We are in the computer world right now, and everyone in this world needs technology in their lives. Not only computer scientist or information technologist uses computer nowadays. I see people who did not study any of these fields become web developers, information security analysts, etc. Before choosing any of these fields, you need to know which one works for you, and that is what we will like to know. In this article, we will get to see the difference between Computer Science and Information Technology. We have come across the two fields, and yes, they are essential in this world because I don’t see any organization that wouldn’t need any of them.
Computer science and Information Technology are so crucial that things we use in our day-to-day lives are designed (computer scientist) and tested(information technologist) by them before it gets to the market. Because we are in a Technology world right now, professionals In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are in high demand. Everyone needs them to d,o things or the other for them. Now what I will say is that before anyone has decided to study any of these fields, they must have known the basics in each of them. Computer science and Information Technology require focus with brains. These fields are not like any other course you know, and I know that you must be confused on which one to pick but not to worry because at the end of this article you will understand the two fields and their Differences will help you make a better choice.
We all know what a computer is, but I will just define it for clarification purposes. A COMPUTER is a machine that can solve problems by accepting data, performing certain operations, and presenting the result of all those operations under the direction of detailed step by step instructions.
WHAT IS COMPUTER SCIENCE?
Computer science is the study of the operating principles of computers, computer programming languages, and algorithms for solving theoretical and practical problems. It involves the development and use of devices for processing information. “According to Advance English Dictionary, computer science is the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures. “Wikipedia also defined computer science as the study of algorithmic processes, computational machines, and computation itself). Wikipedia also states that computer science deals with the theoretical foundations of information, algorithms, and the architectures of its computation and practical techniques for their application.
Computer scientist uses mathematical algorithm and codes and software and systems. Computer scientists master programming skills to understand computer processes that can be applied to the systems. Examples of computer scientists’ career paths are web development, computer system engineering, computer programming, artificial intelligence, game design, and information security networks. Computer science has both practical and theoretical parts. Computer science’s practical aspect has to do with programming languages, while computer science’s theoretical aspect deals with computational theory. Several computer scientists have argued about the different patterns involved in computer science. “Peter Wegner” said that computer science consists of science, technology, and mathematics. While “Peter Denning” said that computer science consists of theory, abstraction, and design. Essential areas in computer science include
- Database system
- Networking
- Communication
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
- Computer graphics
- Operating system
- Programming
Yes, they say that computer science is mainly practical and theoretical. Still, I will say that computer science is mainly just practical because it requires codes using algorithms. After all, coding is the major thing computer scientist do. You won’t see a computer scientist going about typing documents, and not that they can’t do it, but that is not what computer science is all about. Computer science is all about programming and the rest. Computer scientists develop programs and design systems. Some of these designed products and services include laptops, mobile phones, Gps unit, and scientific calculators. Search engines like google, bing, Yandex, swisscows, gibiru, wiki.com. Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office suites, Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network.
Computer scientist program operating systems like windows 10, windows 7, and Linux. They also develop programming languages such as Java, HTML, python, oracle, COBOL, c++ vb,c#, swift, scala, go, ruby even artificial intelligence. Computer science develops application software like ms word, mobile apps, etc. Computer scientists also build systems and software used by banks, airlines portals and develop firewalls, antivirus for systems such as Norton and McAfee. Students that want to go into computer science must know the computation and problem-solving process.
WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?
Information Technology has to do with networks, software; systems use to send, store and retrieve data. “ According to English Dictionary, information technology is the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information). “Wikipedia defined information technology as using computers to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data IInformation Technologyaddressess the business side of computer science. Information Technology protects, store, process, transmit and retrieve data. Networks, databases, servers are also added to the list of information Technology. Information technologists identify different computing systems to solve human and business problems. They keep Technology, whether the business uses it up today, for easier use. Information Technologist install, run, maintain and test programs developed by a computer scientist. Some professional Technologists can also develop software, mobile application software such as Uber and the rest. Information Technology involves installing, organizing, and maintenance of computer systems. Information Technologists apply all computer science principles. Some career paths are chosen by information Technologists include:
- Computer Networks Architect
- Information Security Analyst
- Servers
- IT Support Specialist
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
There is not much difference between computer science and Information Technology. No wonder these two fields can work in the same industry. Even people without qualifications or a degree in any of these fields have come across a computer because computers and other gadgets now dominate the world. Secretaries, cashiers, and receptionists are perfect examples of people who use the computer. Differences between them are listed below.
