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Poll: How much CS theory and math do you use in your work?

September 15, 2009, 4:26 AM PDT

Takeaway: Do you use Computer Science theory and math at work? Developers, take this poll to let us know.

One of the ongoing cultural conflicts within the development community is the role of math and formal Computer Science (CS) theory. Some developers say that they never need math and CS theory in their jobs; others say that you can’t be a true software engineer without using both.

I don’t want to get into who is right or wrong on this topic, but I am curious about how many of you are actually using math and CS theory in your day-to-day work.

How much CS theory and math do you use in your work?

J.Ja

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About Justin James

Justin James is an employee of Levit & James, Inc. in a multidisciplinary role that combines programming, network management, and system administration. He has been blogging at TechRepublic since 2005.

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I have a similar "feeling"

jslarochelle Updated - 21st Sep 2009

I use Cyclomatic complexity, Encapsulation, Information hiding, Efferent coupling, Afferent coupling, ...
I know it can sometimes sound pedantic but I like to use the correct words when I know them (if I don't I often look for the correct one).
I do most of this in automatic (almost subconsciously) mode.
JS

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I work with process control systems

fitzgerrell 17th Sep 2009

With logic going on to embedded controllers, code and logic needs to be efficient - I use a fair bit of CS theory, although admittedly 25 year old theory. I use a lot of math analyzing and/or modeling the underlying processes in my plant.

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I'm A Systems Architect

cardhun@... 17th Sep 2009

So I am constantly applying systems design theory.

My first degrees are in physics and math. So I'm also one who gets asked to solve applied math problems. I've had to solve problems in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, probability and statistics, suborbital mechanics, and orbital mechanics. Since I often work with engineers developing signal analysis subsystems, I am also often involved in Kalman filtering.

As a lead engineer now, I note that finding new engineers with even basic math skills is getting very difficult. All too often we have new engineering graduates who thought they could take the minimal math to meet bachelor of science requirements, get a passing grade, and then forget about it. These people don't realize that they're unqualified to work in developing real-time systems. Their unwillingness to learn the basic skills they need impedes their access to opportunities for professional advancement.

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