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Elizabeth
Student
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
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What is the difference between computer science and making an actual computer?
What is the difference between computer science and making an actual computer?
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3 answers
Shar Min
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Shar’s Answer
computer science is focused on the software and theoretical aspects of computing, while making an actual computer involves the hardware design and manufacturing processes. Both are essential aspects of the broader field of computing, with computer scientists and hardware engineers working together to create functional and efficient computer systems.
Glen de Marcos ☁️
Programmer
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West Sacramento, California
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Glen’s Answer
You're asking about the distinction between computer science and computer engineering, right? Here's a straightforward explanation:
Computer Science:
- Main focus: Software, algorithms, and data structures.
- Key subjects: Programming, AI, databases, cybersecurity.
- Job prospects: Roles like software developer, data scientist, AI researcher.
Computer Engineering:
- Main focus: The fusion of hardware and software.
- Key subjects: Hardware design, embedded systems, computer architecture.
- Job prospects: Roles like hardware engineer, embedded systems engineer, firmware developer.
In simple terms, choose computer science if you're interested in software and algorithms, and computer engineering if you're drawn to hardware and integration.
Computer Science:
- Main focus: Software, algorithms, and data structures.
- Key subjects: Programming, AI, databases, cybersecurity.
- Job prospects: Roles like software developer, data scientist, AI researcher.
Computer Engineering:
- Main focus: The fusion of hardware and software.
- Key subjects: Hardware design, embedded systems, computer architecture.
- Job prospects: Roles like hardware engineer, embedded systems engineer, firmware developer.
In simple terms, choose computer science if you're interested in software and algorithms, and computer engineering if you're drawn to hardware and integration.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
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St. Louis, MO
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Fred’s Answer
By "making a computer", do you mean assembling a working computer from parts - motherboard, CPU, GPU, disc drive, etc., or do you mean "design the actual pieces" - i.e. like an Electrical Engineer designing a new computer chip?
They are very different. Shar is correct that computer science is about how computers work. How does the OS handle memory management? How do you protect data when transmitting over a wire you don't control (i.e. the internet)? What is the best way to search this data, or sort it? If the amount of data I process grows by a factor of 10, will the time to compute go up by a factor of 10? or by 100? or stay the same? (all these are possible answers, depending on what exactly you are doing).
Assembling a computer from pieces is understanding hardware configuration. i.e. "will this chip fit in that slot? How to I connect an external hard drive?".
Designing components is a difficult engineering task that builds upon years of other engineers building similar components before you, often requiring teams of people working together. You want to learn from what they did, and make some kind of improvements - otherwise, why bother?
They are very different. Shar is correct that computer science is about how computers work. How does the OS handle memory management? How do you protect data when transmitting over a wire you don't control (i.e. the internet)? What is the best way to search this data, or sort it? If the amount of data I process grows by a factor of 10, will the time to compute go up by a factor of 10? or by 100? or stay the same? (all these are possible answers, depending on what exactly you are doing).
Assembling a computer from pieces is understanding hardware configuration. i.e. "will this chip fit in that slot? How to I connect an external hard drive?".
Designing components is a difficult engineering task that builds upon years of other engineers building similar components before you, often requiring teams of people working together. You want to learn from what they did, and make some kind of improvements - otherwise, why bother?