[mentos]

I am not great at higher level Math (calculus) and I'm good with algebra but I do not think I'd consider those good predictors. I feel like what allows me to program is strong spatial reasoning. Doing a quick google search I found this: http://www.quora.com/Whats-the-nature-of-the-relationship-if...

Probably just anecdotal but curious to know what others feel about spatial reasoning? I think specially with object oriented programming it is helpful to be able to visualize all of the 'actors' in your head and how they relate/intertwine.

[hackinthebochs]

I would also agree that spatial reasoning is key to strong programming ability. Most data structures are best understood through spatial reasoning, for example. But I would also say that spatial reasoning is key to mathematical ability. I'm actually surprised that you would consider yourself strong with spatial reasoning but had trouble with calculus. Perhaps you just had a bad teacher or lacked proper motivation?

[kasey_junk]

I'm terrible at spatial reasoning but have no problem with formal logic. I'd also like to think I have strong programming ability (of course we don't know how to measure that).

Spatial reasoning is a key mathematical ability for certain classes of problems (a big chunk of calculus as you mention) but helps not at all with another big class of mathematics (set theory for instance).

Finally, to you data structures are best understood via spatial reasoning, but there is nothing actually spatial about data structures so that is probably most likely just your own preference for modeling them.

[hackinthebochs]

I'm sure my bias plays a role, but I would disagree that there's nothing spatial about data structures. Linked lists, trees, heaps, etc, all have the characteristic property of a geometric interpretation: a natural notion of "distance" inherent in their definitions.

[walshemj]

Set Theory?

[evincarofautumn]

Spatial reasoning is very helpful for me, particularly when designing data structures and algorithms. When reasoning through a problem, I can often be found making shapes in the air with my hands. Easier than getting up and walking to the whiteboard. :)