# computer engineering

> engineering discipline specializing in the design of computer hardware and software systems

**Wikidata**: [Q428691](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q428691)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_engineering)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer-engineering

## Summary
Computer engineering is an engineering discipline specializing in the design of computer hardware and software systems. It combines principles from electrical engineering and computer science to develop computing technologies. The field encompasses both hardware design and software development for computer systems.

## Key Facts
- Computer engineering is classified as a branch of engineering, field of study, academic major, and academic discipline
- The field is studied alongside computer technology, electrical engineering, and computer science
- Computer engineering has 73 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions
- The discipline is maintained by WikiProject Computing, WikiProject Engineering, WikiProject Technology, WikiProject Electrical engineering, WikiProject Computer Science, and WikiProject Electronics
- Notable practitioners include J. Presper Eckert, Annie Easley, Eric Schmidt, and Xia Peisu
- The field has Dewey Decimal classifications of 004 and 621.39
- Computer engineering is practiced by computer engineers
- The discipline is part of computer engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science

### Q: What is computer engineering?
A: Computer engineering is an engineering discipline that specializes in designing computer hardware and software systems, combining principles from electrical engineering and computer science.

### Q: What do computer engineers do?
A: Computer engineers design and develop computer hardware and software systems, working on everything from microprocessors to embedded systems and computer architecture.

### Q: What education is needed for computer engineering?
A: Computer engineering is typically studied as an academic major alongside computer technology, electrical engineering, and computer science at the university level.

## Why It Matters
Computer engineering is fundamental to the modern digital world, serving as the bridge between hardware and software that powers virtually all computing devices. This discipline enables the creation of faster, more efficient, and more powerful computing systems that drive technological advancement across industries. From smartphones and laptops to supercomputers and embedded systems in cars and appliances, computer engineering makes possible the devices and systems that have transformed how we work, communicate, and live. The field's importance continues to grow as computing becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of society, from artificial intelligence and machine learning to the Internet of Things and quantum computing. Without computer engineering, the technological revolution of the past several decades would not have been possible.

## Notable For
- Combines hardware and software design in a single discipline
- Bridges electrical engineering and computer science
- Develops the foundational technologies for all modern computing devices
- Encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of computer systems
- Maintained by multiple WikiProjects across computing, engineering, and technology

## Body
### Historical Development
Computer engineering emerged as a distinct discipline combining electrical engineering and computer science principles. The field evolved alongside the development of digital computers in the mid-20th century, with pioneers like J. Presper Eckert contributing to both hardware and software aspects of computing systems.

### Academic Structure
Computer engineering is structured as an academic discipline with its own curriculum, typically offered as a major at universities. The field is studied alongside related disciplines including computer technology, electrical engineering, and computer science, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature.

### Professional Practice
The discipline is practiced by computer engineers who work on designing computer hardware, developing software systems, and creating integrated solutions that combine both elements. Practitioners may specialize in areas such as embedded systems, computer architecture, or digital signal processing.

### Classification and Organization
Computer engineering is classified under multiple systems: as a branch of engineering, a field of study, an academic major, and an academic discipline. The field has extensive documentation across Wikipedia language editions (73 sitelinks) and is maintained by six different WikiProjects, indicating its broad scope and importance.

### Notable Contributors
The field has been shaped by numerous notable figures including J. Presper Eckert (American electrical engineer and computer pioneer), Annie Easley (American mathematician and computer scientist), Eric Schmidt (software engineer and former Google CEO), and Xia Peisu (Chinese computer scientist who built modern China's computing capabilities).

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "computer engineering",
  "description": "engineering discipline specializing in the design of computer hardware and software systems",
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## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Iowa State University Library Vocabularies
3. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=45396)
4. Nuovo soggettario
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Quora
7. National Library of Israel
8. KBpedia
9. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)