[ale] an aside - mathematics for programming

[BG HEAD]

Although this is kinda off topic, I wanted to throw it
out to the group:

I come from a non-technical background.  When I
decided I wanted to be a programmer three years ago, I
started working round the clock, reading everything I
could lay my hands on, and actually accomplished what
I sought...I'm now a relatively successful Java, C and
Perl programmer.

But, I still continue to take night courses in
computer science.  In my non-technical education, I
only had one math course (elementary problem solving)
and one statistics course.  Now as I look over the
list of classes I could take in the spring, I'm
confronted with a number of math prerequisites.  And
everywhere I look, people are saying that Math is an
important part of Computer Science training.  Even
today on CNN.com in the story about Russian hackers,
they say that math is CORE to hacking ability.  

I have no problem taking a few of these if I HAVE to,
but my questions are:

1. In my two years of programming, I've not run across
a problem that really required any high-level
mathematical concepts to solve.  What then, is the
reason for the intensive math classes (i.e., algebra,
calculus, geometry, etc.)?  When will classes like
these come into play.

2. If you agree that math is indeed necessary, what
classes are ABSOLUTELY essential to be a successful
and effective programmer at all levels?  What would
you recommend that I take?

3. Does anyone know of a general book that cover most
of the math a typical programmer would need?

I appreciate your time and hope you don't mind lack of
Linux subject matter.  

Thanks,
bigh3ad



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