Differential and integral calculus for programmer [duplicate]

Have you taken an algorithms course? Have you heard of the Big-O notation? You need to know about limits and derivatives to understand what Big-O means, and why an exponential algorithm will take forever, while a quadratic algorithm might be feasible.

Many areas, such as operating systems or databases require the knowledge of probability and statics. And you cannot explain continuous probability distributions without talking about integrals.

I could go on and on, but let me conclude with this thought. If you wish to be good at what you do, you should not be asking "Why do I need to learn X?". You should be asking "Which X should I learn first."

Fields that use numerical methods (the kind of thing where Numerical Recipes might be an important reference book) generally prefer or require some understanding of calculus and linear algebra. These include (off the top of my head):

• computer graphics, including computer games
• anything that uses statistics
• engineering and science
• quantitative finance

So, a fairly substantial minority of high-quality technical programming positions. True, this kind of expertise is irrelevant to generic web design jobs. But many programming jobs don't really require an understanding of algorithms, either. If you eliminated every course that wasn't universally necessary, you wouldn't have much of a degree left...

It stretches your brain muscles in awkward but useful ways.

Here's someone much more articulate than me saying the same thing but much, much better. (Neil deGrasse)

http://youtu.be/P0E-9uJgDZU?t=45s

The analysis of algorithms often uses some results from the calculus to estimate how running times and memory requirements change with problem size.

Probability and statistics are useful in several areas of computer science. Folks sometimes suggest that coursework in probability and statistics should replace the calculus, but a serious course in probability and statistics will have calculus as a prerequisite.

Several software fields use the calculus directly: machine learning, software for science and engineering, physics engines in computer games. You may not end up going into one of those fields, but taking the calculus early in your education keeps the option open.

you need high level math in your degree for two reasons.

1. Everything is math, and knowing and understanding that math makes you better equipped to work with those things. True computer science is one of the purest applications of math there is.

2. Perhaps more important than point one, demonstrating competence in advanced math topics is one of the best way to prove you aren't an idiot, which is arguably the biggest reason to get a degree.