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It has been discussed on this site before about the relationship between math and programming, and whether one is a subset of the other, etc.
In my recent study of programming, I've found myself more and more wishing I was better at math. You all know the scenario when programming books start to generalize something in a math way ("Therefore, we may say that for all <some single letter>, <lots of letters>"). My eyes glaze over in such situations. I know that that is mostly due to me being stupid, but it seems that if I could just improve my higher math skills, maybe I could get more out of such things.
Major question: Is math indeed something one can "get better at," or is your brain kinda either wired for it or not?
Important follow-up question: If the answer to the above is yes, then what are some ways to go about it?
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Now programming is often associated with math because computers compute and calculate, most fundamentally they do this with integer or floating point datatypes in discrete steps. There are fields of math that you can study by programming by "approximating" mathematics in a program.
Pre-algebraSeveral basic math skills from middle school are prerequisites for almost any kind of programming, because of how often they come up in programming (or in simply understanding how your computer works.) These math skills tend to be taught in the years (and courses) leading up to algebra.
Since programming and coding require building logic around numbers, mathematics skills are essential for programmers to master. Without an understanding of certain concepts in mathematics, coders and programmers are left without the tools they need to succeed.
No, it is not a waste of time.
I think anyone can get better at math. You just have to be determined and practice.
Part of the problem is that math books tend to be written by mathematicians who ceased being math novices decades ago. What you want is books geared to your level and which contain material you can work with.
Some recommendations:
If you can find a copy, get Mathematica and a good book on it (the Schaum's outline is actually pretty good and cheap). I use it all the time to visualize things.
As a programmer, you probably want to aim more for discrete mathematics than calculus.
The Concrete Mathematics book mentioned elsewhere is excellent.
Most introductory discrete math texts have good coverage of the things like logic, sets, combinatorics, probability, graph theory, etc. My school used Rosen's text which I liked.
Linear algebra is useful if you are going to do 3D graphics programming. Most intro texts for engineers will teach you what you need to know. Linear Algebra Done Right is probably the best on "real" linear algebra if you want something more theoretical.
Look for books by Martin Gardner and play with his puzzles. He's an excellent writer and teacher.
Remember that math doesn't change that much. You can get used books for cheap on Amazon and in used bookstores. I always look for the n-1 version when I buy textbooks.
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