Engineering & IT

FE / IT Study

Fundamental Engineering, algorithms, data structures, system architecture, and the theoretical underpinnings of computer science.

What is the FE Exam?

The Fundamental Information Technology Engineer (FE) exam is Japan's national IT qualification, testing core knowledge in algorithms, computer architecture, databases, networks, security, management, and system design. It is a benchmark for software engineers in Japan and a goal I am actively working toward.

The FE exam covers 10 major domains — from binary arithmetic and Boolean logic to database normalisation and OSI network layers. Passing it demonstrates a solid foundation equivalent to a CS degree's core subjects.

Topics I'm Mastering

Algorithms & Data Structures

Sorting, searching, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, Big-O complexity analysis.

Computer Architecture

CPU pipeline, cache hierarchy, memory management, instruction sets, RISC vs CISC.

Databases

Relational theory, SQL, normalisation (1NF–BCNF), transactions, ACID properties.

Networking

OSI/TCP-IP model, routing protocols, TCP handshake, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS internals.

Security

Cryptography, PKI, common attack vectors, secure development lifecycle.

Software Engineering

SDLC models, design patterns, UML, agile methodologies, testing strategies.

A Favourite Algorithm

# Binary Search — O(log n)
def binary_search(arr, target):
    left, right = 0, len(arr) - 1
    while left <= right:
        mid = (left + right) // 2
        if arr[mid] == target:
            return mid
        elif arr[mid] < target:
            left = mid + 1
        else:
            right = mid - 1
    return -1
    