Poll: What level of math is programming roughly analogous to?
Programming isn't analogous to math, programming is a communication language with really strict rules that uses math of all stages. Different tasks involve different math. I'll give some common examples for laymen, but they may seem obvious in hindsight:<p>Programming a very rudimentary "snake" computer game is [using] using Algebra. If your son (or anyone) understands variables, assignment and adding them together, they <i>fundamentally</i> understand Algebra.<p>Programming a the general parts of a diagramming library or a game with some physics is [using] Geometry and Trig.<p>Programming complex features of a diagramming library involve discrete math and graph theory.<p>Programming diagramming layouts can involve Masters level math understanding. (Sometimes, even when the algorithm is well known, it can take months to understand and implement, like planarity testing and embedding before 2004[1])<p>So it's roughly analogous to the difficulty and specificity of the task, which varies wildly.<p>~~~<p>[1] in 2004 there was a fast and "easier" to understand planarity testing and embedding algorithm, I suggest you skim it for an idea of the kind of math programmers can get into: <a href="http://jgaa.info/accepted/2004/BoyerMyrvold2004.8.3.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://jgaa.info/accepted/2004/BoyerMyrvold2004.8.3.pdf</a>