mentro:

Tensa, which area of mathematics do I need to know to understand DSA? P.S I no sabi anything for mathematics.

Oh you don't need mathematics. Normally discrete mathematics is taken before dsa for computer science but doing that is a waste of time. Your secondary school or university foundation if you were a stem student is okay.

tensazangetsu20:


Oh you don't need mathematics. Normally discrete mathematics is taken before dsa for computer science but doing that is a waste of time. Your secondary school or university foundation if you were a stem student is okay.

Unfortunately I am not a Stem student, and I really hated maths growing up because of the kind of school I attended, but my brain can definitely carry the basics for DSA, so I will like to know the foundational topics I need to study.

mentro:

Unfortunately I am not a Stem student, and I really hated maths growing up because of the kind of school I attended, but my brain can definitely carry the basics for DSA, so I will like to know the foundational topics I need to study.

if you think you can learn it, then that's how it'll be. Simple!

tensazangetsu20:


Oh you don't need mathematics. Normally discrete mathematics is taken before dsa for computer science but doing that is a waste of time. Your secondary school or university foundation if you were a stem student is okay.

For non stem?

JoyousFurnitire:


For non stem?

Doesn't matter you can learn.

Sorry this might be a contrary opinion but there’s a reason DS&A is usually a second year course in most structured Uni CS programs. It’s because you need a decent knowledge of a simple high level language (Python), low level language (usually C) and the difference between data structures implementations at both levels to be able to understand the trade offs you’ll be learning about. You also need the maths background to understand the simplicity of the discrete maths, graph and number theory algebras you’ll be using. The prereqs for those are usually Calculus, Stats and Linear algebra. (CLRS is the standard here)
Why you need a decent maths background ? You’ll be able to explain what’s happening under the hood even if you’re wrong. For example, you’ll know if the functions starting to look like a series it can probably be done with a O(log(n)) solution. Or if you’re using too many iterations or loops that’s a O(n) solution. Or the difference between even O(n) and o(n).Now you might argue that you could know these as a beginner, yeah you could memorize but how long before it becomes an headache and you become demotivated.
You don’t have to study the whole curriculum or learn it in-depth, but you need to have a working knowledge or a layman’s understanding of the complexities before you even attempt the leetcode or hackerrank of this world. That’s where I find Grokking Algorthms good.
That’s why a comprehensive algorithm course is 6 months tops and you mainly write in pseudo codes. It’s assumed your prior programming and maths experience would make you understand the logics and reasonings quickly.
My advise don’t actively think about DS&A until you can implement basic data structures using a high level language, and you’ll need at least a year of playing around with the language to get to that level or to even understand the beauty of what you’re working with. And when you start - plan to understand the basics in 3 months tops, spend the next three or so actively using it for job interviews because it’s easy to get burnt out fasttttas it’s mentally tasking PLUS when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

monikulapo:
Sorry this might be a contrary opinion but there’s a reason DS&A is usually a second year course in most structured Uni CS programs. It’s because you need a decent knowledge of a simple high level language (Python), low level language (usually C) and the difference between data structures implementations at both levels to be able to understand the trade offs you’ll be learning about. You also need the maths background to understand the simplicity of the discrete maths, graph and number theory algebras you’ll be using. The prereqs for those are usually Calculus, Stats and Linear algebra. (CLRS is the standard here)
Why you need a decent maths background ? You’ll be able to explain what’s happening under the hood even if you’re wrong. For example, you’ll know if the functions starting to look like a series it can probably be done with a O(log(n)) solution. Or if you’re using too many iterations or loops that’s a O(n) solution. Or the difference between even O(n) and o(n).Now you might argue that you could know these as a beginner, yeah you could memorize but how long before it becomes an headache and you become demotivated.
You don’t have to study the whole curriculum or learn it in-depth, but you need to have a working knowledge or a layman’s understanding of the complexities before you even attempt the leetcode or hackerrank of this world. That’s where I find Grokking Algorthms good.
That’s why a comprehensive algorithm course is 6 months tops and you mainly write in pseudo codes. It’s assumed your prior programming and maths experience would make you understand the logics and reasonings quickly.
My advise don’t actively think about DS&A until you can implement basic data structures using a high level language, and you’ll need at least a year of playing around with the language to get to that level or to even understand the beauty of what you’re working with. And when you start - plan to understand the basics in 3 months tops, spend the next three or so actively using it for job interviews because it’s easy to get burnt out fasttttas it’s mentally tasking PLUS when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

Fullstop. Thanks for taking the time to explain this.