- Computer science involves programming and algorithms, while information technology consists of designing and operating networks.
- Computer science is an independent course that says that they can work on their own and don’t need a team before they can accomplish a goal. In contrast, information technology isn’t independent because they usually work in teams and work directly with their clients.
- Information Technologist works only in a business environment while a computer scientist works in a much wider environment range.
- When it comes to academics, you ought to know that information technology is industry-oriented, whereas computer science is research-oriented.
- Computer scientists design software while information technologists test and apply them.
- Computer scientist look at the why behind the operating system and the computer program, while an information Technologist look at the how behind the operating system and how it can be used to solve business problems.
- Computer scientist uses their skills in theories and mathematics to make information technology possible. In contrast, information technologist uses their skills to communicate with businesses to achieve their needs using Technology.
- Computer science is more technical, and information technology is more on the business side.
SKILLS OF A COMPUTER SCIENTISTS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST
They are different; that is how their skills too are different. Here we will know the kind of skill they should possess:
SKILLS OF A COMPUTER SCIENTISTS:
- Communication skill.
- Paying attention to details, whether small or big.
- Innovative. They tend to bring out new ideas in the programming software.
- They must have the ability to work for a long period of time, and they need to be always focused on their work.
- They should have the ability to program.
- They should possess knowledge in programming languages like python, oracle, java, COBOL, c#, etc.
- Knowledge of different mathematical problems.
- Project management skills.
SKILLS OF AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST:
- Leadership skills.
- Communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Knowledge and understanding of structures and business needs.
- They tend to learn new technological trends. Any new trend that comes up makes sure that they are aware of it and learn how to use it.
- Project management skills.
- Knowledge of Linux and SQL.
- Technical support skills.
- Management skill.
DUTIES OF A COMPUTER SCIENTISTS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST
Each of these fields has different duties when it comes to working. You have known their Differences, so you ought to know the tasks they perform.
DUTIES OF A COMPUTER SCIENTIST:
- Writing codes for new websites, applications for mobile phones, computer programs, and systems can be used by organizations such as artificial intelligence products, cloud base storage, etc.
- Installation, testing configuration of systems.
- Updating hardware and software for easy use.
- Management of a team. This comes to play as a project management role, which has to do with guiding a group through the development process.
DUTIES OF AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST:
- Integration of various systems and ensuring that they function within an organization, including storage devices, networks, etc.
- Maintenance of all the functions mentioned above.
- Work closely with the business they are already committed to and understanding them.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Like I earlier mentioned, computer science and Information Technology are not different. Their similarity includes:
- They all involve computers.
- They are related since they learn and gain knowledge from each other.
- They require mathematics.
- They do similar jobs.
- Each of these fields will make you learn to program.
HOW TO START A CAREER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Like any other courses in this world, you will have to go for a four-year degree program related to this field. If you want to go for software development, you must always practice coding consistently. With the right skills, you can find a job in all the information technology professions. The world is evolving, and computer scientists are likely to get more and more job opportunities every year in the future. In every career, a particular job is more recognized, and that has a higher chance of getting employed before going into any field look for the ones that people always need and can’t do without. The careers that are hotcakes are still in demand by organizations etc. They include web developers, system engineers, application software developers, and computer system analysts in computer science. Let’s get a review of what these fields are all about and what they do.
WEB DEVELOPERS: A web developer is a programmer involved in developing world wide web (www) applications. The developers usually use CSS, javascript, and HTML. Web developers are responsible for making a website function.
SYSTEM ENGINEERS: System engineers design and manage complex systems. System engineers design operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and ios for mobile phones, cars, and personal laptops.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE DEVELOPER: Application software developer design, program, test, document, and fix bugs involved in maintaining applications or other components of a software. Microsoft office is a perfect example that is designed by an application software developer.
COMPUTER SYSTEM ANALYST: A computer system analyst is involved in designing and implementing information systems. A computer system analyst uses design and analysis techniques to solve business problems.
