What is computer science?
Computer science is the science that deals with the systematic processing, storage, transmission, and representation of information using computers and digital systems. It examines the theoretical foundations of information processing on the one hand, and the practical development of hardware and software on the other.
Computer science deals with central questions such as how information can be efficiently stored and processed, how algorithms and data structures work, how to develop software that is reliable and user-friendly, and also how artificial intelligence or machine learning can be used.
Computer science can be divided into several subfields: Theoretical Computer Science, Practical Computer Science, Technical Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
What is a computer scientist?
A computer scientist is someone who has studied computer science at university. Nowadays, there are Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. To achieve these, one must study at university for three, five, or eight years and pass various exams.
A computer scientist develops, analyzes, and improves digital systems to efficiently solve problems using computers and software. The work of a computer scientist ranges from pure theory and programming to practical applications in everyday life and research.
Computer Science as a School Subject / Computer Science as a Profession
Computer science is not yet taught as a compulsory subject in all federal states. In secondary schools, computer science can often be chosen as an elective subject. After school, there is the option of studying computer science, business informatics, media informatics, or IT security. There are also many vocational training courses in the field of computer science, such as IT specialist (application development or system integration), IT system electronics technician, mathematical-technical software developer, or technical computer science assistant.