monikulapo:
Sorry this might be a contrary opinion but there’s a reason DS&A is usually a second year course in most structured Uni CS programs. It’s because you need a decent knowledge of a simple high level language (Python), low level language (usually C) and the difference between data structures implementations at both levels to be able to understand the trade offs you’ll be learning about. You also need the maths background to understand the simplicity of the discrete maths, graph and number theory algebras you’ll be using. The prereqs for those are usually Calculus, Stats and Linear algebra. (CLRS is the standard here)
Why you need a decent maths background ? You’ll be able to explain what’s happening under the hood even if you’re wrong. For example, you’ll know if the functions starting to look like a series it can probably be done with a O(log(n)) solution. Or if you’re using too many iterations or loops that’s a O(n) solution. Or the difference between even O(n) and o(n).Now you might argue that you could know these as a beginner, yeah you could memorize but how long before it becomes an headache and you become demotivated.
You don’t have to study the whole curriculum or learn it in-depth, but you need to have a working knowledge or a layman’s understanding of the complexities before you even attempt the leetcode or hackerrank of this world. That’s where I find Grokking Algorthms good.
That’s why a comprehensive algorithm course is 6 months tops and you mainly write in pseudo codes. It’s assumed your prior programming and maths experience would make you understand the logics and reasonings quickly.
My advise don’t actively think about DS&A until you can implement basic data structures using a high level language, and you’ll need at least a year of playing around with the language to get to that level or to even understand the beauty of what you’re working with. And when you start - plan to understand the basics in 3 months tops, spend the next three or so actively using it for job interviews because it’s easy to get burnt out fasttttas it’s mentally tasking PLUS when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

This post deserves all the likes in the section, everything you said is the pure brutal truth. No algorithm knowledge and coding will be hard for you.

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monikulapo:
Sorry this might be a contrary opinion but there’s a reason DS&A is usually a second year course in most structured Uni CS programs. It’s because you need a decent knowledge of a simple high level language (Python), low level language (usually C) and the difference between data structures implementations at both levels to be able to understand the trade offs you’ll be learning about. You also need the maths background to understand the simplicity of the discrete maths, graph and number theory algebras you’ll be using. The prereqs for those are usually Calculus, Stats and Linear algebra. (CLRS is the standard here)
Why you need a decent maths background ? You’ll be able to explain what’s happening under the hood even if you’re wrong. For example, you’ll know if the functions starting to look like a series it can probably be done with a O(log(n)) solution. Or if you’re using too many iterations or loops that’s a O(n) solution. Or the difference between even O(n) and o(n).Now you might argue that you could know these as a beginner, yeah you could memorize but how long before it becomes an headache and you become demotivated.
You don’t have to study the whole curriculum or learn it in-depth, but you need to have a working knowledge or a layman’s understanding of the complexities before you even attempt the leetcode or hackerrank of this world. That’s where I find Grokking Algorthms good.
That’s why a comprehensive algorithm course is 6 months tops and you mainly write in pseudo codes. It’s assumed your prior programming and maths experience would make you understand the logics and reasonings quickly.
My advise don’t actively think about DS&A until you can implement basic data structures using a high level language, and you’ll need at least a year of playing around with the language to get to that level or to even understand the beauty of what you’re working with. And when you start - plan to understand the basics in 3 months tops, spend the next three or so actively using it for job interviews because it’s easy to get burnt out fasttttas it’s mentally tasking PLUS when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

You are so on point sir.

I am a 100 level Ui cs student, my first semester course are majorly calculus, Algebra, Linear algebra and stats.

We are doing introductory Python and c# for 100 level cs.

Although we are on strike now, I have seen some of the senior with clrs, and I can say that the book is not for people who don't know maths.

