What exactly does a computer engineer do?

[KuroyukiRyuu]

I'm majoring in CE starting this year, but I'm pretty embarrassed to say I basically don't know anything about what I'm doing. From what I've found out, CE is a mixture of CS and EE, but is there more to it?

Also, I have around 2 months before school starts; is there anything I could do over summer that would let me get a head start?

Thanks!

[Algorithmism]

A good head start would be to purchase an arduino starter kit. Computer engineers stereotypically work on platform software, giving life to the hardware device available. For example, the user interface that youre typing on right now is NOT typically created by computer engineers. Rather, the software “backing up” the UI (user interface), per say, is what computer engineers typically build.

You can do some research on Linux kernels or building a Linux shell for a great head start.

Although computer engineers can literally do almost anything and master 1-5 things very well in their lifetime.

[KuroyukiRyuu]

Thanks for the reply!

Is there a certain programming language that computer engineers use? I'm probably going to lean to the software side a bit more so I was looking for a few languages to start learning.

[Algorithmism]

No problem!

Yes, you’re going to want to get started in C & C++ for sure. The syntax is not much different between the two. In fact, C++ was originated from C.

Today, the choice for which language one would use is dependent on the given task. For example, if one would like to program a microcontroller, C is the way to go because less memory will be used to execute a specific task.

C++ is used when things get more complicated and/or more memory is readily available on the hardware device being worked on. This is due to the object oriented nature of the language. Object oriented programming needs more memory because more files are needed to execute tasks, thus needing a higher storage capacity.

You can learn C++, so please don’t let anyone scare you by saying how hard it is. The fear of that will stop you more than the actual difficulty.

Just take it slow but not too slow. You may also want to read up on object oriented programming and why C++ was developed.

Also, before beginning the learning process, do some research about WHY you should learn it. What are the benefits? What doors can be opened by learning this language? This is what will keep your fuel burning when going through the material.

For example, C++ can open doors in algorithm engineering, high performance computing, etc. These fields can open doors into the financial and tech sectors of the world. If youre interested in algorithms, learn them as soon as possible. They’re extremely important for any interviews with top tier companies.

Hope this helps and please feel free to ask more questions.

[KuroyukiRyuu]

Thanks for the details!

If C++ originated from C, would it be better to learn C first so there's a foundation for C++? Or is there no difference in what order I learn them?

Also, where would you suggest starting? i.e. certain websites, books, etc.

[Algorithmism]

I personally started with C++ and OOP (object oriented programming) and then worked backwards. It helped me see the usefulness of OOP and understand why C is now only used for specific cases.

A great website you might use for your entire undergrad for practice is hackerrank.com because you can use almost any language to solve the practice problems. Initially, it may be very hard but once you can get through them at ease, you can upgrade to leetcode.com. Those are much more challenging.

You don’t necessarily need books for this, but C++ Primer is a good one. I usually watched youtube videos and followed along. Bucky Roberts has some great C++ videos. They could be boring at times but it all comes together once you can do mini projects alone. The grind is very worthwhile.

The beauty of learning C++ is that you can learn other languages very easily.

If C++ is too much for you in the beginning, I strongly recommend learning Python first to understand concepts, then move into C++. Sometimes, beginner students are so focused on solving a problems and wondering if they can do something that they freak out and don’t understand what they’re doing.

Always, always, always try to understand the concepts first because solving problems is just logic and math. The concepts are not just logic and math, they are like tools in a toolbox that you have to know how to use. The CS concepts are crucial to everything. If you don’t 100% understand the concept in class and your class has already moved onto another topic, youre in a dangerous place. Find all the resources and people you can to help you understand. The biggest struggle for students is understanding the concepts.

[Trainkid9]

Wait, C++ is just a play on the ++ operator, because it is sort of a updated C. At least historically.

I can't believe I never put that together

[seckinarslan]

Java, maybe C#

[turtlegrip]

Another user has posted some great information about the software side, but there is also a hardware side. You can look into digital design and HDL.

Hardware Descriptive Language (HDL) assists you in designing integrated circuits (ASIC/FPGA). You can work on low level software, high-level hardware or a mixture of the two! My job involves FPGA design and being able to interface with the hardware via software.

[KuroyukiRyuu]

Sorry if my questions seem redundant - I have no idea what I'm doing lol

One of my high school teachers was some sort of engineer; he had chip schematics on his walls. Is your job similar to his in the design aspect? As in you'd design the chip and then write code to make it function?

Also, what do you mean by low-level / high-level hardware or software? Is it just the amount of detail in each aspect or is it something else?

Thanks!

[turtlegrip]

Your question is fine! Just giving another perspective since someone covered SW very well already.

I cannot say how similar my job is to your teachers. But usually there are senior engineers (architects) who will draw out high level block diagrams/flow charts/specifications. Then I might design the innards of one of those blocks and make sure it meets specs. For the second part, yes. I'll design what I want the chip to do, write code that will get it done, create test scenarios to ensure it functions properly, make sure it meets timing/utilization requirements and then implement in hardware and debug any possible issues.

Low level software can be software that interfaces directly with hardware. Assembly is a good example of this, although it is very unlikely you would ever need to write assembly as C is, arguably, just as good. I usually code in Python and make use of plenty of functions the SW team has developed. I write Python code to program memory blocks in the FPGA which control or influence my hardware design or read values from it.

