How Are Statistics Used in Computer Science?

Statistics in computer science are used for a number of things, including data mining, data compression and speech recognition. Other areas where statistics are use in computer science include vision and image analysis, artificial intelligence and network and traffic modeling.

Statistics have been especially useful in speech recognition software with the advent of Apple’s Siri. Statistics also back programs such as Google Translate, which uses data to perform online translations. Statistics are used in both of these instances by using the spoken or typed word and changing it into a sequence of numbers that matches it with known dictionaries.

Data mining is performed with the help of statistics by using functions to find irregularities or inconsistencies within data. Data compression uses statistical algorithms to compress data. Statistics are also used in network traffic modeling, whereby available bandwidth is exploited to be usable while the use of statistical programs avoids network congestion. Artificial intelligence tries to simulate human thought using algorithms that are similar to voice recognition or translation software. Other statistical uses in computer science include quality management, software engineering, storage and retrieval processes and software and hardware engineering and manufacturing. Algorithms have become necessary in many facets of computer programming and data mining.