programming in code and math... how much is needed?

[Sachmho]

Basically, I want to learn code like C and C++... I wondered how much math is required to be effective in making actual code... I don't have a significant problem in math or anything, but I get B's and i'm in regular math... Algebra 2 Trig to be more specific. I just wanted to know how complex of math is needed in order to be a programmer.

 

[joohang]

Depends. What do you plan to build?

 

[rob3rt]

at my college you need take math up to combinatorics. so that includes all the classes below like calc 1, 2, 3, and linear algebra. at harvey mudd you need to take discrete math and i think you need at least calc 2. it depends on the school.

 

[rgwalt]

Well, there is a difference between how much math you will have to take in college to get a degree to get you a programming job, and how much math you will actually need as a programmer. In the real world, if you are simply coding other people's work, chances are you won't need very much math... just enough to understand what they are trying to tell you with your code. However, if you are responsible for developing or optimizing algorithms, then you will need significant.

Ryan

 

[bigalt]

ahh, harvey mudd, AIEEE!!

If you're trying to just learn to code for specific applications, then you need however much math your application requires. At the least I'd make sure you know how to count by ones.

 

[Sachmho]

well i don't think i'm gonna major in it in college, i just wanted to know if it was doable for me... i'm not a retard or anything, i just wanted an estimate of level of math required in order to learn coding... i'm sure if i take it one step at a time in implementing stuff i could do it...

 

[gopunk]

i don't think you need that much at first (almost none), but the further you get, especially with stuff like complicated algorithms, you'll need more.

 

[Ns1]

just fyi lower division requirements for most uc school are calc1/2, discrete math, and linear algebra

cal poly san luis obispo is calc 1/2/3, discrete math, and linear algebra OR calc4 :Q

 

[joohang]

<< well i don't think i'm gonna major in it in college, i just wanted to know if it was doable for me... i'm not a retard or anything, i just wanted an estimate of level of math required in order to learn coding... i'm sure if i take it one step at a time in implementing stuff i could do it... >>


Again.. what do you plan to code?

Do you want to build web applications? Simple/complex business applications? Scientific/mathematical algorithms to crunch numbers? Will it be a distributed app? Will it have a GUI? A console window?

I say the minimum requirement for any type of coding is basic arithmetic and algebra. The more the merrier but unless you plan to build an RC5 crunching app, Calculus 4 is unnecessary.

 

[tallest1]

<< calc 1/2/3, discrete math, and linear algebra OR calc4 :Q >>


Same for UF, I believe

 

[Mday]

calculus
differential equations
linear algebra
college alegebra (that would be abstract algebra)
discrete math
number theory (working with ideals and modular arithmetic)

that is the general list that encompasses what most require, not that all of the above are necessarily needed.

there are other niches for programmers which require physics.

--

but it all boils down the what you want to program? if you want to be able to do everything, assuming you have no previous experience, it could be a lot of schooling...

 

[gwlam12]

first year college fresman, cs major,all i need as of now is basic aritmetic: adding, subtracting, multiplying division, fractions, and percentages.

 

[EagleKeeper]

The math is more to provide you with an understanding of logical thought and problem analysis.

Some actual math may be used, however, it is the generalizations and background ideas that become useful.

 

[Maverick]

My school (University of Colorado) has the following requirements for a CS major:

Calculus 1
Calculus 2
Math elective (I did Calculus 3)
Differential Equations or Linear Algebra
Statistics

 

[Sachmho]

Again.. what do you plan to code?

I really don't know yet... I'm just looking at stuff to get into, like C and C++ and wondering what it'll take... i doubt i'm gonna go all the way into full power app. programmer, but i think it'd be good for the career field to have a background with programming...