Correlation between Math and Good Computer Programmer

It always shocks me how many "programmers" can't even use a search engine, or read documentation, never mind do calculus or algebra!

Maths is only important for a limited number of programming fields. Eg if you wanted to right an index engine, or advanced data analysis, neural networks etc. There are some computing problems where the code is a secondary concern, it's understanding the theory and maths that is the problem. So if you want a job at google you'll probably need to be good at maths, but for 99% of coding tasks you don't really need advanced maths skills.

In my schooldays, programming and math was always put in close relation.
I never felt that this has any fundamental relation.

Some people may argue that designing an implementing an algorithm needs mathematical skills. I'd say, expressing your thoughts is at least as important to describe an algorithm, so the natural conclusion would be: take (natural) language courses!

Talented programmers are good in several areas:
- speak the language of the customer (can talk on the customer's level)
- understand the problems at hand (the customer wants to have solved some problem)
- can distill the core questions to be answered
- have a certain "tool box" of skills and plain tools that suits his craft
- don't get lost in the details
- can communicate thoughts and document them nicely and crisp
- focus on the problem solution and do not get distracted by niceties
- view their job as a craft and not as art (allows for criticism and discussions on alternative solutions)
- have an affinity to testing ("untested code is broken code")
- etc.

Programming is providing effective economical solutions to given problems.
There are many skills involved that have nothing to do with math, but rather with the capability to fulfill expectations like providing what is needed in a good enough quality and time to the costs a customer is willing to pay.

Cheers
Andi

To understand more complex mathematical concepts you have to have some kind of thinking that also essential for programming - it sometimes called 'analytical mind' or 'analytical skill'...
So even you will not use mathematics in your daily work as a developer, if you do not understand math it is very likely you will not survive as developer...
(and yes - at least in my time - we learned a lot of math)

In my opinion the answer is yes you don't have to hate the math, missing analytical approach, as already said by Peter, makes very difficult to write down algorithms.
You must be good at logic, or you'll go nowhere. :)
But you have also be eclectic, and broken the rules sometime, to find new ways. The creativity is also very important to a programmer. It not only make you create new things, but push you to look, check and implement new versions of apps, algorithms, tools, ... ;)
I don't believe to the mystique that has been raised around characters as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, etc. They are much more human than divine ('Pirates of Silicon Valley' is a good portrait), and as businessmen they have been much better than as programmers, but also this is required to make you a good programmer. Will help to take a decision on a piece of code that consumed a lot of time to appear elegant (quick'nd dirty and go market!).
It's difficult to be a real man, it's even worse to be a good programmer... ;P