i want to get good at c++ but i am terrible with math. does this mean i will not become good at c++?
i want to get good at c++ but i am terrible with math. does this mean i will not become good at c++?
Nope. Unless you plan to program for math stuff. Like 3D programming, math programming (who would ever know?), physics, engineering, etc...
In short, your required math skills are mostly those of the project you are involved. And not directly related to the fact you are programming in C++
Originally Posted by brewbuck:
Reimplementing a large system in another language to get a 25% performance boost is nonsense. It would be cheaper to just get a computer which is 25% faster.
I second mario. Math comes more into game programming than programming in general. Working out percentages and "raise to the power of" is about the limit in standard C/C++. You do not need to be Carol Vordaman to program
Double Helix STL
Even in game programming, there is room for people who don't excel in math. Logic, structure, and organization play more key roles in any programming environment than math.
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A strong math background may not be absolutely necessary to program in C/C++, but it's neither useless nor irrelevant.
Mathematics isn't just about calculation. A solid math background will help you develop the skills that Sly refers to. It will also help you to think abstractly and boost your ability to effectively solve problems. The two subjects go very well together, and you will notice that many universities' computer science programs include quite a few math courses, and vice versa.
I can agree with the previous posts to a point, but don't assume that math won't help.
There is a difference between tedious and difficult.
I wouldn't say that the two are completely independent, but there is a strong correlation between math and programming. A programmer fond of math is probably 'better' than one who hates math.
When you study CS at a uni, you're not necessarily studying programming. Keep that in mind as well.
Yes -- perhaps you don't need math to program, but you need math to study computer science.
Last edited by Sang-drax : Tomorrow at 02:21 AM. Reason: Time travelling
True, swgh, but of all the examples of famous mathematicians you could have chosen, mathematicians with strong computing connections like John Conway or Donald Knuth, or even famous female mathematicians Ada Lovelace and Florence Nightingale, (admittedly she is better known for nursing) you plumb for the great Carol Vordeman :-) Still, I suppose you were looking for an example for someone not to emulate!Originally Posted by swgh
===
Don't grumble about what you can't have;
be grateful you don't get what you deserve.
The way I see it, you don't have to be good at math, you just have to know how to use math.
For an example: the computer is the one figguring out what 1990/201 is, not you. You only have to tell the computer when to, where to, ect...
Don't let your fear of math inhibit your interest in programming. I was absolutely horrible at math prior to starting programming. Programming will exercise the left 'logical' portion of your brain (the sequential, mathematical language part). Once I started programming, I got ........ing great at math!
I'm not immature, I'm refined in the opposite direction.
If you have a good background in mathematics, any programming becomes easier, although your maths will get better with programming experience, as BobMcGee123 stated. Furthermore, you could do yourself a favor and hit some mathematics tutorials if there's anything in particular that's troubling you. I had to do a "refresher course" in Trig to get back up to speed enough to handle even basic 3D maths.
Code:cout << "Language comparisons are dumb"; echo("Language comparisons are dumb"); PRINT "Language comparisons are dumb" alert ("Language comparisons are dumb")
Ah. but she was the first math-type person I could think of. As much for her good looks as anything!True, swgh, but of all the examples of famous mathematicians you could have chosen, mathematicians with strong computing connections like John Conway or Donald Knuth, or even famous female mathematicians Ada Lovelace and Florence Nightingale, (admittedly she is better known for nursing) you plumb for the great Carol Vordeman :-) Still, I suppose you were looking for an example for someone not to emulate!
Double Helix STL
Math and programming have one thing in common: you need logical thinking. If you are terrible in math, because you're not good at logical thinking, then you will probably have problems in programming, too.
"The Internet treats censorship as damage and routes around it." - John Gilmore
Hence the need for a quick refresher in basic logic as Nodtveidt suggested. Oh and long time no see maxorator. Good to see your posting again.
Double Helix STL
I've been quite busy. (Many projects...)Originally Posted by swgh
I've been solving many math exercises in my own way (totally ignoring the teacher) so it's all about logical thinking, as I already mentioned.
Last edited by maxorator; 01-07-2007 at 05:18 AM.
"The Internet treats censorship as damage and routes around it." - John Gilmore