The two cultures in computing (1998)

This 1998 paper discusses the gap between Computer Science (theoretical and mathematical foundations) and everyday practical programming.

Here are some extracts from the paper:

> CS (Computer Science) emphasis is placed upon theoretical and mathematical foundations of computing, while IS (Information Systems) concentration focuses on pragmatic applications and business uses of computers. Each of these sub-disciplines has little use for the other.

> Computer scientists denigrate the inelegant nature of the typical COBOL or spreadsheet business application, while information systems specialists decry the inability of the computer scientist to communicate effectively with users.

> It’s probably a dangerous oversimplification to call CS adherents theorists and IS advocates practitioners, but as long as we remember the importance of both areas, as highlighted by the following paraphrased words of adult education specialist Dugan Laird, we can make use of the above terms: Theory without practice is mere speculation, while practice without theory is only anecdote.

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Is Computer Science too distant from practice? Although this paper is from 1988, it's concerns are still relevant. I can recommend the following YouTube interview with Charles Severance (Dr Chuck) the instructor for the massive popular Coursera course: Python for Everyone from the University of Michigan (from the School of Information, not from the Computer Science division). It’s a fascinating discussion.

Computer Science isn't programming / How to become a Master Programmer / Featuring Dr Chuck - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3o6yEzcnLc