# computer science

> study of computation

**Wikidata**: [Q21198](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21198)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer-science

## Summary
Computer science is the study of computation and computing. As a formal science and an academic discipline, it provides the theoretical and practical foundations for understanding and designing computational systems. Its scope ranges from abstract theories of computation to the practical application of computing in areas like artificial intelligence.

## Key Facts
- **Primary Definition:** The study of computation.
- **Classification:** It is classified as a formal science, an academic discipline, and an academic major.
- **Subfields:** Major parts of computer science include theoretical computer science, applied computer science, artificial intelligence, and the theory of computation.
- **Practitioners:** The field is practiced by professionals known as computer scientists.
- **Library Classification:** It is assigned the Dewey Decimal Classification number 004 and the Universal Decimal Classification number 004.
- **Distinctions:** Computer science is considered different from the fields of informatics, information science, information theory, and computational science.
- **Aliases:** The field is also known as computing science, CS, science of computing, and information processing science.

## FAQs
### Q: What is computer science?
A: Computer science is the formal academic discipline that involves the study of computation and computing. It covers everything from the theoretical underpinnings of algorithms to the development of applied technologies like artificial intelligence.

### Q: What are the main branches of computer science?
A: The source material identifies four primary parts or branches of computer science: theoretical computer science, applied computer science, artificial intelligence, and the theory of computation.

### Q: Who practices computer science?
A: The field is primarily practiced by computer scientists. Related occupations mentioned in the source material include software engineers, researchers, university teachers, and professors of computer science.

## Why It Matters
Computer science is significant because it forms the foundational basis for modern technology and information processing. As a formal academic discipline, it provides the rigorous principles for everything from software development and data management to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence. The existence of specific university majors, academic journals, and professional awards highlights its established role in science and education.

The field's practitioners, including computer scientists, software engineers, and technology executives, are central to the innovation and operation of the global digital infrastructure. By providing a systematic approach to computation, computer science enables the creation of complex systems that solve problems in business, science, communication, and entertainment. Its distinction from related fields like informatics and information science underscores its unique focus on the core principles of computation itself.

## Notable For
- **Formal Classification:** It is formally classified as an academic discipline and a formal science, distinct from natural or social sciences.
- **Broad Scope:** The field encompasses a wide range of sub-disciplines, from the purely abstract (theory of computation) to the highly applied (artificial intelligence).
- **Foundational Role:** It serves as the core academic and theoretical foundation for numerous professions, including software engineer, computer scientist, and academic researcher.
- **Distinct Identity:** Computer science is explicitly differentiated from related but separate fields such as informatics, information science, information theory, and computational science.

## Body
### ### Definition and Classification
Computer science is defined as the study of computation. It is categorized as an academic discipline, an academic major, and a formal science.

- **Aliases:** computing science, CS, Computer Science, science of computing, information processing science, computer sciences, computing sciences, sciences of computing, computation science, computing.
- **Distinct From:** informatics, information science, information theory, computational science.

### ### Subfields and Related Topics
The discipline is composed of several major parts and has its own dedicated history and resources.

- **Has Part(s):**
    - theoretical computer science
    - applied computer science
    - artificial intelligence
    - theory of computation
- **Has Characteristic:**
    - computer science journal
    - computer science award
- **History:** The history of the topic is referred to as the "history of computer science."

### ### Practitioners and Community
Computer science is practiced by computer scientists. The source material lists numerous individuals with this occupation, including Tim Berners-Lee, Cornelia Fermüller, and Satoru Fujishige. The field has a robust online community and is supported by dedicated academic projects.

- **Maintained by:** WikiProject Computer Science
- **Subreddits:** compsci, computerscience, AskComputerScience
- **Stack Exchange Site:** https://cs.stackexchange.com
- **GitHub Topic:** computer-science

### ### Academic and Library Classification Systems
Computer science is cataloged under specific codes in various international classification systems.

- **Dewey Decimal Classification:** 004
- **Universal Decimal Classification:** 004
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** sh89003285
- **Mathematics Subject Classification:** 68-XX
- **Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code:** 11.0701, 11.07
- **Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC 2020):** 46 (Information and Computing Sciences)

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## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Iowa State University Library Vocabularies
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q15327)
4. Nuovo soggettario
5. [Registros de autoridad de "Materia" de la Biblioteca Nacional de España. Spain open data portal](https://www.bne.es/media/datosgob/catalogo-autoridades/materia/materia-UTF8.zip)
6. [Source](http://www.udcsummary.info/php/index.php?tag=0)
7. BBC Things
8. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
9. BabelNet
10. Quora
11. FactGrid
12. National Library of Israel
13. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316)
14. GF WordNet
15. All Science Journal Classification Codes
16. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
17. Wikibase TDKIV