Data Science or Computer Science: Which is More Difficult?
For anyone considering a career in either data science or computer science, one of the first questions they’re likely to ask is: which field is more difficult?
The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. Both data science and computer science are complex disciplines that require years of study and practice to master. However, there are some key differences between the two fields that can help you make a decision about which one is right for you.
Data Science vs. Computer Science: The Key Differences
The most important difference between data science and computer science is the focus of each discipline.
Computer science focuses on the theory behind computing and developing new ways to make computers more efficient.
Data science, on the other hand, focuses on using computation to extract knowledge and insights from data. This means that data scientists need to be just as comfortable working with large datasets as they are with developing algorithms.
Another key difference is the kinds of problems each discipline solves. Computer science generally deals with problems that are well-defined and have a known solution.
For example, designing a new sorting algorithm or creating a more efficient way to store data. Data science, on the other hand, often deals with problems that are ill-defined and do not have a known solution.
For example, trying to predict customer behavior or detecting fraud. This means that data scientists need to be comfortable working in uncertainty and be able to think creatively to come up with solutions.
Conclusion:
So which is more difficult? Data science or computer science?
The answer depends on your skill set and interests. If you’re more interested in theoretical problem-solving and enjoy working with well-defined problems, then computer science may be the better choice for you.
However, if you’re more interested in extracting insights from data and are comfortable working in uncertainty, then data science may be a better fit.
Whichever route you choose, know that you’ll need to put in many years of hard work to succeed in either field.