History of Computer Science

“Computer science (CS) is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information. The discipline of computer science includes the study of algorithms and data structures, computer and network design, mode,” (www.britannica.com). The first computer was introduced by Charles Babbage in 1835, was an analytical engine and utilized paper punch cards to hold intermediate calculation results, and if it were finished was to be powered by a steam engine. Paper cards and mechanical parts to include wheels, shafts, and gears continued to be used in this and future computational machines.

The construction of computers experienced large advancements between 1930-1940. Bell Laboratories started using relay technology to perform binary number calculations (Gale, 2007). In 1941, German engineer Konrad Zuse built the first computer that utilized stored programs. It was used to design military aircraft. In 1936, Alan Turing conceptualized the Turing machine that utilized 1’s and 0’s in an indefinite string and is credited by many to be the theory behind the modern digital computer.

Although the foundation of computer science started with relay-type computers, electronic components possessed the speed and efficiency needed to take computing into the 20^th century (Gale, 2007). Colossus, a British electronic computer was built specifically to decipher German messages written in Enigma code. Although this computer was very fast for its time, performing 5,000 additions per second, it was single purpose and was not used outside of this. Eventually, Boolean algebra, which represents information in binary form, using true/false, or one/zero, became the theoretical basis of computer science. This was based on the work of the English mathematician George Boole (1815-1864), and eventually led to the basic unit of data storage and transmission in CS.

It is always important to understand the history of the subject in which you study. If not only to appreciate the development, but to also enlighten and inspire future advancements in computer science. If history has taught us anything, it has shown that we are not through, or even nearing the end of advancements in computer science. Understanding the journey technology has taken to become what it is now, could help spark the minds of the younger generation to continue to look for faster, safer, more accurate computing methods.

There are many challenges in the computer science field; but what I find tough is the sheer pace that the CS field and technology is advancing. I have been in this field for over twenty years and remember some of the hardest, new concepts for me to to grasp were: VMware and virtualization, non-tape mass data storage, cloud computing, and automation of previously physical tasks. As a senior member in this field, I had to read, research, take classes, and study these new and advancing technologies in order to remain relevant.

Professionally, the more you know in your field, the more valuable you are to your company and employer. Intellectually, this often requires not just an Associates or Bachelor’s degree, but often an advanced degree such as a Masters or Doctorate degree to truly be considered a master in the field. Also, a number of professional certifications have become a quicker way to show proficiency in a specific technology such as: Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, etc. These professional certifications are expensive and often expire, making it very difficult and expensive to maintain your professional certifications.

I am interested in this field, because I have been a member of it since 1999 when I started as an Information Technician in the United States Navy. I also realized a long time ago that I actually enjoy this field, the fact that it doesn’t get stale, there is always something new to learn and incorporate into my technical arsenal, and I believe I still have a lot to give back to the field. My personal action plan is to continue on my Doctoral journey in computer science, to learn as much as I can during my studies at CTU, and as a start, contribute something significant back to the CS field through the submission of my Dissertation.

References

History of computer science. (2007). In World of Computer Science. Gale. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2424500303/BIC?u=tec_u_online&sid=BIC&xid=0edc1164

Computer science. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/science/computer-science