Should all software engineers be periodically tested on linear algebra?

Question

Isn't linear algebra more important now than ever given the focus on AI nowadays?Even if a software engineer isn't working on AI today, they might soon and maybe companies should prepare them in advance?Yearly testing would make sure they remember important linear algebra concepts.

wizzerking · Accepted Answer

As with most testing linear algebra is not a must have for all software engineers. For instance for an SQL practitioner their efforts would be more readily be considered set theory? Question. Another instance to think about Embedded software engineers ?? Is there any use in PWM Motor control for linear algebra ?? Sure come control problems lead to linear algebra, but I use mostly transforms not linear algebra. Any simulation, image processing, math optimization sure linear algebra is king

AnimalMuppet · Answer

No.You seem to be assuming that 100% of software engineers are going to be programming, not just AIs, but LLM-style AIs. That is a massive assumption, and one that I believe is false.

hollerith · Answer

Of course not: only the people creating AIs (or improving them at the fundamental level) need linear algebra; people do not need it to use AI.

Should all software engineers be periodically tested on linear algebra?

Isn't linear algebra more important now than ever given the focus on AI nowadays?
Even if a software engineer isn't working on AI today, they might soon and maybe companies should prepare them in advance?
Yearly testing would make sure they remember important linear algebra concepts.

No.
You seem to be assuming that 100% of software engineers are going to be programming, not just AIs, but LLM-style AIs. That is a massive assumption, and one that I believe is false.

Of course not: only the people creating AIs (or improving them at the fundamental level) need linear algebra; people do not need it to use AI.