HOW TO START A CAREER IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
To start a career in information technology, you will have to enroll in a four-year degree program related to this field. You can start as a help desk support specialist. With or without experience, you will receive or undergo a training course from the employer or the company you are working with. To be the best candidate in any company, you should be up to date with the latest technology because companies need updated people to work for them. Information Technology is one of the fastest-growing careers globally, with technology taking over the world right now. Information Technologists are employed to solve business processes using technologies. Information Technology helps find new Technology and implement them to existing systems to help meet the clients’ goals and needs. Like computer science, information technology also has careers in higher demands such as network architect, computer support specialist, database administrator system administrator, and web developer. Let’s look at what they are all about.
NETWORK ARCHITECT: A network architect designs computer networks such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), campus area network (CAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), intranets, and even our internet connections.
COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST: A computer support specialist provides advice and technical support to an organization.
DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR: A database administrator uses software to organize data and store them for businesses in an organization.
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR: A system administrator is responsible for the operations and maintenance of computer software, hardware, and networks, and they also maintain communication systems.
WEB DEVELOPER: Web developers in information technology are also in high demand. Everybody going into business wants to own a website where people can easily access them and make business smoother.
WHICH COUSE IS EASIER BETWEEN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This has always raised argument and confusion concerning which course is easier and better between Computer Science and Information Technology. With both doing almost the same thing. Before choosing any of these fields, we must first understand what they are about and how they can be applied in this world. The choice depends on the individual and what they want or prefer to do and what they are good at. Before choosing which one to pick between science and arts, you won’t just go for any of them. First, you will check which subjects are taught in the school you will prefer. For example, if you want to be an art student, you must have like government and literature while students going for science must like biology and physics or even chemistry. You are the only one that can choose which is best for you by checking which of the mentioned careers will best suit you.
You must have an interest in something before you can really want it or even enjoy doing it else; it will be difficult for you to understand it. Like I mentioned before, computer science is mainly on mathematics, theory, computation, and programming, while information technology is into networking, database, and also programming. The choice is yours concerning which you prefer. You also need to ask yourself if you like using a computer or any computer-related kinds of stuff. What do you have that will make you stand out from others. If you are going into information technology, you need to ask yourself if you can relate well with people since information technology tends to work in teams and relate with their clients—whether you like solving problems, then computer this right for you.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOURSELF IN BOTH COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Yes, you can improve your knowledge and skills in any of these fields. Some taught themselves how to operate systems or even repair them. We all attend a degree program but let me tell you that you can’t just depend on your teachers to teach you everything about computer science and Information Technology. You can improve your knowledge and skills by browsing online and checking these sites like w3school.com, khan academy, and Udemy. People have made things easier for us to use and learn, and you can learn a lot from these sites; people created these sites to impart knowledge to people who want to seek it.
Sites like w3school.com offer courses like SQL, HTML, CSS, PHP, and the rest. It is always good to e equipped with whatever you come across to have better knowledge than the rest of your colleagues. As I said earlier, standing out among people is one thing you must achieve when thinking about pursuing any field. Another way to improve yourself in these fields is to ask people you know about these two fields to learn more about them. You can also check the internet and find out famous people who also pursued a career in computer science and Information Technology. Find out how they become great, how they failed, succeeded and how they scaled through to become who they are today. Reading their success stories will motivate you to study this course.
CONCLUSION
Now that you are aware of the difference between Computer Science and Information Technology I am sure that you can choose yourself. Suppose you are interested in learning or pursuing a degree in computer science. In that case, you have to know everything about computer software development. Still, suppose you enjoy working with others. In that case, you prefer to be dependent on finding a solution to technological problems than you have to consider and pursue a degree in information technology. Computer science and Information Technology are courses that will never fade because of the high rate and demand in them. Technology is becoming integrated into our society, and a lot of opportunities await those who want to pursue a degree in anything computer related. It is necessary for everyone who pursues a career in both computer science and Information Technology to further their studies and expand their abilities to get a higher chance of getting employed or promoted in any field they find themselves in. With this article, I know you will no longer have difficulty in using the field you desire. Computer science and Information Technology are one of the best courses you can never miss or regret pursuing.
GOOD LUCK!
Also Read How To Become An IT Technician
