Informàtics

Informàtics is the term used in Catalan to refer to professionals who work with computing and information technology. Informàtics encompasses computer scientists, software developers, systems engineers, network and IT specialists, and others who apply computing knowledge to create, maintain, and improve digital systems. They work across sectors such as industry, public administration, education, and research.

Typical activities include designing and programming software, configuring and maintaining computers and networks, administering databases, ensuring information security, and analyzing data to support decision making. In smaller organizations, informàtics staff may perform multiple roles; in larger settings, they are organized into specialized teams such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data management, and IT operations.

Education generally requires a higher education degree in informàtica, computer science, software engineering, or information systems. Vocational and professional training, apprenticeships, and certificates (for programming languages, database systems, or cloud platforms) are also common. Ongoing training is important due to rapid technological change.

The term informàtics is closely related to the field of informàtica (informatics) and to computer science. While informàtica describes the discipline as a whole, informàtics emphasizes the professionals who implement and apply its knowledge. Professional practice is guided by codes of ethics, data protection regulations, and industry standards.

Historically, informàtics developed with the rise of computing in the 20th century and the professionalization of IT work from the 1960s onward. Today, informàtics professionals work in areas such as software development, systems administration, cybersecurity, data science, and digital services, often collaborating across disciplines to deliver technology solutions.