As odd as it might seem, I'm a computer fanatic who has trouble in mathmatical fields. I've learned how to code several different web languages, but nothing like Java or C++. My question is, how much math skill does it take to become a good programmer? In college, do Computer Science majors have to conquer math in order to succeed? I'm willing to work hard, but when it comes to math, my skills have always lacked. Thanks for your time.
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Math Skills
- Thread starter JasonSV
- Start date
LittleWing
Programmer
what u need to know for the vast majority of programming tasks is the difference between 1 and 0, or True and False. if you can manage to get your head around that, your laughing. on the other hand, if you want to be an encryption guru, get those maths books out!! 
meadandale
Programmer
- Jun 2, 2001
- 356
Although most CS majors are required to take Calculus, so are most science and engineering students. CS students DO have to take one or more discrete math classes. Knowledge of set theory and other topics is fundamental to understanding how certain data structures and algorithms work. IMHO, no programmer is going to be REALLY good unless they have a firm foundation in data structures and algorithms including algorithm analysis (Big O notation) and this requires familiarity with discrete math.
Well, whether you use it often or not in the industry, Computer Science students are required to take a good amount of Math in college. My BS degree required Calculus I, II, and III. Descrete and Matrix Algebra were also required, as well as another elective. However, don't be discouraged. I was out of high school 5 years before I went back to college, and was afraid that my math skills would hurt me. Best thing to do is take some lower level math classes to start, and work your way up. You can still graduate on schedule.
Kennedy ------
Kennedy Roberts
Kennedy ------
Kennedy Roberts
- Thread starter
- #5
Jason
After 5+ years as a programmer I can say that the key to becoming a good programmer is two-fold.
1). A logical mind.
2). Making mistakes and learning from them.
Number 1 comes with practice if you don't already have it. Number 2 is the easiest thing in the book, it is so easy to make mistakes, but you should not see them as a barrier but rather an opportunity to improve yourself. The difference between yourself and an extremely good programmer is that they will have made sh*t loads more mistakes than you have.
As for the math at Uni, don't sweat it. Just apply yourself and hang out with the person in your class who is good at math. This way you have someone who can explain anything you don't understand. I did this for my masters and learnt more math that year than any other period in my life - very rewarding. just don't get phased by it all and good luck.
After 5+ years as a programmer I can say that the key to becoming a good programmer is two-fold.
1). A logical mind.
2). Making mistakes and learning from them.
Number 1 comes with practice if you don't already have it. Number 2 is the easiest thing in the book, it is so easy to make mistakes, but you should not see them as a barrier but rather an opportunity to improve yourself. The difference between yourself and an extremely good programmer is that they will have made sh*t loads more mistakes than you have.
As for the math at Uni, don't sweat it. Just apply yourself and hang out with the person in your class who is good at math. This way you have someone who can explain anything you don't understand. I did this for my masters and learnt more math that year than any other period in my life - very rewarding. just don't get phased by it all and good luck.
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