Computer science (CS) is often associated with mathematics, as the two fields are interconnected and many CS academic programs require that students take extensive courses in calculus before they can earn their degree. While it's true that computer programmers often have a great deal of training in math, this doesn't mean that you need to have especially good math skills to be a good coder.
In fact, most programming involves only basic math skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions. Higher level math like calculus only becomes a necessity for highly advanced programming in scientific fields, which most coders won't be involved with.
Perhaps the most important trait of any programmer is their ability to be logical and make well-reasoned, creative decisions. Typically, the process of coding requires that you break down a particular task into its most basic steps so that they can then be inputted into the computer.
"Certain types of software development do require quite a bit of math: statistical/financial software, and games involving physics - for example," writes Ross Hunter, a software engineer with Mutually Human, a development company. "However, these require math because that is the thing that the software does, it's not simply a fact of building software. When we do need math, we have code libraries and computers to help us!"
It's important for those who are thinking about getting into programming not to be intimidated because they believe the math will be too hard. As long as you know basic arithmetic and can make logical decisions, you've got all the cognitive skills you need to be a coder! For more information on what is needed to enroll in software coding classes, contact The Coder Foundry today by calling (336) 231-8632.