Question

I am thinking about taking this course to start to learn computer programming, but I am afraid it seems to require a lot of math. Do I need to learn math up to pre-calculus or calculus before I take this course?

Answer 1

No. Computer programming doesn't require math skills. It only needs you to think

Answer 2

math skills just hep make your brain "fit" and creative so if you want...

Answer 3

i am in a programming class and havent used math so far...dont worry just go for it

Answer 4

The MIT class does use a lot of math. However, there are two versions and the 2008 uses less math. There are also other, free classes that you can use and ask questions on this site. For example:

http://www.pythonlearn.com/

That is a Python class with the book and videos that uses informatics rather than math as the core. You could ask questions about it here and get help as you go. This would let you learn programming from a college professor made class but still do it for free.

Oh, and the guy what wrote that is more than just a random professor. He wrote part of the regex standards, so he is one of the people that works with the entire industry on developing the standards that every programmer will use at some point or another.

Using things like that will let you learn without the higher end math in the MIT 2011 class.

Answer 5

You may also want to consider Stanford's intro course: http://see.stanford.edu The 106A course is in Java.

Answer 6

One thing I did not like about the Stanford 106A is that they used Java with a library that was meant to protect you from Java... sort of defeats the purpose because you are not really learning Java to start.

Answer 7

Yeah. They are using some programs which are already written. And we should download them. It actually doesn't make us to program

Answer 8

Well, you do learn to program, it is just not learning as much Java as you think. I understand why they thought they needed to do this, but I feel they were incorrect. There are graphics, etc. in Java already, so why make everyone use a package to add more?

Answer 9

Only if you look and study programs you can write good code. Just like writing a novel , u have to read lots of them before u can write a good piece.

Answer 10

Do not give up. I am a web developer in the field for 15+ years. I am self taught and I am taking classes to learn the theory behind what I do for a living. And I can tell you, being weak in math, the math related problems are very difficult for me too. It is nothing remotely like what I do day in and day out. But the problems do teach you how to think like a programmer and solve problems creatively.

That said I am getting a lot out of it.

Answer 11

just go for it :)