Question

This is not a “is math required for programming?” question.

I always thought that for programming, a scary amount of complicated math would be involved (I only got as far as intermediate algebra in college because I’m bad with it).

However, I just got my first job as a developer and have found there is not a ton of math above basic arithmetic(as of yet). I also read on a question here in SO that math is more used to ensure the would-be developer can understand complex problems and solve them.

So I guess is there a different kind of programming where a math level above algebra is needed? My guess would be like geometry and other disciplines for video game programming where you create shapes in 3D and play with time and space in environments. What else requires a high level of math?

EDIT: Wow, lot of answers. One of which made me think of another similar question…say in programs like photoshop, what kind of math(or overall work) is involved in making something twist, crop, edit, and color things like images?

Answer 1

I think there are at least two types of answer to this question. Firstly, there are the sorts of programming which is problems which come from a field where maths is important. These include:

• finance
• science research, e.g. physical modelling
• engineering implementations, e.g. stress analysis, chemical engineering
• experimental science, e.g. physics, psychology
• mathematics itself
• cryptography
• image processing
• signal processing

And then there are the sorts of programming where the target is not necessarily mathematical, but the process of achieving that target needs some maths. These include:

• games
• optimisation processes
• high-complexity systems, e.g. flight control software
• high-availability systems, e.g. industrial process monitoring and/or safety
• complex data transformations, e.g. compiler design

and so on. Various of these require various levels and aspects of mathematics.