Does the programmer need mathematics: a list of subjects for admission, tips and reviews

The profession of a programmer is considered more and more popular, which, according to statistics, is one of the highest paid. It is not surprising that hundreds of people enter universities every year. Many of them are interested in whether it is necessary to hand over specialized mathematics to a programmer and how useful it is during work. You can read more about this in this article.

Essential knowledge for programmers

Programming is a vast area of ​​knowledge in which completely different knowledge may be required. You can use not only mathematics, but also engineering. There are many areas in programming, each of which needs its own knowledge. What are the main areas of programming that can be distinguished?

• Creation and debugging sites.
• Development of programs and applications.
• Testing.
• Database.
• System administration.
• Hardware programming.

What does it take to become a programmer? Depending on the area of ​​work, this may require different things. For convenience, you can use a kind of structure in which all knowledge is divided into several stages. At the bottom, you do not need special technical education in order to work as a programmer. The highest level involves a fairly serious preparation, which must necessarily include specialized higher education.

1. The basic level implies the study of algorithms, computer fundamentals, arithmetic fundamentals (logical operations, operations with numbers), as well as programming languages. This knowledge for the most part is a kind of "skeleton" for more complex disciplines. Without them, programming is impossible.
2. At the first level, you may need such knowledge as the basics of ASM, system analysis, knowledge of databases, C and C ++, as well as the main operating systems.
3. The second level involves the study of disciplines such as data analysis, knowledge of the Java and C # languages, as well as computer networks. It will not be superfluous to learn how to work with neural networks and AI.
4. The third level is “aerobatics”, which is considered the most voluminous and is directly related to software development. It includes interpreted languages ​​(Python, Ruby , etc.), distributed systems, web technologies, development of user interfaces, project management.

Thus, it is rather difficult to answer the question of whether a programmer needs mathematics. You may notice that successful career building requires not only knowledge of programming languages, but also many other things.

Do maths need programmers

Mathematics is not in vain considered an exact science. This is an area that does not imply assumptions or creativity. Mathematics is required in many areas, including those indirectly related to programming.

But the question of whether a programmer needs mathematics is difficult to answer unequivocally. Some argue that knowledge of the exact sciences is not necessary. Others argue that without mathematics it is impossible to become a true professional. Who is right? As often happens, there is some truth in every opinion.

Most experts believe that it is not necessary to know mathematics for programming, but it helps while working. It all depends on the tasks assigned to you. For example, to create artificial intelligence, you definitely need to know math. At the same time, to create applications for iOS or layout sites, math may never be useful to you. Therefore, you must understand in what area you have to work and after that choose the necessary disciplines for training.

Mathematics is a kind of foundation on which all other knowledge is built on top. Many programmers, however, begin their training not with it, but with the study of programming languages. However, without special preparation and knowledge of the algorithms, it can be quite difficult to realize what is required of you. Moreover, knowledge of mathematics can be useful to you in defending your position, as well as in communication with colleagues. But at the same time, not all areas of exact science are applicable to programming. What do experienced programmers say about the need to study mathematics?

Programmer Experience

Does a higher mathematician need a programmer? Experienced professionals do not insist on the compulsory nature of this knowledge, but emphasize that learning will not be superfluous. The easiest way to do without mathematics is for those who plan to develop interfaces. In this case, humanitarian education can even play into the hands, because in this area it is very important to understand how convenient it is for an ordinary person to use a program or application.

Mathematics may be required at lower levels of programming, for example, in machine learning. In cryptography, the study of the exact sciences also becomes mandatory. If an employee is engaged in high-tech tasks, then it will be very difficult for him to understand them without basic knowledge. Again, we come to the conclusion that programming is a very wide area of ​​activity in which there are completely different tasks and goals. Only starting from them can we answer the question of whether a programmer needs to know math.

In this regard, the following question arises - at what level is it enough to know mathematics? Should it be the level of a comprehensive school or the knowledge of higher mathematics acquired in a higher educational institution?

Most of us are familiar with basic mathematical laws, which are basically enough for programming. Almost everyone additionally needs to study the structure of algorithms, as well as discrete mathematics. Together with knowledge of the C ++ language, you can be almost sure that you will surely cope with most programming tasks.

Algorithms instead of math

Does a programmer need to know math? Most professionals come to the conclusion that in the work knowledge of probability theory or material analysis may not be useful. But an understanding of mathematical logic can greatly facilitate the work.

Algorithms are considered one of the most necessary disciplines for working as a programmer. An algorithm is a strictly defined procedure that takes several values ​​and returns a result. According to this definition, every code that performs some action can be considered an algorithm. That is why every programmer needs to know the theory of algorithms, regardless of the scope of his work. It gives an idea of ​​the effective organization of data and the simplest ways to solve the problem.

Algorithm theory even solves complex problems in a simple and elegant way. In addition, knowledge of data structures will help to better understand the programming language and quickly navigate in an unfamiliar area. Without knowledge of the algorithms, you will longer study new areas for you in programming, and with the slightest “step to the side”, you will lose a lot of time studying new ways to solve problems.

As the experience of specialists shows, programmers with a knowledge of algorithms have a higher salary and a better position. Therefore, if you want to develop in the field of programming and solve not only the simplest tasks, you need to study the theory of algorithms.

Discrete Math

If you study only certain areas of programming, your knowledge will be incomplete, you will solve the tasks longer, and in some areas you will have to turn to either senior colleagues or the help of search engines in order to fill in the “gaps”.

