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Computer Science is not really about computers, and it is not really a science. Instead, Computer Science is more about solving problems. Although we use many tools, Computer Scientists most common tool is Programming.
The words “Computer” and “Science” crossed out.
A program is a series of concrete instructions that can be carried out by a computer. A program can be thought of as a script for a play, that will be performed by actors who follow instructions perfectly but without any intelligence of their own.
Picture of robot holding a series of instructions
Just a note on terminology: Programs are sometimes called “Software”, “Applications”, or “Code”.
The words “Programs”, “Software”, “Application”, and “Code”. A speech bubble points out “But not Codes - it’s always singular.”
There are many kinds of programs that you use everyday - your web browser, your music player, and even video games. Programs can be run on laptops, phones, cars - almost everything runs programs now.
Pictures of Web browser, laptop, car, and phone all emerging from a picture of some code.
Programming now shows up in every field, from engineering to the sciences to even the arts and humanities. Regardless of whether you want to be a Computer Scientist or just someone who knows a bit about programming, this is a skill that will come in handy.
Picture of many diverse programmers of varying ages, ethnicities, races, and gender.
You might think that some of the things that computers do are mysterious, but everything they do is the result of very careful instructions.
Left: Red X over something magic
Right: Green check mark next to script
Although programming is very powerful, computers are not gods. In fact, programs can only do what people have told them to do. You must be very clear and explicit when writing programs.
Picture of a computer thinking “I have no idea what he means”
Fundamentally, a program takes some representation of the world, manipulates it by following instructions, and then presents the results to the user.
Data in => Processing => Data Out
In this course, you will learn how to write programs to solve problems. You will not learn all there is to programming, so it is important that you also learn how to learn more.
Picture of a laptop hooked up to a globe