Why you need math for programming

Do I need Math for programming?

If you are a HTML code ninja you definitely will not require math in your work. But for most programmers math is inevitable. Without mathematical knowledge, you are basically handicapped. Here are a couple of math topics essential for programmers. 

Linear algebra.

It is one of the most important areas of mathematics and is often found in programming. This is especially true for data scientists as matrices are widely used to represent data in any machine learning tasks. As a programmer, you should be familiar with various terms such as matrix, vector, identity matrix, transpose, inverse, linear equations, linear transformations, etc as they are all part of basic linear algebra.

Probability and statistics

Probability and statistics show up all the time; the entire field of machine learning is based on probabilities and statistics. Each machine learning algorithm is modelled with an underlying probability distribution that produces observable data.

Boolean Logic 

Programming borrows some Boolean algebra concepts from mathematics. For example, various logics like AND, OR, NOT, XOR, and XNOR are Boolean algebra concepts. They all form the basis for understanding programming.

Calculus

Calculus is another important part of programming. Calculus problems are practically constant in machine learning. With any machine learning problem, the ultimate goal is to optimize the cost function. This optimization requires the extensive use of multivariate calculus, which are taught as part of a university curriculum. Calculus is also widely used in simulation-based programs where different objects interact with each other. The interaction is shaped by the laws of physics, which are ultimately supported by heavy math.

Whether you need math for programming depends on what you want to do with programming. While most programming doesn't require as much math it is important to understand the concepts of math that give coding its foundations. Most programming math is usually basic arithmetics (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division). It is therefore safe to say unless you are looking to dig dip into programming, you already know enough math to write meaningful code.