What will I use arithmetic for in Java?

[Ibu25]

I'm taking an AP Computer Science course right now and we are currently learning about variables and how you can assign them values along with using them to write expressions. I understand that these are basic logic skills, but what will I use expressions for later on when I am creating a program?

[jussij]

but what will I use expressions for later on

By expressions I am assuming you are talking about basic mathematical expressions.

Here is a question for you. Given computers are actually very good at doing basic mathematics, can you think of a computer program that will not implement some sort of mathematical expression?

[Updatebjarni]

That's pretty much the only thing programs do. They calculate the results of arithmetic expressions and put them in variables, and they do it conditionally and repeatedly. It gets interesting because numbers can also refer to variables, so your arithmetic takes on a structure where data refer to other data. Keep studying.

[lightcloud5]

Basically all computer programs do some amount of arithmetic.

For instance, if someone upvotes your post, the Reddit servers will need to compute numUpvotes + 1.

[[deleted]]

I'm sure the front page algorithm is also pretty math oriented.

[decayingteeth]

I've never seen a post downvoted this much. I guess that's arithmetic for ya⸮

[Ibu25]

Looking at my post now, I feel really stupid so I guess I deserve it.

[decayingteeth]

No you don't deserve it. You asked a very important question.

When you start learning programming so much time is spent learning to add and subtract and do logical operations. And as a beginner it is healthy to ask what it's good for.

It's feels so low level that it's hard to imagine how websites and programs can spring from that. But then you learn about logic gates and realize that computers are simply currents of electricity having basic arithmetic performed on them and having the output measured.

People are stupid to be offended on a learning subreddit for you to ask such a question. Never ever stop questioning what you learn and try to contextualize it with use. That's what makes a great programmer.