public coding websites like - https://www.codecademy.com/learn, LinkedIn learning and certification etc.
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Kevin’s Answer

Coding is a fundamental part of computer science, but it's not the only aspect of the field. Computer science involves a wide range of topics, including software design, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, databases, artificial intelligence, and more.

While coding is a common task for computer scientists, it's not the only skill required for success in the field. Computer science programs typically include a mix of coding assignments, theoretical coursework, and hands-on projects that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Depending on your interests and career goals, you may be able to focus on areas of computer science that don't require extensive coding, such as computer security, data analysis, or project management.

If you're interested in computer repair, it's worth noting that this field may not require as much coding as other areas of computer science. Computer repair technicians are responsible for diagnosing and repairing hardware and software issues, which may involve basic programming skills, but often focus more on troubleshooting and problem-solving.

Ultimately, the amount of coding involved in computer science depends on your specific interests and career goals. It's worth exploring the different areas of computer science to find out what resonates with you and aligns with your strengths and passions.
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Matt’s Answer

Hi Nolyn,

Some paths you pursue within CS will involve more coding than others, but coding will be a fundamental part of the CS college experience. If you are considering computer repair, a CS degree may not be needed. You could pursue a broader discipline such as Information Technology (IT). This would present less coding. With that said, I would suggest you to take a deeper look into CS and give it a try to see if it's right for you. I believe CS has a better career outlook and you may feel your job has a larger impact. As a CS major myself working as a software engineer, I don't regret it.
Best of luck to you!
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Patryk’s Answer

Steve has great advice in taking a free online coding class to see if you enjoy it. There are also excellent tutorials on YouTube that will walk you through everything you need to do to start coding and create a very simple program. If you enjoy technology but want to do less coding, consider Information Technology degrees/classes.

Engineering is also a very popular career path if your interested in a computer science type career. Computer Science and Engineering have many similarities. Engineering is also broad, but you learn excellent problem solving skills no matter which degree you choose and there are many engineers in computer science roles.
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abdul’s Answer

Depending on where you go to school there will be a good amount of coding related classes, I am in school for CS right now and I have scripting and programming and Java classes. I would recommend you take some free courses on freecodeacademy or W3 schools to see if you like it.
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