Comments on: 5 things that Computer Science Engineering students should focus on

By: Navin Kabra

Navin Kabra — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:44:13 +0000

@Mukul, basic principles of programming, design of programs, data-structures and algorithms are more important than any individual language. But the important thing to realize is that none of those things can be learnt without actually writing programs. (Just learning the “theory” of those topics, without actually using them in programs, is not enough.) Which means, that learn at least one language well – and use that to get a good understanding of the fundamentals.

By: Kapil Sakhuja

Kapil Sakhuja — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:32:09 +0000

Thanks Navin and everybody else who has contributed to this discussion! A google search(out of frustration ) landed me on this page and i am glad something like this existed. I would like to add my 2 cents to the discussion to help myself learn something through your replies.

Many people here have suggested that the computer science fundamental subjects like Algorithms, Data structures, etc. are a must for any computer science graduate. I have been a Java programmer for about 4 years and have worked for different projects for different US clients. I am teaching Java programming these days. The important part: Never ever in my 4 yrs of experience have I felt the need for in depth study of subjects/topics like algorithms, data structures, graph theory etc. Infact i have always missed not reading enough books on Java and its related technologies and tools.

Don’t you think subjects like data structures, algorithms, graph theory, compiler design etc. are not required for all software projects. I am not sure about the figures, but by what i have experienced, and based on figures on job related websites like http://www.naukri.com and http://www.dice.com, majority of the software projects being developed today are web projects and most of them use tools/frameworks/api related to one technology only (Java/.Net/Ruby etc.). Mastering one particular technology/platform (Java/.Net/C/C++) requires studying and learning soooo… many things. If i were to compile a list of books that a Java fresher programmer must go through before entering the industry, it would easily cross the count of 10!

Keeping in mind the effort that a student has to put in today to become a good Java (or .Net) programmer, isn’t it unfair that we also require the student to learn computer science fundamentals as well, when we know that in most of the projects, he would not be needing those subjects? Isn’t it time that subjects in a computer science degree should be directly related to what is required by the market? Should we have different types of degrees for different skills, say Web Development, Application develoment, System software development etc.? What is more important for a Java programmer: Java and its related technologies completely OR subjects like Algorithm, DS, Graph theory etc? Shouldn’t these subjects be optional? I personally feel that most of the B.Tech C.S courses today force every student to learn atleast 5 different skill sets. Is it really required? Is a .Net programmer required to know compiler design, Networking, DBMS theoretical concepts, hacking, Java, C, C++?? Wouldn’t it be better if only one (or two max) of these skill sets be made compulsory and rest optional? Would we save a lot of time that is unnecessarily wasted during degree years?

I hope i haven’t offended anybody here. My intention is to learn from others so that i can be a better teacher and be able to guide students better.

Thanks!
Kapil

By: kiransai

kiransai — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:28:01 +0000

karthik, don’t nervous about your future it will be ok.. coming to your course, when you are listening to the class try to know how it is useful in real time scenario’s and try to think it in different angle and ask doubts..enjoy the subject ..!

By: mukul hodarkar

mukul hodarkar — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:28:30 +0000

dear navin,

I am a 3rd year comp.engg. student. I have studied C,C++ languages + databases related subjects. Earlier you have said to focus on ‘the basics’ of CSE means data structures n algo. etc.

1) Does that mean I should pay more attention to those subjects than the languages?

2)Shouldn’t I concentrate on the basic languages like C,C++,JAVA ?

Or am I supposed to master these languages + to have a good thorough knowledge of the core subjects of CSE like algorithms n etc.?

By: shank

shank — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:51:03 +0000

Thanks a lot for the article, it was really helpfull but can you help me with how to achieve all the things you have highlighted above as presentation skill, communication skills n all…

By: Navin Kabra

Navin Kabra — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:43:42 +0000

@Balaji,
The bad news is that you have no useful skills right now, since you were supposed to learn programming, but you don’t want to. The good news is that you have clarity on what you like and what you dont. There are many careers/jobs in IT that are not directly about programming. Business Analyst. Project Manager. Just Manager too. You need to find out what each of these roles involves, and start learning the theory and basics of those domains. Your CS degree will be sort-of useful, but you will need to push yourself a little to ensure that you have the skills to excel in that area. Or you could do an MBA and become a generic manager.

By: balajiselvas

balajiselvas — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:33:26 +0000

Sir..
My name is Balaji.I am studying B.E computer science.All people around me says that Programming is an important aspect of a Software Engineer’s life.But I am not interested in Coding. So other than coding what can I do to Shine in the software field…?I have great interest in getting details about mobile products their features etc..So..If there is any other chance for a CSE student other than program coding?

By: Emmanuel Philip

Emmanuel Philip — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:38:28 +0000

1.know how to program 2.Learn basic design of computers hardware 3.Be familiar with different OS 4.Be able modify some electronics component.5.Have information on what hackers do.

By: manohar k

manohar k — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:07:12 +0000

i read already this . i want new things, i mean to say give me the different things that are important to a CS engineer.and finally thanks for the information and if u will updated i will be a happy man.i really appreciate u , for providing this much of information about CS.

By: mehul

mehul — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:50:48 +0000

“f, after seeing an algorithm, your first thought is not about the complexity of the algorithm (O(n), O(log n), etc.), then you need to hit your books again”.
BUT what books , will u please tell me.

computer science fundamentals and presentation skills are very much liked topics.

thanx,
NAVIN