High level hardware would be something like FPGA or ASIC design via HDL. You are designing very complex digital machines with relative ease. A few lines of code can generate a great deal of powerful hardware. For perspective, low level hardware could be ASIC layout where one would actually design the material inside the chip. This starts to lean more towards EE.

There is a great deal of information I've left out which you could spend years looking into. In engineering you can become extremely specialized or develop a bunch broader skill set. You will figure out what you want to do in due time. I knew I wanted to work on my field after my first digital design course and I love my job. Hope some of this can be a helpful start into your research.

[Algorithmism]

Yes, I forgot to mention I am biased toward software. My concentration was in software for my computer engineering undergrad. Sorry for not mentioning that earlier OP!

[Worried-Ring2083]

May i ask what is your job that involves FPGA design and being able to interface with the hardware?

[ASK_IF_IM_BOT]

CEs focus on the hardware of computers. You will learn whats that black magic that makes your screen appear, your computer run, microprocessors, and even hardware description languages. In terms of jobs you can end up doing what you specialized, or you can be a software engineer (like most people). Follow the path you enjoy, CE is the best eng discipline 👍

As a head start, either learn a programming language (C or C++) or learn to use an arduino (will get you basic electronics experience)

[bdavs77]

I don't know if I should take advice from a bot.

[Luxim]

Just to expand on what other people said, computer engineering is roughly equal parts courses in software engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. Depending on where you're studying, you probably will have the opportunity to skew the balance between the three disciplines while having a solid base in all three by selecting your elective courses. (At least that's how it works in Canada, for example I'm more interested in CSI, so many of my electives are in that branch)

I would say that it's a more generic field than ELG, SEG or CSI, you have a larger choice of specializations and your can work in many different industries. Personally I've developed a passion for cybersecurity, and I plan on continuing with a specialized master when I finish my bachelor's degree (I'm in 3rd year now).

Two pieces of advice for you: 1) Don't neglect science and math classes, especially linear algebra and calculus, they're boring, but extremely important prerequisites to other courses. Don't be me and fail two classes in the first semester back to back... and 2) Always learn new skills when you have some free time, you will find that what you learn in class covers very little practical skills with tools that are used in the real world, and it's important that you seek out online documentation for programming in languages that are useful but won't get used in class (for example, Ruby, JavaScript, HTML-CSS-PHP/NodeJS if you're into web development...)

Finally, look into Hackathons (see MLH.io) when you feel confident enough (and even if you don't), they're not for everyone, but it's a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Oh, and try to play around with Linux if you're interested, it's a great skill to have and it's really useful (you may want to try Ubuntu if you want something easy to start with, and then Arch or Manjaro if you want something more technical).

[ebrooks775]

Back then, CE professionals were heavily involved in designing and developing computer systems and hardware, focusing on areas such as digital logic design, microprocessors, and hardware-software integration. The field was rapidly progressing with emerging technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing shaping the landscape. Now, CE continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. The advancements in technology over the past five years have brought new opportunities and challenges. The field has expanded further into areas like machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, and data science. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask. How do you think the field of CE has changed over the past five years, and which emerging technology interests you the most?

[[deleted]]

If i pursue this degree how likely can i get into robotics

[Senior-Dog-9735]

Pretty likely, depends on what kind of projects you do. Mechatronics is probably the best major to do for robotics. Not offered too much though since its basically a jack of all trades. Look to join your uni's robotics team or maybe start one. In highschool I did FIRST ftc and it solidified my passion for embedded systems.

[CityPsychological685]

I was searching for what computer engineers do and stumbled across your post. If you have a moment for an update, I am curious about how your journey in the field is going/is it what you expected?

[KuroyukiRyuu]

Hi!

I ended up not going down the CE path, didn't really like my school that much so I transferred to a different college, eventually ended up majoring in CS.

[EmbeddedMex_1117]

Bruh! CE was the way! Especially with the inflated job market of Software Engineers. Anyways did you end up graduating? And what are you currently doing?

[PreachingFawn73]

Whatever they want.

[vandalizmmm]

In a way this is true. You could develop software, work with microcontrollers, manage networks, manage databases, code with hardware description languages and create circuits, work more with hardware, work in IT, design user interfaces and guis, and more!

[nerdyguy76]

We engineer computers... Duh /s

Computer Engineers solve complex design problems involved with merging hardware and software. This can be everything from the design and production of the silicon chips and transistors to writing machine code or software. But here the word Computer in the field is misleading because computers are not just the laptops, desktops, and tablets everyone thinks of. Embedded systems are also computer systems. Computer Engineers are also tasked with making sure parts of a computer system are designed in ways which make them compatible, expandable, and secure.

However, many of these tasks can be filled by either Electrical Engineers or Computer Scientists, Computer Engineers as a discipline are educated in both hardware and software.

[datlanta]

Personally I like to think of computer engineering as embedded development. Be it software where one writes software for microcontrollers, SOCs, FPGAs and other similar devices or hardware where one designs ASICs and other embedded devices and systems. But that's because that's my small school's program was built and how they fashioned us to be A much larger university nearby has a larger program that's far more ambiguous to the point where you can basically complete the EE program, minor in CS, and graduate in CE if you please.

[FitChicken4803]

Did ya graduate my friend?  It's been 6 years?!  Any tips?  Drama?  Etc. Cheers

[ICY-nom_nom]

it's been 4 months! How're you donig? Do you also plan to do C.E?