Do You Have to be Good at Math to Code? Debunking the Myth

It’s a common concern: Do you have to be good at math to code?

For already established developers, the answer might be obvious. But because coding isn’t widely taught in schools, the basics remain a mystery to many adults looking to break into the field.

Prospective developers may assume that because it’s a STEM skill, coding must have a lot in common with math. And if you don’t feel like you’re good at math, then you might conclude that learning to code or pursuing a career in programming is not possible.

Math and coding, in general, actually require pretty different skill sets. Yet the fear of math is likely to deter those who may otherwise be interested in programming to enter the field. This causes missed career opportunities for individuals and further contributes to the tech skills gap for businesses and organizations of all industries.

Here are a few reasons you should try coding—even if you aren’t proficient in math.

Careers in Coding

Before we determine you need advanced mathematical skills to thrive as a coder, it’s essential to understand what a coder actually does. Coders use programming languages to develop software for websites, mobile applications, video games, and more. They use code to tell the computer how to perform different tasks.

There are many types of coding roles available. Here are a few of the most common:

• Web Developer: As you can probably guess, web developers help build and launch websites. There are back-end web developers who help create the website's structure, front-end web developers who work on the website's visual aspect, and full-stack developers who work on both the front-end and back-end.

• Software Developer: A software developer designs and develops software applications for computers, mobile devices, video games, and more. Like web developers, there are both front-end and back-end software developers.

• Database Administrator: A database administrator creates, maintains, and secures an organization’s databases. They also develop custom databases using programming languages.

Real-World Coding Is More Like Language than Math

Now that you know what coding looks like in the real world, it’s time to answer the burning question: Do you have to be good at math to code?

Surprise! The process of software development has more in common with language than math.

How? Solving a math problem usually involves finding a singular answer through a standard, formulaic series of steps. And while formulas are an integral part of software engineering, there are usually several correct approaches to solving any given problem—just as there are several ways to express the same point in writing.

Computer programming languages, just like human languages, share common principles. Once you know the fundamentals of any programming language, learning a new one is just a matter of learning new syntax and vocabulary. Master one, and it becomes much easier to master another.

The Programs Do the Math, So the Programmers Don’t Have To

In the past, computers were glorified calculators—think NASA scientists working out trajectories for space stations and asteroids. But that’s not the case anymore. (Well, NASA is still sending robots into space, but the programs to calculate trajectories have been written, and the scientists using those programs no longer need to be mathematicians.)

That’s the case for most types of programming. Its uses have evolved, and tools like libraries, frameworks, and integrated development environments have emerged to support those uses and make programming easier.

You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Succeed at Software Engineering

Some developers build very specialized algorithms, while others assemble components into an entire product—and still others scale, optimize, and/or maintain the work. Those doing the product assembly don’t need to know how to build complex algorithms, and those writing complex algorithms don’t need to know how to scale software.

This is why programming is now a career path open to people who may not be mathematical thinkers, but who are good at solving problems—like determining the steps to enhance a product’s functionality or scaling projects efficiently.

The Resources Are Out There—You Just Have to Research and Utilize Them

Today, when a software developer runs into a problem, there’s a good chance that someone before them has already been there, done that—and then posted the solution on the internet for them to find. (This is where Reddit and Stack Overflow come in—ask any developer!) That’s a huge advantage that wasn’t available to early programmers who had to work everything out for the first time.

Sometimes, being a good coder is being a good researcher. Once you can understand the vocabulary of code and figure out the correct search terms, many of the answers to common coding questions are readily available.

So, Do You Have to Be Good at Math to Code? Definitely Not

It turns out the only math skills you need to start learning to code and even to be successful professionally are the most basic ones: addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. Instead, you need to be a logical thinker interested in solving problems and building applications for use in the real world.

What Basic Math Skills Are Required for Coding?

Computers communicate with numbers, so it’s unsurprising that you need at least some math knowledge to learn how to code. But the good news is that you often don’t need to know advanced math. You should, however, understand the basics of how the following mathematical concepts work and interact with each other:

• Pre-Algebra. Programming languages are algebraic, which means they use functions, variables, and operations to define and solve problems. However, you most likely learned pre-algebra in middle or high school. Don’t let the “a-word” bother you; this math involves standard arithmetic, as the basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are part of almost every computer program ever written. So, if you have a solid grasp of these basic math skills, you are better equipped to approach problems logically and foster a programmer’s mindset.

• Binary mathematics and Boolean algebra. Since computers use 1s and 0s to represent everything, from text to numbers, pixels, and symbols, binary mathematics is fundamental to computer science. The logic system used to carry out binary instructions is called Boolean logic, with 1 meaning “true” and 0 meaning “false.” Most modern computer programs use Boolean logic to make everyday decisions, and it is a fundamental component in most programming languages implementing statements. As a programming newbie, understanding Boolean algebra basics will help you in your coding work and in flexing and building up those logic muscles.

Attend a Coding Bootcamp for All Backgrounds

The Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp can provide you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience you need to succeed as a coder. Designed for students of all skill levels, the immersive learning environment focuses on real-world project-building, allowing you to graduate with a portfolio of work to show potential employers.

Ready to start learning how to code? Apply to the Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersive today!