In this blog post, we’ll explore what computer engineering is all about and why the metaphor of a “future diplomat of the machine world” fits so well.
The name “Computer Engineering” brings to mind cutting-edge technology. Computers are now deeply embedded in our daily lives and have become tools that everyone uses for a variety of purposes. However, when asked questions like “What is a computer?” or “What is it used for?”, many people find it difficult to answer readily.
Today, people use computers to perform a wide range of tasks, such as calculations, document creation, internet searches, and gaming. These tasks are made possible by various programs. At first glance, it may seem as though programs were created to utilize computers, but in reality, the opposite is closer to the truth. It is more accurate to understand that programs—which are sets of instructions designed to perform specific tasks—existed first, and the computer as a device evolved to execute them more efficiently.
While it is not easy to define computer science in a single sentence, one of the core concepts that best represents this field is undoubtedly “programming.” Programming is the process of creating instructions for a computer to execute, and it is the process of developing the various programs that people actually use. Computers appear to be very intelligent because they process enormous amounts of work at high speeds, but in reality, they are merely machines that execute predetermined commands based on electrical signals.
For example, when you perform an addition using a computer calculator, you always get an accurate result. On the surface, it may seem as though the computer understands and calculates addition just like a human, but in reality, it is simply the result of internal electrical signals and binary operations carried out according to a pre-written program. In other words, computers do not understand how to compute on their own; rather, they execute commands written by humans very quickly and accurately.
In computer science, students learn how to write commands in a language that computers can understand so that the computer can accurately perform the tasks the user desires. This can be described as the process of learning a language specifically designed to communicate with computers, rather than a natural language like English. To put it somewhat metaphorically, it can be viewed as a field of study that trains “prospective diplomats of the machine world” who bridge the language gap between humans and computers, enabling people to use computers more conveniently.
Many people tend to think only of personal computers or laptops when they hear the word “computer.” However, the concept of a computer encompasses all electronic computing devices that execute programs to perform meaningful tasks. Computers are embedded in countless devices in modern society—such as smartphones, automobiles, home appliances, smartwatches, and industrial equipment—and people use them every day without even realizing it. Computer engineering is the field that studies technologies for utilizing these diverse computers to connect people with one another, bridge the real and virtual worlds, and store and process vast amounts of information. Ultimately, a key goal of computer engineering is to serve as a bridge that naturally connects computers with human life.
Compared to other traditional academic disciplines, computer science has a relatively short history. Modern computer science began to develop in earnest after the mid-20th century and continues to grow rapidly today alongside various fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, cloud computing, and quantum computing. As such, it is a field with tremendous potential for future development. Just as a skilled diplomat understands the languages and cultures of different countries to facilitate smooth communication, those who study computer science serve as a bridge between humans and computers. Understanding computers, creating languages that computers can understand, and thereby making people’s lives more convenient—this is the very essence of computer science.
