What are the core mathematical concepts a good developer should know? [closed]

Answer 1

Yeah, I would say a basic understanding of induction helps so that you understand what n represents in algorithms. Also some Logic and Discrete Structures is helpful.

Answer 2

I would go with the fields that Landon stated:

Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, Combinatorics, Probability and Statistics, Graph Theory

and add mathematical logic.

This would give you a grip on most fields of CS. If you want to go into special fields, you have to dive into some areas especially:

Computer graphics -> Linear Algebra
Gaming -> Linear Algebra, Physics
Computer Linguistics -> Statistics, Graph Theory
AI -> Statistics, Stochastics, Logic, Graph Theory

Answer 3

Here is a simple one that baffles me when I see developers that don't understand it:
- Order of Operations

Answer 4

There was a book that was recommended...the title was something like Concrete Mathematics. It was recommended in a few questions.

Answer 5

Concrete Mathematics covers most of the major topics. A good book on Discrete Math, like Rosen's Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications, will fill in any gaps.

Answer 6

Well, that depends on what you goal is. As someone said, Linear Algebra, Combinatorics, Probability and Statistics and Graph Theory are important if you're into solving hard problems. Asymptotic growth of functions (bit-Oh notation) is very important. You will also need to master summations and series if you need to work on analyzing some more complex algorithms (see the appendix on Cormen&others Intro to Algorithms).

Even if you're into "Java for the enterprise" or "server-side PHP", you will find some Statistics and Algorithm Complexity (hence combinatorics, induction, summations, series, etc) useful when your boss wants you to get the server to work faster, and adding new hardware doesn't seem to help. :-) I've been through that once.