This is my thread for the week. Tons of eye opening info here. Well done OGs

monikulapo:
Sorry this might be a contrary opinion but there’s a reason DS&A is usually a second year course in most structured Uni CS programs. It’s because you need a decent knowledge of a simple high level language (Python), low level language (usually C) and the difference between data structures implementations at both levels to be able to understand the trade offs you’ll be learning about. You also need the maths background to understand the simplicity of the discrete maths, graph and number theory algebras you’ll be using. The prereqs for those are usually Calculus, Stats and Linear algebra. (CLRS is the standard here)
Why you need a decent maths background ? You’ll be able to explain what’s happening under the hood even if you’re wrong. For example, you’ll know if the functions starting to look like a series it can probably be done with a O(log(n)) solution. Or if you’re using too many iterations or loops that’s a O(n) solution. Or the difference between even O(n) and o(n).Now you might argue that you could know these as a beginner, yeah you could memorize but how long before it becomes an headache and you become demotivated.
You don’t have to study the whole curriculum or learn it in-depth, but you need to have a working knowledge or a layman’s understanding of the complexities before you even attempt the leetcode or hackerrank of this world. That’s where I find Grokking Algorthms good.
That’s why a comprehensive algorithm course is 6 months tops and you mainly write in pseudo codes. It’s assumed your prior programming and maths experience would make you understand the logics and reasonings quickly.
My advise don’t actively think about DS&A until you can implement basic data structures using a high level language, and you’ll need at least a year of playing around with the language to get to that level or to even understand the beauty of what you’re working with. And when you start - plan to understand the basics in 3 months tops, spend the next three or so actively using it for job interviews because it’s easy to get burnt out fasttttas it’s mentally tasking PLUS when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

These are the stuffs that differentiate boys from men. The most interesting thing from your post is you stating that when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

Hmmmmm. There has been a rush by many people to learn coding but I always advise please try to also learn to be a problem solver first, coding is secondary. Anyone can learn to code. Being a master problem solver is what will set you apart in life and your career.
For those learning comp science I advise focus far more on your math than coding. At the end of your program you will realize you barely know how to code. Then you will have to spend countless hours after graduation learning coding concepts, libraries, and frameworks. It is then that those problem solving skills that you have acquired will allow you to put all of that to use. Well, it's also possible to learn both side by side but there should be a priority.

Coding is just an abstraction for problem solving. The more succinct a code/program can be especially OOP, the more you need to understand why that code does what it does. I have never written a single line of code anyway so pardon me if I'm not making sense.

Studymore123:


These are the stuffs that differentiate boys from men. The most interesting thing from your post is you stating that when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

Hmmmmm. There has been a rush by many people to learn coding but I always advise please try to also learn to be a problem solver first, coding is secondary. Anyone can learn to code. Being a master problem solver is what will set you apart in life and your career.
For those learning comp science I advise focus far more on your math than coding. At the end of your program you will realize you barely know how to code. Then you will have to spend countless hours after graduation learning coding concepts, libraries, and frameworks. It is then that those problem solving skills that you have acquired will allow you to put all of that to use. Well, it's also possible to learn both side by side but there should be a priority.

Coding is just an abstraction for problem solving. The more succinct a code/program can be especially OOP, the more you need to understand why that code does what it does. I have never written a single line of code anyway so pardon me if I'm not making sense.

Honestly you are right. Without building up your problem solving skills, there's a ceiling on your career as a software engineer. I am really lucky I did engineering as we did a ton of maths which I think helps me a bit now.

tensazangetsu20:


Honestly you are right. Without building up your problem solving skills, there's a ceiling on your career as a software engineer. I am really lucky I did engineering as we did a ton of maths which I think helps me a bit now.

I'm happy you've realized that your Engineering program was not a waste. I know the sky is your beginning because you're doing wonders.

Studymore123:


I'm happy you've realized that your Engineering program was not a waste. I know the sky is your beginning because you're doing wonders.

Can I ask a question sir?

The5DME:
Can I ask a question sir?

You're always free to ask whatever questions you desire.

Studymore123:


You're always free to ask whatever questions you desire.

It's a no brainer that the field of software development is undoubtedly very difficult to learn and become proficient at. How does a student of Applied mathematics like myself, become a good software developer? (emphasis on software developer, not programmer) I figured out we'll be taking a course in Data structures and Algorithms with computer science students, and I'll definitely be taking that elective for sure.

I too, would like to get employed by any one of the FAANG someday. So my question is thus: given my course of study; how do I get into the software development field as an absolute beginner and to be able to reach a level of employability by a FAANG one day?

