Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

[yarraman]

I have a degree in maths. I have done calculus. I have done optimisation, Flux, Curl, Fourier series and so much matrix algebra that my eyes might be square arrays.

I still have all my maths textbooks. It's been years since I did it but I could probably rehash it.

Is mathematical knowledge ANY use in learning either [1] how to program and/or [2] understanding how computers work under the hood?

If I had to describe my current career path it is a computational graphic designer The only times when I am reminded of maths is when I read something about computers that uses a term like "bounded" and my third year uni course on number theory comes back to me.

[muggins]

Discrete maths is surely relevant...otherwise both computing & maths need logical thinking.

[disciple]

Of course it is of use... but obviously if you wanted to learn to program you would study it, not go back and revise your maths

[yarraman]

Ok. I'm interested. I did discrete maths!

Matrices?
Linear algebra?
Vectors?
Sets?

[rarsa]

Here is my take.

You need good math to do some kinds of programming but it is not necessary at all for some other kinds.

e.g.
A business application requires just the most basic math skils
Creating a game rendering engine, requires advanced math
Creating the front end for a simulation requires moderate knowledge
Creating the back end may require substantial knowledge.

What's more, the math may be done by some people and the programming by a different set of people.

Having said that. Doing math wires your brain in a certain way that helps you understand abstract concepts. The same as doing music helps you understand math, even though they are not the same.

As a general observation: In my own experience math and physics grads are usually very good programmers.

If you know math you may have an easier time learning to program.

[amigo]

Generally, good programming is more about logical processes -like the ability to tranlsate a problem posed as prose into an equation which provides the answer. Unless the program is really about doing math, the conversion of the logic is more important than the actual equation.

[aarf]

in which prehistoric era did you get this degree? 1500? 1200? 300BC yes that was it.
didnt know they had cornflakes packets back then.

[Bruce B]

Dad is a computer scientist. He graduated with a masters degree in math. In those days universities didn't have computer classes.

Recruits were from math departments.

In the early days of programming we didn't always even have languages. Moreover, the price of a single kilobyte of memory may be so cost prohibitive, no way the person writing the code could get the company to provide a desperately needed kilobyte.

The programmer had to write efficient and tight code.

On many projects, dad's skill in math was really necessary.

I wanted to be a programmer, but my lack of confidence in math was the major reason I didn't pursue it.

Right or wrong, in my mind having a high level of math training or at least excellent understanding is important to being a highly competent programmer.

[Lobster]

[aarf]

[rarsa]

Re: aarf

Troll alert. Let's hope no-one bites. (no-one has up to now)

[Flash]

Rarsa, which one's the troll?

[rarsa]

[Pizzasgood]

Mathematical algorithms are often used as examples when learning to program. For example, factorials are often used when explaining recursive functions.

There are a lot of similarities between math and programming. In both you deal with a lot of abstraction.

I generally think about math in terms of programming. For one amazing moment back in highschool, I was even able to see the English language in terms of programming and the thing actually made sense. It was just another programming language. But, I prefer C and thus have forgotten most of the arcane English junk they forced into my head.

Programming is really a method of thinking more than anything else. To write a program: think like a computer and then solve the problem the program should solve, and you have just written your program. Programs are just algorithms.

[rarsa]