<speech assumption="general">
- No. But it helps. I am horrible at math, i just don't
have the patience to work things out like that on a piece of
paper that gives no feedback (like a compiler does). Most
CompSci heads are actually good at math, but most Math heads
are not good at programming (something about i = i + 1 ;)). When i was a CompSci undergrad, i was told that i was "the exception to the rule", because i was one of the
top students who couldn't get more than a 'D' in Calculus 2.
- I think so. But know that you said 'Computer Science',
not programming or software design. CompSci can both improve
and hinder your programming and design skills. It's the
fundamental difference between Academia and The Real World.
For example, you get your Bachelors ... you get a real world
job. You get your Masters ... you get a higher paying
real world job. You get your Doctorate ... and you get
kicked out of the Real World.
- Yes, but i don't think it's as "black and white" as you
might think. FORTRAN obviously requires some knowledge of mathematical formulas, and BASIC requires little math at all - until the problem involves math. The better question to ask, IMHO, is "Will those with a good
mathematical background go farther in programming than those
that don't?" And that too depends upon what kind of
programming you are talking about. If all you do is fetch
database query results and slam them through the HTTP
protocol, then no ... you don't really need a strong math
background. But, if you want to get into functional
programming, then a good knowledge of lambda calculus will
surely help. At some point, you are going to have to be
pretty decent with Math to move to the "next level". This is
why i occasionally brush up on my Algebra, Trig, and Calc
skills. While it hurts my brain sometimes, it surely doesn't
hurt my programming skills. ;)
</speech>
jeffa
L-LL-L--L-LL-L--L-LL-L--
-R--R-RR-R--R-RR-R--R-RR
B--B--B--B--B--B--B--B--
H---H---H---H---H---H---
(the triplet paradiddle with high-hat)
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