5 Up-and-Coming Technology Trends for Computer Science

With a new disruption of technologies emerging, it can be a challenge to keep up. In particular, over the past year, we’ve witnessed an accelerated adoption of technological innovations.The technological revolution shows no signs of slowing down especially due to the pandemic. 

Computer science underpins much of the technology we rely on today. For example, the ubiquity of computers nowadays has exponentially grown. In 2019, almost half of private households worldwide were estimated to have a computer at home (Statista 2020). This has catapulted at an unprecedented pace in people's everyday lives and applied to every field of human society. 

Going back to basics, CS101 can help you get started with exploring the realm of computer science. If new technology trends in computer science make you want to explore a career in the field, then you’re in the right place.  This article will help you discover the top five upcoming computer science tech trends!

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#1 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

You’ve probably heard about the term “AI” whilst scrolling through the internet. Artificial intelligence (AI), also known as machine intelligence, is intelligence demonstrated by machines, as opposed to natural intelligence demonstrated by humans and other animals. It is designed to perform a variety of functions, including speech recognition, learning, planning, and problem-solving. 

According to the World Intelligence Congress, AI, virtual personal assistants, and chatbots will replace nearly a staggering 69 percent of the manager workload by 2024. That being said, the future of work is here. Customer service executives, receptionists, proofreading, manufacturing and pharmaceutical work, courier services, and many other jobs are likely to be performed by AI machines in the future.

#2 Quantum Computing

In late 2019, interest in "quantum computing" searches boomed significantly after Google announced the development of a quantum computer capable of achieving quantum supremacy by a team led by John Martinis. Quantum computing is a subfield of computing concerned with the development of computer technology based on quantum theory's principles. Today's computers can only store data in bits with the value 1 or 0, whereas quantum computing uses quantum bits or qubits.

The potential of quantum computing and the projected market size have prompted some of the world's most prominent technology companies to invest in the field including IBM, Microsoft, Google to name a few. It's fascinating to see the future of computer science and whether quantum computing will eventually substitute supercomputers as the new norm.

#3 Edge Computing

Edge computing is the practise of capturing, storing, processing, and analysing data close to the client, rather than in a centralised data warehouse. Edge computing works by extending data, applications, and computing power beyond the centralised network's limits, allowing for fragments of information to be scattered across the server's distributed networks.

Believe it or not, edge computing is already in use everywhere – from the wearable on your wrist to the computers that analyse traffic flow at intersections. Also, smart utility grid analysis, oil rig safety monitoring, streaming video optimisation, and drone-enabled crop management are just some examples. The BLS forecasts a 22 percent  job growth rate for software developers, including edge computing software developers, between 2019 and 2029.

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#4 Cybersecurity

We live in an age when almost everything is done online. Individuals and nations are no longer optional when it comes to data protection, making this another growing area of computer science research. Cybersecurity is concerned with defending systems, networks, and programmes against digital attacks.

Cyber attacks involve the unauthorised access, modification, or destruction of sensitive information, as well as the extortion of money from users; or the disruption of normal business processes. In particular, cybercriminals are expected to steal an estimated 33 billion records by 2023. 

Today, antivirus software and firewalls are no longer effective at preventing cyber-attacks. It is essential for the future of technology that cybersecurity plays a role in ensuring the right to privacy in the digital world.

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#5 Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is defined as "the use of computational tools to organise, analyse, comprehend, visualise, and store data about biological macromolecules." Bioinformatics is the application of computers and information technology to large datasets of molecular biology. Think on the lines of cutting-edge subfields of biotechnology, used for the discovery of novel drugs and the development of medical treatments. 

Bioinformatics is a field of study that combines computer science, mathematics, biology, and statistics to analyse and visualise biological data. As a result, applying computer science to bioinformatics provides a more efficient method of analysing, fragmenting, and sequencing.

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What next?

With so many new technology trends to keep up in the computer science realm, there’s more of a reason to watch this space! You’ve just discovered five up-and-coming technology trends about computer science. 

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