I feel like so much of this discussion is way too general. It's impossible to debate how/how much math is needed for "programming" without speaking about a par

I feel like so much of this discussion is way too general. It's impossible to debate how/how much math is needed for "programming" without speaking about a particular (programming) domain and the subset of math, if any, needed for it. In other words, "no math is needed" and "you need proofs" are probably both true. There's some realm of programming in which no math is needed, ever. And then there's other programming that requires lots of math. But the math required, might be linear algebra in some cases and some other specific branch of math in another area. This fact is a just a reflection of the fact that "programming" is an extremely wide area. There are some realms of programming, where the "programming" aspect of it is virtually subsidiary to the math. The programming is just automating or systemizing some math which is the real work is taking place. So, my take away from seeing this discussion and similar comments so many times is that everyone can agree that math is an enriching subject. However, from the standpoint of its relationship with your programming, going really deep into one particular area of math without a clear idea of if/how it's going to help you accomplish something previously unattainable is probably not the best use of your time.