A means of storing a collection of data. Computer science is in part the study of methods for effectively using a computer to solve problems, or in other words, the entire process of determining exactly the problem to be solved. This process entails (1) gaining an understanding of the problem; (2) translating vague descriptions, goals, and contradictory requests, and often unstated desires, into a precisely formulated conceptual solution; and (3) implementing the solution with a computer program. This solution typically consists of two parts: algorithms and data structures.