Overview of Computer Science

Definition: The study of computers, algorithms, data structures, and the principles of software and hardware design.
Branches:
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems
- Networking
- Human-Computer Interaction

Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures for calculations and data processing.
- Types: Sorting, searching, and optimization algorithms.
- Complexity: Time and space complexity (Big O notation).
Data Structures: Ways to organize and store data efficiently.
- Common types: Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables.
Programming Languages: Tools for writing software.
- Types: High-level (e.g., Python, Java), low-level (e.g., C, Assembly).
- Concepts: Syntax, semantics, compilation, and interpretation.
Operating Systems: Software that manages computer hardware and software resources.
- Functions: Process management, memory management, file systems, and device management.
- Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
Networking: Principles of connecting computers and sharing resources.
- Key terms: IP addresses, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP), and network topologies (e.g., star, mesh).
- Types: Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and the Internet.
Databases: Systems for storing and retrieving data.
- Types: Relational databases (SQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
- Concepts: Data modeling, normalization, and indexing.
Software Development: The process of creating software.
- Methodologies: Waterfall, Agile, DevOps.
- Tools: Version control (e.g., Git), Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machines simulating human intelligence.
- Applications: Machine learning, natural language processing, robotics.
Cybersecurity: Protection of computer systems and networks from theft or damage.
- Concepts: Encryption, firewalls, and penetration testing.
Cloud Computing: Delivery of computing services over the internet.
- Models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS).
Data Science: Analysis and interpretation of complex data sets.
- Techniques: Statistical analysis, data mining, and machine learning.

Computability Theory: Studies what problems can be solved using algorithms.
Complexity Theory: Classifies problems based on their computational difficulty (P vs NP).
Information Theory: Quantifies information and its transmission.

Alan Turing: Father of computer science; developed the Turing machine concept.
John von Neumann: Contributed to the architecture of modern computers.
Ada Lovelace: Recognized as the first computer programmer.

Study of computers, algorithms, data structures, and software/hardware design principles.
Branches include theoretical computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer systems, networking, and human-computer interaction.

Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures for calculations; includes sorting, searching, and optimization; complexity measured using Big O notation.
Data Structures: Efficient data organization and storage methods; common types are arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables.
Programming Languages: Tools for software creation; categorized into high-level (e.g., Python, Java) and low-level (e.g., C, Assembly); key concepts include syntax, semantics, compilation, and interpretation.
Operating Systems: Software managing hardware and software resources; functions include process management, memory management, and file systems; examples are Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Networking: Connecting computers to share resources; key terms include IP addresses, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP), and network topologies (e.g., star, mesh); types include Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and the Internet.
Databases: Systems for data storage and retrieval; types include relational databases (SQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB); important concepts are data modeling, normalization, and indexing.
Software Development: Process of creating software; methodologies include Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps; tools include version control systems (e.g., Git) and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machines mimicking human intelligence; applications extend to machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding computer systems and networks from theft or damage; key concepts include encryption, firewalls, and penetration testing.
Cloud Computing: Providing computing services over the internet; models include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Data Science: Analysis and interpretation of complex data sets; techniques include statistical analysis, data mining, and machine learning.

Computability Theory: Investigates problems solvable by algorithms.
Complexity Theory: Classifies problems based on computational difficulty, exemplified by P vs NP.
Information Theory: Focuses on quantifying information and its transmission.

Alan Turing: Considered the father of computer science; known for creating the concept of the Turing machine.
John von Neumann: Significant contributions to the architecture of modern computers.
Ada Lovelace: Acknowledged as the first computer programmer.