difference between cs and programming

[michaelp]

What is the difference between Computer Science and computer programming?

In this blog article I commented saying something about how I think I get better when I solve something that is math related, and how some people have said the computer does all the math for you when you are programming. Then there is some other comments about the theory and programming and differences, etc etc.
Is computer science a larger thing than just programing? Is computer science programming at all? What's the distinction between the 2?

[Tony]

in simpler terms, programming would be the practical application of computer science. The science part is the theory -- math, formal proofs, algorithm design, etc. Programming would be implementing those algorithms into a working solution.

The thing is, if you do programming without the science, the best you'll do is implement someone else's UML diagrams.

And if you do the science without the practice then you don't get to implement any working solutions.

The sweet spot is somewhere in a mix of two.

[StealthArcher]

Wow @ new avy. Getting ready to hack UW's servers again?

[michaelp]

Ah, so there are (for the most part) almost completely different things? Can't live without either of them.
The theory part of computer science and programming can be applied to all programming languages, right?

[Tony]

That's right. There is one theory behind a certain sorting algorithm, and it could be studied, analyzed, and discussed on paper and in terms of math -- you don't even need a computer for any of this.

This same theory can then be taken and implemented in any programming language.

Doing it in reverse is harder though. Given a source code in one language, it might often come down to "translating" from one syntax to another, without much understanding of what you are actually doing (given a sufficiently complicated algorithm).

[HeavenAgain]

and what course is the mix of both (science and programming)?
did i pick the wrong course for uni?!

[Tony]

Most of the Uni courses are a mix, though it obviously depends. The way I see it, is that lectures are usually just the theory, and you are expected to pick up on practical programming on your own to complete the assignments.

[rdrake]

Tony is entirely right, in computer science you are taught the theory behind algorithms and such. You are usually given a class or two on programming, but you pick most of it up on your own. It's not uncommon for professors to give you assignments where you have to learn certain aspects of a programming language on your own.

Personally I believe computer science covers a lot more important material than just programming would on its own. Actual programming is only a small part of computer science.

[michaelp]

So, programming is more the syntax part and the actual code typing, and computer science is how it's done?

[md]

No, computer science is why you this algorithm is good for this situation, and how it works.

Programming is taking an algorithm and implementing it in your language of choice.

Computer science is just that, a science. Programming is more of an art.

[Dan]

Software enengering whould be more of "how it's done" and making the UML diagrams that the code moenys (programmers) use.

It all gets a bit mixed up becues all 3 cross over and althought you may spesialize in one you still need at least a basic understanding of the others to make it into reality.