Randall Rath wrote in a recent issue of his newsletter
about the idea that programmers do not need good
math skills.
Randall writes, "
While reviewing the book, "Absolute Beginner's Guide to
Programming" by Greg Perry, I encountered a paragraph
that caused me to have a psychotic episode,
"Not only can you be poor at math, you don't have to
like math or even have the desire to learn math [to be
a computer programmer - RR]. The computer does the
math for you; that's one of its jobs. There are
countless expert computer programmers in the world
who do not know the square root of 64."
After Marie coaxed me out from under my desk, I tried
to resume my life as if nothing untoward had happened,
but everywhere I turned I was confronted by the
caustic reality that Mr. Perry had so casually
announced; Programmers across the world lack
fundamental math skills.
I could have learned to live with that if it weren't for
the fact that I am surrounded by proof that it is vital
for an AutoCAD programmer to have those skills to
solve common issues or even to properly use some of
the built in procedures of the AutoCAD object model.
No, there was, and is, no doubt in my mind that Mr.
Perry had stepped over the line with that statement,
and now we will too."
Randall's article (see link below) goes on to show just
some of the basic math skills required by someone who
does CAD drafting. As an instructor, I can attest that
students who have a basic understanding of the
Cartesian coordinate system do not struggle as much
as those who do not.
As a mechanical engineer, I found that studying math
helped me organize my thoughts, improved my problem-
solving, and even gave me a sense of order in the
universe...solving differential equations can induce a
meditative state.
My husband holds a degree in mathematics and works
as a software developer. His best inventions rely on 3D
algorithms, which he would not have been able to
develop without a strong understanding of math.
Recently, I read an article by a fellow whose friend,
with over 20 years experience, had applied for a
position with NASA only to be told he was too old. The
friend had exactly the experience NASA was searching
for. There is little doubt that the "right out of college"
grads that NASA is seeking do not have the math skills,
let alone the experience, that this fellow had.
Today's generation does not feel the need to study
mathematics seriously because they are increasingly
told that they don't need it - after all, that's what
calculators are for.
I have lost track of the number of times when I was
able to calculate the correct change for a cashier who
wasn't able to operate their register properly.
(Somehow I manage this feat without benefit of
calculator, pencil, or paper.) I recall that in college
when I was interviewing for cashier positions, I had to
take a brief math skills test. The test was in case the
register was down to a power outage so I could
continue transactions. I understand this test is no
longer required. By lowering the basic standards we
require for even a cashier's position, we shortchange
(pun intended) our youth.
Read the rest of Randall's article »
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