I'm now on my final year of my PhD in Computer Science (CS).
Unfortunately, I'm still confused with what is considered as a novelty in CS.
Some people say I have to develop a new algorithm and not applying an existing algorithm.
Some people say it is still novelty even if I apply the existing algorithms to solve some problems in my area.
Some people say if someone else method from another area can work in my area, and that particular method haven't been explored in my area, it is still considered as a novelty.
So, now I am confused at my stage. What does it mean as a novelty in Computer Science PhD research? What it is considered as a novelty to pass the PhD?
I am also advised to present four contributions in my PhD to graduate. And, for each contribution, I put it as one chapter in my thesis. Each contribution is a new thing and published in a journal/conference. It is true? Why I can see some PhD works do not have these four chapters?