ACM Computing Classification System

ACM Computing Classification System (ACCS) is a subject classification system for computing, developed by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). The system is used by ACM to categorize its publications and by other organizations as well. It is hierarchical, with categories and subcategories of topics. The system has been revised several times, with the latest revision in 2012.

History

The ACM Computing Classification System was first developed in 1964. It was revised in 1982, 1991, 1998, and most recently in 2012. The revisions reflect changes in the field of computing and the need to update the categories and subcategories to reflect current research and development.

Structure

The ACCS is hierarchical, with three levels of categories. The top level has 13 categories, each represented by a letter of the alphabet. These categories cover broad areas of computing such as Hardware, Software, Information systems, and Human-centered computing. Each top-level category has multiple second-level categories, and each second-level category has multiple third-level categories.

Use

The ACCS is used by ACM to categorize its publications, including journals, conference proceedings, and magazines. It is also used by other organizations and in other contexts, such as in computer science education and in the development of research agendas.

Criticism and Alternatives

While the ACCS is widely used, it has been criticized for not keeping up with the rapid changes in the field of computing. Some have suggested that a more flexible, less hierarchical system would be more appropriate. Alternatives to the ACCS include the IEEE taxonomy and the DBLP classification system.

See also

• Association for Computing Machinery
• Computer science
• Information systems
• Human-centered computing