According to David Malan, a CS50 lecturer at Harvard University, 23% of CS50 students have never taken a computer science course.

This is especially true when compared to the number of software engineers who have simply dived into learning languages, tools, and frameworks/libraries and then landed a job.

Studying computer science as a novice will aid in the development of problem-solving, critical thinking, and complicated analytical skills. These abilities are especially valuable for specialists who create instructions and analyze design patterns using complex algorithms and massive data.

So let's start at the very beginning.

What is a computer?

A computer is an electrical device or equipment that receives user input (typing, for example), processes data according to a set of instructions, outputs data (printing, speaking, for example), and temporarily or permanently stores data inside.

Electrical energy is required for a computer to work properly. Without its components, which are Hardware and Software, a computer cannot execute any of its operations.

What is computer science?

The study of computers, both hardware and software, is known as computer science. It's a vast topic that includes many aspects of computing, including coming up with new ways to address problems with computers and improving how they perform.

In practice, computer science is all about finding solutions to everyday human problem.

What is Computer Hardware And Software?

The physical components of a computer are known as computer hardware. Examples of computer hardware are Keyboards, mouse, processors, memory devices, monitors, printers, and the central processing unit.

The components of a computer that conduct specific activities on a computer based on a set of instructions or procedures are referred to as computer software. Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome, WhatsApp, Twitter, Slack are examples of computer software.

What is Computer Software?

Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. The total set of programs, procedures, and routines related with the operation of a computer system is referred to as software. Computers can be in the form of Mobile phones (Android, iPhone, etc), Laptop, Smartwatch, Smart TV, etc.

There are two branches of computer software, which are System Software and Application Software.

System Software.

A system software serves as a go-between for the user and the computer. It is intended for the use and upkeep of computer hardware. Application software cannot be executed or run successfully without System software installed on the machine.

Operating systems (OS) such as MacOS, Windows, and Linux are all examples of System Software. Firmware, device drivers, utility software, and so on are examples of other types of software.

Application software.

Application software is a computer software that is designed to help users perform a specific task on a computer.

Consider how boring and worthless your laptop or phone would be if it didn't have a browser, WhatsApp, tiktok, or Twitter. I hope you understand where I'm going?

Application programming is a type of software development that entails creating and maintaining computer-based applications (Mobile, Desktop, and Web).

Microsoft Office, VLC media player, WhatsApp, Slack, Google Chrome or Firefox, Twitter, and other applications software are examples of application software.

In conclusion, I hope I have been able to explain computer science to you as a beginner in software engineering. You can drop questions and comments.