Programming

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Can one be too dumb for programming? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/programming

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I've always flunked at math; and knowing how intertwined programming is with math, I'm skeptical of my ability to learn how to code. Can someone be too dumb to learn programming? If it helps, I'm mostly interested in learning Common Lisp.

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[–] swordsmanluke 18 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Programming success is more closely associated with language skills than math skills.

Yes, if you need to invent a new algorithm you'll need math. Computer Science is definitely mathematics heavy.

But writing a program is all about expressing your intent in a programming language, step by step. It's about "communicating" with the machine (and your users).

All this to say, I got C- and D grades in my math courses in college and still became a successful computer programmer. I'm not pushing the boundaries of computation, but if you need an app for your business, I can build that for you in a reliable, tested, and flexible manner.

Edit: Also! I love Common LISP. It's such an amazing language and I'm so sad that it isn't more popular in the industry.

[–] jwt 8 points 11 months ago

But writing a program is all about expressing your intent in a programming language, step by step. It's about "communicating" with the machine (and your users).

And your coworkers, and 'you a year from now'. For the love of god have some compassion with 'you a year from now' and save him a day of debugging.