Viewpoint: Journals for Certification, Conferences for Rapid Dissemination

TL;DR

This paper discusses the unique publication culture in Computer Science, emphasizing the importance of conferences for rapid dissemination and the role of journals in establishing research quality.

Contribution

It highlights the distinct publication practices in CS, contrasting them with other disciplines, and examines the significance of conferences and journals in the field.

Findings

Conferences are primary venues for rapid dissemination in CS.

Journals play a role in establishing research quality in CS.

The publication culture in CS differs markedly from other scientific disciplines.

Abstract

The publication culture in Computer Science is different from that of all other disciplines. Whereas other disciplines focus on journal publication, the standard practice in CS has been to publish in a conference and then (sometimes) publish a journal version of the conference paper. We discuss the role of journal publication in CS. Indeed, it is through publication in selective, leading conferences that the quality of CS research is typically assessed.