For many people, the concept of computer science or programming is still a mystery with no answers. It makes them confused about the professional functions and the tasks of each field.
Nowadays, the recruitment demand for both these fields is increasing, so it is necessary to raise awareness about the difference between these two majors.
What is the difference between computer science and computer programming? If you do not have a specific answer, check out our detailed review!
Computer Science Overview
Computer science is a popular field of study by many young people today.
Unlike many other disciplines, this field prioritizes a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications.
It studies feasibility, mechanization, and structural design for a device. Students learn about automating the algorithmic process necessary for machines to function correctly by taking classes.
Computer science consists of many different sub-fields, clearly divided into two sections: Theory and Practice. With theory, students will be fully equipped and consolidated with relevant knowledge.
Meanwhile, basic and advanced knowledge will be available to set up research and network management systems with practical activities.
Programming Overview
Programming is a current development trend, and it is a small field covered by computer sciences.
It focuses on building code and parallelizing the tasks of analyzing algorithms, verifying algorithm requirements, or navigating application operations.
Programming is essential for laying a solid foundation to perform the following tasks in software development.
The task of programming for socio-economic development is enormous, and it directly correlates to the field’s recruitment needs. Following and learning to code can be a good idea for a bright future.
The Similarities
There are certain similarities between computer programming and science. Programmers and computer scientists can work together, supporting each other to develop new technologies.
For scientists, they will be the object of collecting requests and documenting new findings for system improvement. Meanwhile, programmers will review the documentation provided by scientists to make recommendations for modifications suitable for system-wide development.
Computer science and programming have a direct influence on each other’s existence. With the support of these two areas, the new global information technology system can function.
The Differences
There are many aspects in terms of job duties, job titles, or skills required between science and programming. Specific features of each aspect will be in the article below.
Comparison Table
| Computer Science | Computer Programming | |
|---|---|---|
| Task & requirement | Hypothesis, algorithm construction, and software design | Code for software and programs |
| Fields | Cover many areas of expertise (engineering, architecture, programming) | Mostly programming |
| Salary | $140,914 | $105,326 |
Job duties
With computer science, your main tasks involve many different categories, including research, engineering, and the implementation of related content.
Whereas, with computer programming, the main task is only related to programming and revolves around specialized coding.
Compared to science, the programmer’s mission is straightforward and can better guide the future of many students.
If you want to challenge yourself with various categories, sciences might be ideal for you.
Job titles
Industry titles are a feature of any major. It truly reflects the significant affecting socio-economic development. If you’re interested in hands-on or applied for work, the post-program career title could be the perfect proposition.
- Web developer
- Software developer
- Analyst and Quality Assurance
- App developer
Meanwhile, science is your thing if you’re more interested in planning and scale theory. Those positions include
- Software engineer
- Hardware engineer
- System analysis
- Software Architect
Skills required
There are many similarities to the skills needed for these two particular majors.
Through practical research, I have found some essential skills for both of these aspects that you can refer to:
- Software technology
- Java
- Software Development
- Information system
- Project management
- C++
- Project management
- System Engineering
There will also be many other skills for each category. It is related to the specificity of the major to adapt to recruitment conditions.
Pros & Cons
| Computer Science | Computer Programming | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Meet many of society’s requirements for global development. – Participate in support for many different areas. – High base salary | – Help learners easily orient their future ahead – Self-study is possible with remote instruction – It doesn’t take too long to start practicing – Easily accessible to both men and women |
| Cons | – Requires more coding skills and longer learning time | – Lower base salary |
Which One Is For You?
Both science and programming have distinct features to suit your interests. They will each have their advantages and disadvantages.
With many years of experience, I recommend pursuing science because science includes programming, and you will learn more than that. You can also go into computer programming if you want to pursue specific, in-depth knowledge.
The amount of knowledge that programming gives you is not extensive, but it specializes in a particular problem. So, you can consider it programmatically.
So is it possible to choose these two majors at the same time? No. If you do so, you will be confused about what you learn and do. Ideally, it would help if you specialized in a field to achieve high results in study and work.
Conclusion
There are many differences between computer science and computer programming. Hopefully, this article can help you choose a suitable major.
If you have any other experiences you want to share, don’t hesitate to leave comments for other readers to refer to.
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Thank you for reading!