What is "computer science"

n. The study of computers and their computer architecture, computer language, and applications, in all aspects, as well as the mathematical structures that relate to computers and computation.

n. the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures [syn: computing]

Computer science is the scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. It is the systematic study of the feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of the methodical procedures (or algorithms) that underlie the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information. An alternate, more succinct definition of computer science is the study of automating algorithmic processes that scale. A computer scientist specializes in the theory of computation and the design of computational systems.

Its fields can be divided into a variety of theoretical and practical disciplines. Some fields, such as computational complexity theory (which explores the fundamental properties of computational and intractable problems), are highly abstract, while fields such as computer graphics emphasize real-world visual applications. Still other fields focus on challenges in implementing computation. For example, programming language theory considers various approaches to the description of computation, while the study of computer programming itself investigates various aspects of the use of programming language and complex systems. Human–computer interaction considers the challenges in making computers and computations useful, usable, and universally accessible to humans.

Computer Science is one of several academic events sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League.

Computer Science is designed to test students' programming abilities. It is not the same as the Computer Applications contest, which tests students' abilities to use word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications software, including integration of applications.

Computer Science began during the 1990-91 scholastic year as strictly a team event. It was not scored as an individual event until the 1996-97 school year.

Computer Science is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the AGH University of Science and Technology (Kraków Poland) and edited by faculty members of the Departments of Computer Science and Automatics. The journal was established in 1999 and since beginning of 2012 is published quarterly. The editor-in-chief is Jacek Kitowski.