I would say yes.
An understanding of the concepts comes into play often. Specific formulas and and higher levels maybe not. But the ability to construct equations with unknowns, or variables, is a necessity.
And knowing some of the magic of algebra will open up solutions and methods that could otherwise be a lot more work or complex than it needs to be.
I agree. I was typing up my thoughts and then realized that they just echo yours:
The raw mechanics of algebra don't come up all too often, but I would nevertheless argue that understanding algebra is critical to becoming a good programmer. In learning and practicing algebra, you learn and practice abstract problem solving skills. You break the requirement to use "empirical" values solve specific problems and instead develop the skills to create generalized solutions. Your brain needs this practice. (Which is why it doesn't come easy!)
Every once in awhile, though, you do end up leaning on some old-school algebra to simplify some code. You'll be able to quickly recognize the availability of such a simplification thanks to practicing algebra.
Personally, I would be very suspicious of hiring a programmer who never mastered the concept of manipulating symbols under mathematics.
I use algebra frequently when doing data visualization work and features like drag & drop interactions. That said I still need to search for some of the concepts because if I'm not using it every week it tends to fade away.
You don't need to be good in algebra to become a good developer in enterprise and web software. It basically resolves to +, -, * , Trunc() and Round().
Well, there's a difference between the experts in the field and someone who just wants a paycheck for some work. If you're looking to just collect a paycheck and do what someone tells you to do, basic arithmetic is all you need. However, 50% of programmers fail at order of operations, while 25% fail at basic arithmetic.
Algebra is very important. What some comments are forgetting is that Boolean algebra is crucial to computing. You don't need to have an 'A' in algebra, but the basics of it is invaluable.
If you're not good at Algebra, don't let it dissuade you from Programming. If you can think logically but have trouble remembering proofs, it probably won't matter. Just understanding the basics is enough unless you are getting into mathematical or physical simulations.
I don't know about other programmers, but in my job I spend most of the time reading API documentation. It is very rare to have to come up with some algorithm to do something, usually there is already a library that do the job for you. So the challenge is more in the architecture, organization and knowing how to use libraries.
13 comments
14 u/InnocentBystander 01 Nov 2016 20:20
I would say yes.
An understanding of the concepts comes into play often. Specific formulas and and higher levels maybe not. But the ability to construct equations with unknowns, or variables, is a necessity.
And knowing some of the magic of algebra will open up solutions and methods that could otherwise be a lot more work or complex than it needs to be.
2 u/Phen 01 Nov 2016 21:15
I agree. I was typing up my thoughts and then realized that they just echo yours:
The raw mechanics of algebra don't come up all too often, but I would nevertheless argue that understanding algebra is critical to becoming a good programmer. In learning and practicing algebra, you learn and practice abstract problem solving skills. You break the requirement to use "empirical" values solve specific problems and instead develop the skills to create generalized solutions. Your brain needs this practice. (Which is why it doesn't come easy!)
Every once in awhile, though, you do end up leaning on some old-school algebra to simplify some code. You'll be able to quickly recognize the availability of such a simplification thanks to practicing algebra.
Personally, I would be very suspicious of hiring a programmer who never mastered the concept of manipulating symbols under mathematics.
4 u/Stavon 01 Nov 2016 20:15
Depends on what you're gonna program.
It's important for example in graphics stuff, encryption or fault tolerance.
0 u/whisky_cat 01 Nov 2016 22:56
I use algebra frequently when doing data visualization work and features like drag & drop interactions. That said I still need to search for some of the concepts because if I'm not using it every week it tends to fade away.
2 u/TelescopiumHerscheli 01 Nov 2016 23:41
Yes.
1 u/CujoQuarrel 01 Nov 2016 22:39
Physical simulations needs tons of it.
If you are doing nothing but web stuff prob not
1 u/roznak 02 Nov 2016 02:59
You don't need to be good in algebra to become a good developer in enterprise and web software. It basically resolves to +, -, * , Trunc() and Round().
0 u/Philosopher_King 01 Nov 2016 22:24
Well, there's a difference between the experts in the field and someone who just wants a paycheck for some work. If you're looking to just collect a paycheck and do what someone tells you to do, basic arithmetic is all you need. However, 50% of programmers fail at order of operations, while 25% fail at basic arithmetic.
0 u/Borab3 03 Nov 2016 19:17
Algebra is very important. What some comments are forgetting is that Boolean algebra is crucial to computing. You don't need to have an 'A' in algebra, but the basics of it is invaluable.
0 u/KeepItUp 04 Nov 2016 00:25
If you're not good at Algebra, don't let it dissuade you from Programming. If you can think logically but have trouble remembering proofs, it probably won't matter. Just understanding the basics is enough unless you are getting into mathematical or physical simulations.
0 u/ThatCuckoldSpez 26 Nov 2016 06:19
Absolutely
0 u/Torchhead 30 Nov 2016 23:54
I don't know about other programmers, but in my job I spend most of the time reading API documentation. It is very rare to have to come up with some algorithm to do something, usually there is already a library that do the job for you. So the challenge is more in the architecture, organization and knowing how to use libraries.