monikulapo:
Sorry this might be a contrary opinion but there’s a reason DS&A is usually a second year course in most structured Uni CS programs. It’s because you need a decent knowledge of a simple high level language (Python), low level language (usually C) and the difference between data structures implementations at both levels to be able to understand the trade offs you’ll be learning about. You also need the maths background to understand the simplicity of the discrete maths, graph and number theory algebras you’ll be using. The prereqs for those are usually Calculus, Stats and Linear algebra. (CLRS is the standard here)
Why you need a decent maths background ? You’ll be able to explain what’s happening under the hood even if you’re wrong. For example, you’ll know if the functions starting to look like a series it can probably be done with a O(log(n)) solution. Or if you’re using too many iterations or loops that’s a O(n) solution. Or the difference between even O(n) and o(n).Now you might argue that you could know these as a beginner, yeah you could memorize but how long before it becomes an headache and you become demotivated.
You don’t have to study the whole curriculum or learn it in-depth, but you need to have a working knowledge or a layman’s understanding of the complexities before you even attempt the leetcode or hackerrank of this world. That’s where I find Grokking Algorthms good.
That’s why a comprehensive algorithm course is 6 months tops and you mainly write in pseudo codes. It’s assumed your prior programming and maths experience would make you understand the logics and reasonings quickly.
My advise don’t actively think about DS&A until you can implement basic data structures using a high level language, and you’ll need at least a year of playing around with the language to get to that level or to even understand the beauty of what you’re working with. And when you start - plan to understand the basics in 3 months tops, spend the next three or so actively using it for job interviews because it’s easy to get burnt out fasttttas it’s mentally tasking PLUS when you get in the industry most of that thinking is already done or would be done by higher level architects in the organization.

Your post positively reinforces my position of opposing those who say studying CS in Uni (even if it's a Nigerian Uni) "Na scam".

A lot of people think programming is all about getting code to work when there are several more considerations such as complexity and efficiency. Processing power, storage and memory have become so cheap these days that a lot of people write wonky code without a care in the world about its efficiency.

The5DME:
It's a no brainer that the field of software development is undoubtedly very difficult to learn and become proficient at. How does a student of Applied mathematics like myself, become a good software developer? (emphasis on software developer, not programmer) I figured out we'll be taking a course in Data structures and Algorithms with computer science students, and I'll definitely be taking that elective for sure.

I too, would like to get employed by any one of the FAANG someday. So my question is thus: given my course of study; how do I get into the software development field as an absolute beginner and to be able to reach a level of employability by a FAANG one day?

Omo, this is a JAMB question oh. Please note that some of these issues are better discussed based on individual abilities and interests but I'll provide a generic approach.

You're on track. Comp Science or to be specific, theoretical computer science is a branch of mathematics. At the core, computers are just number-crunchers and that makes math to be a foundational part of computer systems. The difficulty of math you need depends on what areas of computer science you want to work in and what you're able to absolve.

DSA is the core but it's not for everyone. If you want to advance your career you'll certainly need those advanced algorithms and matrices, Exponents, Polynomials, Linear and Quadratic equations, Calculus, Vectors, Probability, Statistics, Combinatorics, Logic, Number theory and Graph theory. These are the brains behind Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, Modelling, Distributed systems, Data analytics and the likes. The truth is the more math you know, the deeper your understanding of computers will become.

Look @airsaylongcome said above, hardware has advanced tremendously and what we need are those who can optimize this power efficiently both from an algorithmic and productivity perspective.

Now to your course of study. Applied math is the application of mathematical methods by various fields. You are using the formulas of pure maths and applying them in real life. That simply means you can work or specialize in any field of your interest.
If your interest is in SD. I will say learn C, assembly lang, and hardware. You don't need to go in-depth into all of that but that removes a lot of abstraction. So when you're going for your OOP like python, Java, JavaScript, Django or what have you, you'll have an understanding of both the upper and lower layers because the upper layers depends on the lower layers. That's the differentiator.

For working in FAANG, it's very possible bro. There are ways/factors that can ease the process. Check out the requirements and understand the interview process. If you are prepared, apply for positions/openings that you're a good fit.

Studymore123:


Omo, this is a JAMB question oh. Please note that some of these issues are better discussed based on individual abilities and interests but I'll provide a generic approach.

You're on track. Comp Science or to be specific, theoretical computer science is a branch of mathematics. At the core, computers are just number-crunchers and that makes math to be a foundational part of computer systems. The difficulty of math you need depends on what areas of computer science you want to work in and what you're able to absolve.

DSA is the core but it's not for everyone. If you want to advance your career you'll certainly need those advanced algorithms and matrices, Exponents, Polynomials, Linear and Quadratic equations, Calculus, Vectors, Probability, Statistics, Combinatorics, Logic, Number theory and Graph theory. These are the brains behind Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, Modelling, Distributed systems, Data analytics and the likes. The truth is the more math you know, the deeper your understanding of computers will become.

Look @airsaylongcome said above, hardware has advanced tremendously and what we need are those who can optimize this power efficiently both from an algorithmic and productivity perspective.

Now to your course of study. Applied math is the application of mathematical methods by various fields. You are using the formulas of pure maths and applying them in real life. That simply means you can work or specialize in any field of your interest.
If your interest is in SD. I will say learn C, assembly lang, and hardware. You don't need to go in-depth into all of that but that removes a lot of abstraction. So when you're going for your OOP like python, Java, JavaScript, Django or what have you, you'll have an understanding of both the upper and lower layers because the upper layers depends on the lower layers. That's the differentiator.

