Java -- Do you need Pre-calc/trig in order to do Java?

[Nocturnal]

my com college's pre reqs for intro to comp sci is math 27 which equates to intermediate algebra/pre-calc i think.

do i really need that math to get into it? i think i can handle it without the math. there really isnt even any algebra or calc involved in programming itself... mainly the logic of it all, right?

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
my com college's pre reqs for intro to comp sci is math 27 which equates to intermediate algebra/pre-calc i think.

do i really need that math to get into it? i think i can handle it without the math. there really isnt even any algebra or calc involved in programming itself... mainly the logic of it all, right?

One of my professors once remarked: "Computers are math in motion."

 

[MacBaine]

I don't think so... it would probably allow you to learn some things a bit faster, increase your problem solving ability...etc.

 

[Aves]

My school requires Pre-Calc/Trig to take Intro to Programming (Using Java) and here you are dropped automatically if you haven't completed it regardless of whether or not you really need it to program in Java.

Best bet is to talk to your advisor 'cause your school may do the same thing.

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: MacBaine
I don't think so... it would probably allow you to learn some things a bit faster, increase your problem solving ability...etc.

yeah... that is what i thought.

 

[Ameesh]

computer science is math.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I had 3 years of calc before college and my first java class. While I don't see it as necessary, the calc has helped me with the logic. I finish programs in 1/3 the time other people do.

Josh

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: joshsquall
I had 3 years of calc before college and my first java class. While I don't see it as necessary, the calc has helped me with the logic. I finish programs in 1/3 the time other people do.

Josh

yes, i was told by my current math teacher that all it is is the logic used in math. i think ill handle well enough with someone actually being there and teaching me. no doubt about it. maybe itll even change my mind to switch back into computer science. im majoring in auto mechanics technology. but perhaps itll change my mind.

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
my com college's pre reqs for intro to comp sci is math 27 which equates to intermediate algebra/pre-calc i think.

do i really need that math to get into it? i think i can handle it without the math. there really isnt even any algebra or calc involved in programming itself... mainly the logic of it all, right?

I'm guessing that intermediate algebra is more relevant than pre-calculus. Being able to manipulate symbolic data is important for basic computer science concepts. If you can't handle solving for x, you won't be able to handle nontrivial boolean logic.

That being said, being able to program doesn't require computer science. Being able to program well probably does.

 

[manuelku]

my school needs pre-cal to take java... I am now taking calculus 2 with java.. I don't see a relationship between them... like people said, math help you think more logically.. sorry for the people who love calculus, I think it's useless unless I want to be one of the math people out there.

 

[notfred]

the most advanced math you will use in an Intro to Java class, you learned in 4th grade.

 

[brtspears2]

Nope, you just need to learn how to manipulate and assign your values well. Most of the fun number programs they will probally make you do probally require you do to some pre-calc work .

 

[SandLizard]

i can't see any calc course (or derivative thereof...pun intended) necessary for java

i can see logical math courses, and ones dealing with cryptography helping (my crypto courses had immense mod and prime number calculations), but calc=no

i hope i would know, i passed calc 6 in college, and yes, it sucked.

 

[m0ti]

math is good for developing your understanding of things.

I would definitely recommend probability courses, and yes some calc as well: sometimes it can help when visualizing things.

No, you don't need pre-calc/trig to "do" Java.

Strong logic is the only basic requirement to do programming in any language.

And yes, comp sci is math.

 

[Nocturnal]

How can they say it has nothing to do with math? Shame on them. You'll be doing object-oriented program. You'll be developing methods that evaluate fractions. No math? I dunno... Test the waters out for yourself. Goodluck.

That is an exact quote from someone at another forum. Any truth to that?

 

[BeauJangles]

The only thing I would ever think calc would be useful for (im probably wrong because I haven't programmed in a while) is graphics (specifically 2d/3d games).... Then trig especailly becomes your friend.