Programmers definitely benefit from higher mathematics, but there's nothing magical about calculus in this regard. I majored in math in college (and have a Ph.D. in computer science) and learned more about proofs and rigorous thinking in my junior year algebra courses, studying groups, rings, and fields, than in my calculus classes. The math classes that had the most lasting value in my software career -- regarding rigorous thinking -- were senior courses in combinatorics and graph theory. Theoretical computer science courses in grad school (finite automata, context-free grammars, NP-completeness, undecideability, etc.) have also been extremely valuable.
I was also fortunate to have an algebra professor who appreciated music. He introduced me to the ways that Bach applied algebraic operations in his compositions. That was mind-expanding for an undergrad! -- Dan Barrett [email protected] _______________________________________________ Discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.blu.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
