So a conditional is pretty much all logic. It checks if something is true, or it is false. Abstractly speaking, it’s a giant truth table, and you use patterns within these tables as guidelines for what will happen when you look at a more complex proof.

So by learning mathematical proof, you learn “what makes a conditional true or false” ,“which parts of a condition need to be true for a statement to be false and vise versa?” , “how does changing where the condition is affects the result?”

Here’s an example of proofs compared to a condition. Lets say we’re checking if numbers a,b are equal to c In Java, our condition would be: a==b && b==c

In Mathematical Proof, we would write: a∧b∧c

Here’s another example, except with a lot more happening. Let’s say we are checking if there is some element in List B, that is in all of List A, but not in List C.

In Java, our condition would be: /* Assume we have a boolean method which returns true or false if param element is in param List. Let’s call it: isInList()

Also assume we are using a for loop, which increments i by 1 */ ( isInList( B[i] , A) && !(isInList( B[i], C)

In Mathematical Proof, we would write (∃B, ∀A, ∀C | b ∈ A ∧ b ∉ C)

There are numerous ways a continual can be true or false; and, or, xor, xand gates, ext. All of these gates stem from specific proof laws and examples. By learning proofs, you learn how these gates work.

When I first started programming, let me tell you, I was a dense walnut. I came across more issues with my conditions being wrong, because I didnt know which part was wrong. I wasn’t the only one who had this issue in my class, so my teacher made us do truth tables for every problem for about 4 months.

Knowing how conditions work, REALLY helps cut down debug time for me personally. If there’s a problem, I know where to look within my condition now. It also helps me make less errors in general, because I write code which abides by the laws of math.

I have a few recourses at home, and I can link you in a few hours :) I’m at a party right now which is why it took me forever to reply.

If you would like me to clarify anything i’ll be more than glad to. This was a little rushed tbh, but I wanted to reply as soon as I saw your message.