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Are programmers any different from mathematicians or physicists in this aspect of using brain functions? It takes similar logical skills like: - Not knowing e

Are programmers any different from mathematicians or physicists in this aspect of using brain functions? It takes similar logical skills like: - Not knowing end result/solution of an equation - Performing multiple operations to solve different parts of an equation - Crafting an equation to match the observation (similar to writing a logical program to achieve a certain end result) - Dealing with constants that never change

goethes_kind 4y ago
As somebody who did all three, the difference to me is huge. I can do programming half awake no problem but math and physics require way more sustained concentration. Part of it is that with math, your compiler and debugger is your brain and it is faulty. With programming you offload a huge part of the mental strain to the computer. When I'm programming, I often start tackling a complicated function (I do ML and numerics) without knowing the logic 100%. I just let my instinct guide me and I stumble little by little onto the solution with the help of the compiler. You can do the same process with math, but the mental strain required is orders of magnitudes more because you need to actually do the math yourself.
- foreverCarlos 4y ago
  Great insight! Never considered how much I am relying on instinct when coding. Now thinking about it - it plays a very important role.
- leftcenterright 4y ago
  Magnitue of strain and sustained concentration are really good points! Totally agreed on that. I would however expect similar fundamental brain functions to be at play. For debugging and instinct driven tasks, I would co-relate that with hit-and-trial methods for solving equations or validating equation formulations.
- phototheory 4y ago
  This is interesting. Programming languages offer a great level of abstraction (especially when working in higher-level languages) that let you offload a lot of cognitive effort. More-so as you become comfortable with the patterns of the language and code base(s) you're working in. I often think of it as a logarithmic curve where the first bit requires some effort, but eventually things stabilize haha.

goethes_kind 4y ago

As somebody who did all three, the difference to me is huge. I can do programming half awake no problem but math and physics require way more sustained concentration. Part of it is that with math, your compiler and debugger is your brain and it is faulty. With programming you offload a huge part of the mental strain to the computer. When I'm programming, I often start tackling a complicated function (I do ML and numerics) without knowing the logic 100%. I just let my instinct guide me and I stumble little by little onto the solution with the help of the compiler. You can do the same process with math, but the mental strain required is orders of magnitudes more because you need to actually do the math yourself.

foreverCarlos 4y ago
Great insight! Never considered how much I am relying on instinct when coding. Now thinking about it - it plays a very important role.
leftcenterright 4y ago
Magnitue of strain and sustained concentration are really good points! Totally agreed on that. I would however expect similar fundamental brain functions to be at play. For debugging and instinct driven tasks, I would co-relate that with hit-and-trial methods for solving equations or validating equation formulations.
phototheory 4y ago
This is interesting. Programming languages offer a great level of abstraction (especially when working in higher-level languages) that let you offload a lot of cognitive effort. More-so as you become comfortable with the patterns of the language and code base(s) you're working in. I often think of it as a logarithmic curve where the first bit requires some effort, but eventually things stabilize haha.