For working in FAANG, it's very possible bro. There are ways/factors that can ease the process. Check out the requirements and understand the interview process. If you are prepared, apply for positions/openings that you're a good fit. So you're saying I should ignore those HTML and CSS,and focus more on the fundamentals sir?

I appreciate the input sir.
Cc: airsaylongcome, I'd appreciate your input sir.

tensazangetsu20:


1500 to 3000 USD

Freelance?

DamianX:


Freelance?

I don't freelance anymore. I work for an agency.

Studymore123:


For working in FAANG, it's very possible bro. There are ways/factors that can ease the process. Check out the requirements and understand the interview process. If you are prepared, apply for positions/openings that you're a good fit.

Working in FAANG from Nigeria, abi? Not all of us want to bounce.

Well, I can't be here just consuming info without giving anything back.

I don't know how to do links, so you guys will have to copy the text and paste in your browser.

github.com/TheAlgorithms is an open source resource for learning Data Structures and Algorithms and their implementation in various programming languages. Their algorithms are usually implemented following best practices.

30secondsofinterviews.org is a curated list of common interview questions for web developers.

And github.com/danieldelcore/mega-interview-guide is a massive primer for intermediate to advanced javascript knowledge that may pop up on interviews. Not necessary to know all of it, but you're better off knowing them than you would be if you didn't.

The5DME:
So you're saying I should ignore those HTML and CSS, and focus more on the fundamentals sir?.

No, don't ignore them. Those are structure and style of web pages. You can coast along with those.

Studymore123:


I'm happy you've realized that your Engineering program was not a waste. I know the sky is your beginning because you're doing wonders.

so it's gonna be a bit hard for a non CS major to delve into software engineering?

justAman:
so it's gonna be a bit hard for a non CS major to delve into software engineering?

Not really, Software development is just logic. If you can think logically, you can be a developer

It's just easier for the sciences as everything in science must conform to logic, be tested and proven.

DrLevi:

Not really, Software development is just logic. If you can think logically, you can be a developer

It's just easier for the sciences as everything in science must conform to logic, be tested and proven.

yes, I'm a logical thinker. Thanks for this

All these theories I'm seeing here
They all sound a bit too scary, I feel even if you suck at math, you can still learning these fundamental concepts well.
It takes just one thing. PRACTICE and PRACTICE.

tensazangetsu20:


1500 to 3000 USD

you be boss oo..please, can you mentor me?

Omohhhhhh!!! I haven't even know anything about what I'm about to dive into
I'm a graphics designer who wants to dive into programming and I must confess, I have ZERO knowledge on coding or programming, what I was planning was,paying to learn from an organization thats teachs coding for 3 months and boom! I don arrive!
This thread is really an eye opener I would like to start from this, I suck at math, I'm an art student, I know programming is not an easy task and not for a weak mind, but I believe in HARDWORK.
Firstly, I would like to know how much my low knowledge in mathematics can affect programming, and how to start working on it. E never spoil finish na.
And what I must know, or things or rules I must follow as a beginner.
Pros in the house, help me with the right informations pls. Thanks

tensazangetsu20:
Damn tech is so crazy. Even I get shocked of the kind of things I see everyday. Some survey was done on the salaries of Blockchain developers and the least salary came in at 650 USD a month and the highest came in at 30k USD a month.

I thought the 30k USD a month figure was just a lie until someone posted his total compensation in a data structures group I am a member of on Facebook. It came down to 33k USD a month and this person lives in Nigeria. Dropped out of futa after 2 years like has no degree and has been able to achieve this whereas someone with PhD Is teaching for 30k naira a month.

Life no balance o. God, tech is just one crazy field. Its why we should remain humble o cause no matter how big you think you are a ton of people are bigger.

I know you don't believe in God or your idea of a Supreme Beign is different from mine (a believer of Christ). God will bless you whether you believe in him or not. Infact on your behalf i believe God go bless you.

You don't know how you motivate people with topics like this. You have no idea. Thank You

TheManOfTheYear:
All these theories I'm seeing here
They all sound a bit too scary, I feel even if you suck at math, you can still learning these fundamental concepts well.
It takes just one thing. PRACTICE and PRACTICE.

I see it like Chess, you don't need maths to be good at chess but you need logic, just that the math and sciences are built on logic more than other fields. However, every logical/analytical person can do well in software development.