I often hear people tell me that they cannot be a developer because they are not good at math. I am here to bust that myth! While math is necessary for some programming languages, it is definitely not necessary for all programming languages.
Unmanaged vs. Managed Code
In programming, there are two types of code: unmanaged and managed. Unmanaged code is directly executed by the operating system. It targets the processor architecture and is always dependent on the computer architecture. Examples of unmanaged code include C and C++. Since these languages are very dependant on properly handling the memory of the machine on which it runs, developers need to have some math skill to target and manage memory.
On the other hand, managed code targets the services of the managed runtime execution environment. An example of this is the Common Language Runtime, or CLR, in the .NET Framework. The CLR takes care of threading and memory management so developers don’t need anything but basic math.
Interviewers will often ask “What is the difference between unmanaged and managed code?”. This question and other top technical interview questions can be found in our FREE Technical Interview Study Guide for ASP.NET Web Developers. You can get your FREE copy here: https://hoffstech.com/level-up.
Math vs. Logic
I think the reason most Universities make Computer Science students take Calculus and beyond is that math is basically just logic. Logic skills are very necessary for all developers (and Vulcans – Hey! Live Long and Prosper #LLAP). Think of your programs as giant puzzles. You need to both create the puzzle pieces and fit them together. You need to work out how these pieces will all fit together in the best way possible.
Using Basic Math
At the most, I have used basic math as an ASP.NET Web Developer. Thanks, University, for making me take Calculus which I’ve never used! Unless you work for a financial institution or do statistical reporting, all you will need as an ASP.NET Web Developer are basic math skills to iterate through collections of objects and/or target a specific row in a collection. So you need to know how to count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Do you pay bills? Then you have these skills (unintentional rhyme!).
If you are interested in learning more about ASP.NET Web Development, check out our online training course offerings at https://hoffstech.com/courses.
Have a great week and Happy Coding! #LearnLoveLiveCode
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you agree or disagree? Start a conversation by adding a comment!
we just did a podcast on this, and while math may not be essential, it does have its advantages, and gives you flexibilty and scope, you can listen to the conversation here:
Hi Sarah, thank you for your comment! I agree math does have its advantages, I had to take Calculus in college but I also took a Logic class and that’s the one that stuck with me personally. I have never been very interested in math and I rarely ever use anything more than basic math as an ASP.NET web developer. However, logic is incredibly necessary for any programming language and math and logic go hand in hand!