Ask yourself: What should I do or am I doing? A Computer Science course or an Informatics course?

Distinguishing between computing and informatics can be somewhat perplexing in many situations, as both involve computer usage. Moreover, in numerous countries, such as those of English-speaking origin, the term "informatics" isn't widely used, and "computing" is employed instead in various contexts.

Etymologically speaking, a clear differentiation exists. The term "computing" originates from the Latin "computare," meaning "to count," and has been in use since ancient times. Conversely, "informatics" is a more modern term, derived from the expression "mathematical information" or, for many, "automatic information," which essentially refers to the process of automating information.

Within the realm of etymology, differentiation is straightforward. However, in practice, things can become a bit intricate, as many argue that both terms should be treated as synonyms due to reasons mentioned in the second paragraph of this text. Others assert that they are related but distinct concepts and should never be treated as synonymous.

On the internet, one can find numerous texts, articles, and forum discussions on this topic. In most cases, conclusions are based on personal opinions, lacking theoretical foundations, and as such, the statements tend to be speculative.

To further complicate matters, there are numerous institutions offering courses in computing and others offering informatics courses, with the curriculum content being the same for both. In other words, they teach the same things.

In the quest for a better practical definition concerning computing and informatics, consulting reputable sources that have addressed the subject is important. This includes various dictionaries, which provide the following definitions:

Computing: The act or process of computing.

Informatics: A science aimed at information treatment through the use of equipment and procedures in the data processing field.

These concepts imply that computing refers to processes that can be mathematized, highlighting the computer's inherent functionality, while informatics focuses on information processing. Thus, some practical applications of both concepts become evident.

If computing's focus is on the computer's functionality and informatics' focus is on information, it's easy to conclude that, in practice, computing is dedicated to studying the computer as an end technology, while informatics is devoted to studying the computer as a means of automating information.

Therefore, informatics courses such as "Information Systems" and "Data Processing" teach how to use computers in automating everyday information processes, such as administrative, accounting, economic, and social tasks. This involves teaching software for office management, institutional data handling, text processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, Internet-related applications, database management systems, and even programming languages, in addition to computer maintenance practices.

On the other hand, computing courses like "Computer Science" and "Computer Engineering," due to their longer duration, offer everything covered in an informatics course and delve into how automated information is processed. A significant portion of the curriculum should focus on a mathematical and physical approach to computer architecture, providing a more solid grounding in computer concepts and theories.

It's important to note that even in countries where the term "informatics" isn't commonly used, there are various types of computing education, many focusing on information and others on the computer, many with a market-oriented focus and others with a scientific emphasis. This consistency illustrates the distinction between computing and informatics in countries using both terms.

A professional working in the computing field is dedicated to scientific research and the development of new computational technologies such as operating systems and basic hardware-level software. This individual requires knowledge of mathematical and physical foundations, memory operation, registers, logic units, arithmetic units, and other computer-related components. A professional working in informatics must know how to utilize the technologies existing in the market for information automation. For instance, they should be able to create a database for storing a company's information. It's not critical for them to understand how information is processed by the CPU or managed by memory.

With this understanding, it's important to observe that many higher education institutions, in an attempt to make their informatics courses more attractive, often include in their curriculum in-depth topics specific to computing. This is a mistake since these courses are shorter in duration and are aimed at preparing professionals for the job market with a more focused approach, which doesn't happen due to insufficient time for the necessary depth in the subjects.

While a single course can teach both informatics and computing, it's crucial not to lose focus. Therefore, the allocated hours for each topic should be appropriate to the overall objectives of the course so that, upon completion, students don't feel they have only received basic notions and are ill-equipped to work as qualified professionals.

Understanding the difference between informatics and computing is the first step in making a good course choice, allowing a thorough assessment of the content proposed by educational institutions, and seeking a course that offers content consistent with personal perspectives and the respective area of interest within those perspectives.

ACTIVITIES

1. What is the etymological difference between computing and informatics?

2. In practical terms, what are the purposes of computing and informatics?

3. What is the professional field of someone in the computing area?

4. What is the professional field of someone in the informatics area?

Article written in August 2010

Author: Prof. Roni Márcio Fais

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Specialist in Educational Supervision and Guidance

www.rmfais.com - All Rights Reserved

Translated from Brazilian Portuguese to English by ChatGPT.