"C# will be perceived as either exactly as, or more sexy than VB" yes, but as you should know they are the same except for the syntax. So it would be nice if people started to change their minds regarding this...You're right, C++ is more efficient for quant applications. Nonetheless, VB and VB.Net may be useful for database applications and for coding prototypes / small projects.And yes, if anyone is literate on C/java he shouldn't bother with VB.Net coz C#.Net is the same as VB.Net and the syntax will be understood easier."So why should anybody setting out to become a quant bother to learn VB again?"A lot of stuff can be built using Excel and Access which are the tools understood by non-quants.The syntax is easier to learn and it can be useful for small applications (even quantitative projects).Database projects and API connections (Bloomberg API for example).Learning VB6/.Net can be useful for VBA developers because they will be better prepared to avoid the spreadsheet salad you mentioned... Under VB they will be forced to learn real programming.But I agree, C++ is much better for quants. Just don't say (or think) that VB is "crap". It has to do with the programmer and the use of each programming language...

QuoteOriginally posted by: BullBear"C# will be perceived as either exactly as, or more sexy than VB" yes, but as you should know they are the same except for the syntax. So it would be nice if people started to change their minds regarding this...And you think the situation would be improved by increasing the supply of VB CVs? I find that hard to believe...QuoteVB and VB.Net may be useful for database applications and for coding prototypes / small projects....The syntax is easier to learn and it can be useful for small applications (even quantitative projects).I still think script languages designed for numerical work, such as matlab or R, are way better for this. Even when talking to a database is invlolved, they can do it too. QuoteDatabase projects and API connections (Bloomberg API for example).Learning VB6/.Net can be useful for VBA developers because they will be better prepared to avoid the spreadsheet salad you mentioned... Under VB they will be forced to learn real programming.Quant developers, possibly.QuoteJust don't say (or think) that VB is "crap". It has to do with the programmer and the use of each programming language...I still maintain VB6 and its 'object-based' system was an unstable monstrosity when I last looked at it. But it seems very likely that VB.net is in fact a reasonable general-purpose language, so I concede that point.

Tygerman, It depends in which area you plan to work. If you qant to work with numercial modelling, C is defenitily much better. But if you want to work in the front, or middle office you should learn some VBA, it's quicker and more used than C, since EXCEL is always the most used software in the real world. I used to have the same skills ten you did, LINUX physics, and C, and I need to learn WINDOWS skills to be more dynamic in my job. Hope helped you. (The C skills will help you a lot ina anyway)

QuoteOriginally posted by: xkTygerman, It depends in which area you plan to work. If you qant to work with numercial modelling, C is defenitily much better. But if you want to work in the front, or middle office you should learn some VBA, it's quicker and more used than C, since EXCEL is always the most used software in the real world. I used to have the same skills ten you did, LINUX physics, and C, and I need to learn WINDOWS skills to be more dynamic in my job. Hope helped you. (The C skills will help you a lot ina anyway)Hi Francisca,you got my point. I was actually interested in understanding how Excel/Windows stuff can open you doors, given that they are not the main tool for doing high level research/analysis. In any case, I guess, you don't need to become a book author in order to prove that you can do things. In fact, you can learn in three days a lot of stuff you can put on your CV, whereas whatever C++ is approx 1000 pages...