Where Can the People with Knowledge of Basic Maths Fit in?

Procedural languages like C++, C, Data Structures & Algorithm, Java, and Python for problem-solving require basic maths and concepts of algebra and arithmetic.

For identifying mathematical patterns to solve questions, you may require basic maths which may sound intimidating but all you need to do is brush up on some concepts including functions, variables, and basic operations and it’ll all become a cakewalk for you.

Keep reading to bring the oblivious to light, but shh, don’t spill the beans!

1. Data Structures & Algorithm

Data structures pertain to the organization and storage of data within a computer, algorithms pertain to the procedures for manipulating that data. Both data structures and algorithms are predicated on mathematical concepts and methodologies to execute operations on data in a productive manner.

Mathematical knowledge and logical thinking enable breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, understanding algorithms, and reasoning about how different pieces of code will interact with one another. This also entails that difficult competitive programming questions would begin to look more like mathematical problems.

Binary Mathematics is how we communicate what we want from the system. The binary is also used to represent characters and text on computers. But do you have to get into the nuances of binary for coding? Not really, you can take this with a pinch of salt since understanding it just provides an insight into how computers and software comprehend the work.

Here are some examples of the utilization of mathematics in data structures and algorithms:

A. Complexity Analysis

The complexity of code refers to how difficult it is to understand, maintain, and optimize the code. Algorithms are analyzed for their time and space complexity, which are quantified in terms of Big O Notation, which monitors the run time and space usage of a code on increasing the size input. It can be calculated by solving algebraic equations for the code. Understanding these concepts can help in identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks, and optimizing the code for better performance at the competitive level.

B. Recursion

Recursion uses principles of mathematical induction(PMI), functions, and advanced algebra. Sorting algorithms such as quicksort, merge sort, and heapsort use mathematical concepts like divide and conquer, and comparison-based sorting.

C. Number theory

Number theory is based on the properties of integers. It is used in algorithms such as the Euclidean algorithm for finding the greatest common divisor and the extended Euclidean algorithm for solving modular linear equations. The concepts of Remainder, Fibonacci, GCD, and LCM stand immensely important.

2. Debugging

Debugging, the process of identifying and resolving errors or bugs in software can involve the use of mathematical concepts and techniques to improve the performance and functionality of the software. A basic understanding of math is necessary for performing testing, validating the data, and troubleshooting software, by providing a way to formally represent and analyze the behavior of a program or system.

You might believe that coding careers are for math whizzes and equation nerds. Don’t write off your chances of pursuing a profession in programming if that’s not you! The truth is that anyone can become a coder, regardless of their expertise in mathematics. 

Do you want to know how? You may be surprised at what unfolds ahead. Coding is a field that involves problem-solving, logic, and creativity, but what about math? If you’re struggling with this question running rounds in your mind, it won’t be a wild-goose chase for you anymore. The extent to which math is required for coding can vary depending on the specific field of programming one is involved in.

Coding can be categorized as follows:

• Procedural Languages: C++, C, Java, Python
• Scripting Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, PHP, Ruby, Bash
• Database Programming: SQL
• Logic Programming: Data Analysis, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence

Let’s look into how is the level of math required, dependent on the category of coding language you want to learn: