Necessary programming languages to learn/master in BS Math?

[Eli Puerto]

Hi! Will be taking BS Math in 2019, and as early as now I would like to practice my necessary skills so that I would not end up left behind.
I'm still currently in 12th grade under a specialized STEM program.

 

[jim mcnamara]

When you ask a question like this you will invariably get that poster's pet language.

Not what you personally need.

It depends on the curriculum - what classes are required, plus your elective classes. To get an example of the constellation of computer languages:
List of 700 languages at Rosetta Code - a programming chrestomathy:
http://www.rosettacode.org/wiki/Category:Programming_Languages

Another issue is the "niche" factor of a language. Example:
Engineering math often uses FORTRAN. Because a lot of FORTRAN based software for engineering is already out there.

A more niche-less language because it has lots of add-ons:
python has a lot of add on libraries and so is very flexible, is easy to learn, and is much less oriented to one niche. Scypy and numpy are example add-ons.

Only your curriculum counts here. Play around with any opensource language you like, unless you can find out exactly what language you will be expected to learn. Contact your college's math department. Don't listen to us for choice of language.

 

[jedishrfu]

Try the Processing IDE where you can play either with Java, Javascript or Python. There is no best language but there are a lot of wannabe languages out there looking for programmers. Its best to learn one language well and then branch out as needed.

As an example, a Java programmer may branch out into scripting languages learning bash, awk and then get into as he/she needs more flexibility Python...

Numerical folks like Python(free), Matlab (commercial product), and Julia(free). Many engineers and computational scientists use these languages for work and colleges may use them in their coursework.

If you want to do gaming then look at Unity game engine and C# or Javascript.

But I would recommend Processing as the best beginner strategy. There are many 3rd party libraries available for it (see the Insight article about its features: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/the-joy-of-processing/ ) It has a great feedback loop, write a line of code and press play to see what happens...

 

[MikeInNorthernVA]

Recommend you check out the school's bookstore and online book requirements for courses of interest to you. If you read ahead you'll do better in the class.

 

[Mark44]

Will be taking BS Math in 2019

What is "BS Math"? Does that mean you will be starting a Bachelor of Science curriculum in Math?

 

[FactChecker]

For any application, there are a variety of languages that will get the job done. Your school probably has selected one for use in BS Math (whatever that means). That is the one that you should learn. Ask the teachers.

 

[Eli Puerto]

What is "BS Math"? Does that mean you will be starting a Bachelor of Science curriculum in Math?

It's what a degree in Mathematica is used in my country.

 

[jedishrfu]

You mean the product Mathematica? Your degree will use it in your math studies?

 

[Mark44]

You mean the product Mathematica?

I don't think this is what he means. Based on his user name, he speaks Spanish, in which "mathematics" is "Matemáticas," which I believe he has translated as Mathematica. That's my guess.

 

[jedishrfu]

Ok that makes sense. I was conflating the programming language with the mathematics in Spanish