Maths Needed for Computer Science?

mecpaw · 2019-01-18T15:14:00+00:00

To do the course yes as you'll be doing boring shit. Maths is already done in the C libraries, with even the hard stuff.

DrFeelFantastic · 2019-01-18T15:43:11+00:00

It depends. Maths is a lot more necessary in the low level languages than the high. I suppose most languages are high level. Being honest, unless you're a mathematical freak, you're probably never going to be at the cutting edge of computer development and innovation, but that doesn't mean you can't make money writing programs in high level languages.

You should maybe think about something like SQL and become a developer for Oracle or someone because it's relatively easy compared to creating your own useful programs that people want to buy or whatever but basically every large company with an online store or whatever needs a huge backend database and people to work it.

rooster-one4 · 2019-01-18T15:45:04+00:00

Discrete math I think would help with understanding the 'how' of decision making, though other than that I've never directly used it.

you can also take so many classes online, for free, so you make your own calendar. MOOCs, youtube, and this has a pretty good list, https://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/25-killer-sites-for-free-online-education.html .

NPC74656 · 2019-01-18T17:53:18+00:00

Like a lot of guys are saying it depends on the work you want to do. I've built websites, web apps, and phone apps and any time I have needed anything over basic math there is a built in or third party library that does any hard math for you. That's not to say it's not worth knowing how to do it, but time is money and most of the time it's worth it to use a library instead of doing it yourself.

Pickled_Wizard · 2019-01-18T23:54:50+00:00

If you just want to code, skip that shit and find some online tutorials on C, C#, or Java. You really only need to understand algebra at first.
If books are more your thing, there are plenty of coding books on amazon, barnes and noble as well as most libraries.
It isn't as scary or difficult as it might seem, you shouldn't put it off in favor of learning advanced maths.
Take the plunge, my friend!

DWShimoda · 2019-01-19T08:55:35+00:00

Maths Needed for Computer Science?

That's actually a really broad question, with multiple interpretations.

First, much depends on what you mean by "Computer Science"; and next it also depends on what you mean by "Needed."

If you mean DEGREE related: Well, various college/university "Computer Science" degree programs will probably each stipulate their own specific mathematics classes as "requirements" and/or even "prerequisites"; exactly which ones will vary from one school to another, and likely even within a school from one "type/category" of CS degree versus another.
If you mean WORK related: then again YMMV, and it will vary a LOT depending on the segment of the industry you work in, and the type of projects/products you're working on... and the question isn't likely to be so much 'Need' as to how VALUABLE a thorough understanding of the concepts & the style of logical "thinking" various advanced mathematics disciplines will be to you in that work.

The plain truth of the matter is that -- these days -- the vast majority of people who work in "tech" including (so called) "programmers" and/or "software developers" simply don't generally do much (if anything) that directly involves "advanced" mathematics (in fact most probably rarely involve anything more sophisticated than basic operations; though obviously a thorough grasp of "algebra" CONCEPTS and the use of variables, etc is almost a base level requirement {unless you're a female, then you don't even need to know how to add, because you can just get the simp-nerds around you to do anything that involves "maths" [or very likely most any/all of the rest of your "work"] for you}).

That said, there ARE certain areas/types of software development where a "good" significantly deeper understanding of (i.e. beyond 'rote' test-passing jargon) things like statistics, calculus, geometry, complex curves, and even root level binary stuff etc will be not only handy, but necessary to doing the job PROPERLY (i.e. creating "efficient" code/systems).

To be sure nearly everything you will need in terms of actual "functions" already exists as some routine that can be called up from one or another of the libraries for the language/environment you're developing within: but that's akin to saying that all the TOOLS a mechanic or carpenter might need are available from any tool store. The existence of the tools doesn't negate the need to know WHICH tool to use for WHAT application, much less is it merely a matter of "picking" a tool from a toolbox... you also need to know how to properly USE that tool.

To use a real-world analogy: you can probably pound a nail in with a wrench, or even by banging on it with the handle of a screwdriver, but you'd be much better off using a hammer (and then not just ANY "hammer" there are specific types for specific tasks)... And as simple of a tool as a hammer may be, well to be blunt: probably 90% of people don't ACTUALLY know how to use one properly; most don't even HOLD the dang thing correctly, much "swing" it and aim it correctly.

Crabdude7 · 2019-01-18T15:39:21+00:00

It totally depends on what kind of work you end up getting into. However if you’re still in school, the degree program that you take will most likely require some minimum number of math courses like linear algebra, discreet math, etc. The best way to find out what you should study is by looking at the school you’re planning on attending.

MGTOWJayJay · 2019-01-18T18:22:10+00:00

You have to ask yourself if you want to be an end user in your career field or do you want to develop programs for end users and tech firms. If you get past calculus you’ll be set for either. You wont use much math as an end user but if your developing deep code for software firms and analyzing errors then lots of mathematical algorithms is what you’ll be doing.

Theres a high demand for cyber security analysts and it pays really well government or private sector.

Also: Employers these days look for certificates rather than basic degrees. Because certificates are so hard to obtain and have a 3 year expiration dates, it shows you’re more qualified and updated with your knowledge. You don’t have to go to 4 year university for those either and take the courses online.

Depending in what role you want to work in certificates to aim for and obtain while going into the field are the

(Cybersecurity for example) CompTIA certificates, A+, Network+, Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker and the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control certificate(By far the hardest certificate to obtain but guaranteed high paying jobs if you have it.)

flee_market · 2019-01-18T19:41:51+00:00

I'm currently working on a bachelor in CS.

It's true that the major courses include discrete math (formal logic), calculus, etc, but as far as what you actually need on the job that depends on the job.

For example I'm going to attempt to get into digital forensics. If I make it, my job will be to point a forensic toolkit software package at a copy of a hard drive, press "go", and write a report establishing a timeline of events (who did what when and where), and then submit that report as evidence to the courts. Occasionally I might be called upon to testify as an expert witness.

It's basically like being a detective, only instead of trenchcoats, notepads and chalk outlines, it'll be keyboards, monitors and coffee.

I actually will have to get my clearance reinstated (since it has lapsed since my time in the Army), and I will need to get a private investigators license in my state, but as far as calculus or discrete math go?

I probably won't use them at all.

It is more likely that I will end up using some of what I learn in my programming classes.

Title	Maths Needed for Computer Science?
Author	CapableBill
Upvotes	5
Comments	12
Date	January 18, 2019 2:58 PM UTC (7 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MGTOW
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MGTOW/comments/ahb8al/maths_needed_for_computer_science/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MGTOW/maths-needed-for-computer-science.421727 https://theredarchive.com/post/421727

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