Is mathematics necessary for programming? [closed]

Answer 1

In my experience math is required in programming, you can't get away from it. The whole of programming is based on math.

The issue is not black and white, but more colorful. The question is not whether or not you need math, but how much. The higher levels of math will give you more tools and open up your mind to different paths of though.

For example, you can program if you only known addition and subtraction. When multiplication is required, you will have to perform a lot of additions. Multiplication simplifies repetitive additions. Algebra allows one to simplify math before implementing it into programs. Linear Algebra provides tools for transforming images. Boolean Algebra provides mechanics for reducing all those if statements.

And don't forget the sibling to mathematics, Logic and Philosophy. Logic will help you make efficient use of case or switch statements. Philosophy will help you understand the thinking of the guy who wrote that code you are modifying.

Yes, you don't need much math to write programs. Some programs may require more math than others. More math knowledge will give you an advantage over those who have lesser understanding. In these times, people need every advantage they can get to obtain those jobs.

Answer 2

Yeah, there is no need for advanced mathematics - if you are programming commercial - off the shelf software.

However when dealing with hardcore stuff such as:

• Calculating trajectories to control a robot
• Creating AI-like applications to support uncertainty and automatic reasoning
• Playing with 3-D motion and graphics

Some advanced mathematics knowledge might come in handy. And it's not like they are "out-of-this world" problems.

I had to create a software to try to "predict" the necessary amount of paper for an office (and it was hell just to find out the best way to approximate values).

You have to be careful, though, because it is easy to get lost when using advanced things - there is a friend of mine who resorted to using Turing to store the state of a dynamic menu just to display it correctly - humm... perhaps he wnet too far in his imagination.

Answer 3

Mathematics are needed for developers in some fields but are almost useless in others.

If you are a game developer and have to work with physics a lot - understanding of math is crucial. If you are working with advanced visual controls - you could not do much without geometry. If you're planning to do some financial calculations - it would REALLY help to have solid knowledge of statistics.

On the other hand over last 5 years I had only 2 or 3 projects where ANY amount of math was required at all. Of these there was only 1 occurrence when a Google search did not help.

At the end of the day even financial calculations are very often something your clients do for you and give you formulas to implement.

So if you're in 'applied software' business you are likely to never use your math degree. If you're in academic software maths are crucial.

Answer 4

I would argue that having advanced logic (discrete) math can really help. That along with set theory. When dealing with common computer programs, these disciplines can help a lot. However, a lot of the other math I took in university was calculus, which as far as I can see, had very limited usage. Since 90% (or something like that) of programming is doing business apps with very simple math, I would say that for the most part, you can get by with very little math knowledge. However, a good understanding of boolean algebra, logic, discrete math, and set theory can really put you up to that next level.

Answer 5

I agree with Chris. I would say "Yes", also. But this depends on your market as stated above. If you are simply creating some basic "off-the-shelf" applications or writing tools to help your everyday work...then math isn't nearly as important.

Engineering custom software solutions requires lots of problem solving and critical thinking. Skills that are most definitely enhanced when a mathematics background is present. I minored in Math with my Computer Engineering degree and I give credit to all of my math-oriented background as to why I'm where I am today.

That's my 2 cents, I can tell from reading above that many would not agree. I encourage all to consider that I'm not saying you can't have those skills without a math background, I'm simply stating that the skills are side-effects of having such a background and can impact software positively.

Answer 6

Well you generated a number of responses, and no I did not read them all. I am in the middle on this, no you certainly do not need math in order to be a programmer. Assembler vs device drivers in linux are no more or less complicated than the other and neither require math.

In no way shape or form do you need to take or pass a math class for any of this.

I will agree that the problem solving mindset for programming is quite similar to that of math solutions, and as a result math probably comes easily. or the contrary if math is hard then programming may be hard. A class or a degree or any pieces of paper or trophies are not required, going off and learning stuff, sure.

Now if you cannot convert from hex to binary to decimal quickly either in your head, on paper, or using a calculator you are going to struggle. If you want to get into networking and other things that involve timing, which kernel drivers often do but dont have to. You are going to struggle. I know of a very long list of people with math degrees and/or computer science, and/or engineering degrees that struggle with the rate calculations, bits per second, bytes per second, how much memory you need to do something, etc. To some extent it may be considered some sort of knack that some have and others have to work toward.

My bottom line is I believe in will power, if you want to learn this stuff you can and will, it is as simple as that. You dont need to take a class or spend a lot of money, linux and qemu for example can keep you busy for quite some time, different asm langauges, etc. crashable environments for kernel development, embedded, etc. You are not limited to that, but I dont believe that you have to run off and take any classes if you dont want to. If you want to then sure take some ee classes, some cs classes and some math classes..