Computing

This article is about the activity involving computing machinery. For the magazines, see Computing (magazine) and Compute!

Computer simulation
Computer simulation, one of the main cross-computing methodologies

Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computing machinery.[1] It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and the development of both hardware and software. Computing has scientific, engineering, mathematical, technological, and social aspects. Major computing disciplines include computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, information technology, and software engineering.[2]

The term computing is also synonymous with counting and calculating. In earlier times, it was used in reference to the action performed by mechanical computing machines, and before that, to human computers.[3]

Early vacuum tube Turing complete computer
ENIAC, the first programmable general-purpose electronic digital computer
  1. ^ "Computing Classification System". Digital Library. Association for Computing Machinery.
  2. ^ "Computing Careers & Disciplines: A Quick Guide for Prospective Students and Career Advisors (2nd edition, ©2020)". CERIC. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  3. ^ "The History of Computing". mason.gmu.edu. Retrieved 12 April 2019.