The nature of computing [educational aspects]

Computing is a young but rapidly maturing discipline with solid theoretical foundations. It is not surprising that much disagreement remains concerning its scope and extent. Some important computer scientists are beginning to view the discipline as evolving towards engineering. In this paper, the author argues that computing can contribute to engineering in important ways, and vice versa. He believes that, although this symbiosis has already paid considerable dividends, the best is yet to come.