Discrete mathematics is one of the most applicable areas in programming. An additional “bonus” for developers of computer games will be knowledge of linear algebra and geometry.

How is discrete mathematics applied in programming? The main area is the use of graphs, which are considered one of the main data structures. A graph is a representation of many objects as interconnected elements. The scope of graphs is very extensive, it also includes algorithms that help you find the simplest solution. Most often, graphs are used in compilers and when creating search engines. For example, when creating cross-references, you need an adjacency matrix for these links. If you want to create a rating calculation system, you will also not be able to do without knowledge of graphs.

Statistics

A programmer may not need to know mathematics, unlike knowing the basics of statistics. This is another base that every person who wants to achieve something in programming needs to know.

Most often, knowledge of statistics is required in the field of Data Scientist. There is no need to be afraid that during the interview you will be required to have perfect knowledge of the subject and several decades devoted to this topic. It will be necessary to demonstrate more quickly a basic understanding of this subject. Mathematical statistics in programming is needed to create reports and test systems, as well as to process data and build workflows. Some parts of these processes are in many areas, so knowing the statistics will add you bonus points during the interview. What other areas may require knowledge of the basics of statistics?

• Performance analysis of computing systems.
• Robots for the exchange.
• Computer vision.
• Neural networks.
• Data mining.
• Crypto analysis.

What subjects are needed to enter the programmer

Many school graduates are interested in what subjects are needed to enter the programming department. At the moment, many higher technical institutions are taught in programmers, which require knowledge of several disciplines from their graduates. What do you need to take in order to enter the programmer?

• Russian language.
• Math.

These two disciplines form the basis for admission to the university. What exam should I take for a programmer if you want to be safe and be able to enter as many educational institutions as possible? In this case, you will additionally need to hand over computer science and physics.

Thus, the question of whether a programmer needs to take math, the existing education system has a clear answer. A basic knowledge of exact science at the level of the school curriculum will be needed for anyone who wants to connect themselves with programming.

Knowledge of computer science and physicists can be checked at a personal interview or request the results of the exam. In order to enter the university, you need to score at least 30-40 points in each subject. This will provide you with the minimum required score. But the best result will guarantee you entry to the most prestigious universities. At the moment, the results are considered optimal at 65-75 points for each item. The choice of educational institution is also very important. But too much attention should not be paid to this either - at the university you will be given the necessary base, but you will have to get most of the skills yourself.

You can also become a sought-after programmer in self-education, but it should be borne in mind that most employers still require specialized technical education.

How to become a programmer yourself

What subjects do I need to take for admission to the programmer? As we have already found out, the main discipline for entering a university is mathematics. But what if you were unable to enter the university, or you decide to change your specialty as an adult?

There are many areas in the field of programming, and for a start you need to decide in which field you want to work.

• If you want to work in the Front-end, then you need knowledge of databases, system testing, design, HTTP and CSS to work.
• A system programmer needs to perfectly know C ++, Assembler, be able to develop software and know English.
• If you want to become a database administrator, you will need to learn optimization methods, theory of algorithms and learn how to work with SQL.
• The tester needs to know Html, CSS and SQL. You also need to learn Python or Java.
• An application programmer needs to know assembly systems, OOP, patterns, documentation, auxiliary libraries.
• To work in the field of web application development, you need to know Javascript and be able to make a user friendly interface.

Do I need specialized mathematics for a programmer? For self-study, especially at first, this is not required.

What other skills might be required

The programmer certainly needs knowledge of mathematics. But this is not the only skill that may be required during work. There are many other qualities that will determine how successful specialists in your field you will become.

• Knowledge of technical English is a must for a programmer. After all, all the code and all programs are written in English, and work often has to communicate with foreign colleagues.
• Teamwork. Surprisingly, many people think that programming is a solitary work that is best for introverts to do. But this is not at all true. To solve serious problems, teamwork, good relations with colleagues and mutual assistance are needed. Without these qualities, you are unlikely to achieve meaningful results.
• The main skill for a programmer is not languages ​​or knowledge of mathematical laws, but the ability to use search engines. Without the ability to "google", you are unlikely to be able to quickly solve the tasks, and in the whole world no one can know.

What do you need to pass to become a programmer? It is by no means necessary to be a genius and immediately after university to have all these skills. Most of them work well over time, most importantly, have the desire to do this.

How to get the first experience

Most experts agree on one thing: in order to become a successful professional, you need to work hard and constantly develop, gaining new knowledge. It's no secret that programming does not stand still and is constantly evolving. Therefore, if you do not know how to quickly adapt to changes and do not like to learn, then programming is unlikely to suit you.

The most difficult thing at the beginning of a career for many is getting the first experience. Often companies do not want to take beginners and require at least 2-3 years of experience. But where to get it, if getting a job is officially so difficult?

• Start writing your lines of code as early as possible. Do not wait until graduation or even the first chapter of the book. The sooner you start, the more practice you will have. And there you yourself will not notice how the code develops into the first small programs, and they into projects.
• If you want to gain experience, then you can go to open source. New people are always needed there, even if they are not particularly versed in programming.
• The first projects can be found on freelance exchanges. Performing small projects, you will not only get the first experience and money, but also learn how to work in many areas of programming.

Summary

When learning to programmer, do you need specialized mathematics? Examination upon admission to a higher educational institution implies such knowledge. If you study programming yourself, then it will be enough to know only certain areas. These include theory of algorithms and discrete mathematics.