I. Introduction to Computer Science

Computer Science

Computer science, as the name implies, is the science of computers; it is a study and discipline which hopes to construct a scientific foundation for such topics as computer programming, computer design, information processing, and algorithms.

The Role of Algorithms

An algorithm is the most fundamental concept in computer science. It defines a set of steps as to how a task is performed.

A program is a representation of an algorithm. It is encoded into a machine to give it functionality and usability.

The machinery itself is known as hardware.

The process of inserting a program into one of its corresponding hardware is called programming.

Software is an assortment of programs and the algorithms they represent.

Abstraction

Abstraction isolates a complex system into levels and sublevels of manageable components which would otherwise be too confusing when viewed at its entirety.

Components of a system are seen as abstract tools whose internal details are ignored for the convenience of being able to work with components of the same level and not having to be confounded by other details. Moreover, when seen collectively, forms a higher-level component.