Dear All,I have studied C++ at some time in the past, and now I am planning on doing some programming for our trading floor at the bank. Of course I would need to brush up my C++ knowledge, but now I am confused!!!should I get Visual C++? Will that make a better programming? or C++.net? or visual C++.net?or even visual basic? or visual basic.netor what about C#? or C#.net?or just C++ is enough?!I am confused!!! What's the most popular programming language in the quant society?!?!Please help!!Bassam

QuoteOriginally posted by: bassam13Dear All,I have studied C++ at some time in the past, and now I am planning on doing some programming for our trading floor at the bank. Of course I would need to brush up my C++ knowledge, but now I am confused!!!should I get Visual C++? Will that make a better programming? or C++.net? or visual C++.net?or even visual basic? or visual basic.netor what about C#? or C#.net?or just C++ is enough?!I am confused!!! What's the most popular programming language in the quant society?!?!For QF in my opinion C++ is forever and C# must not be neglected in the coming years. I think this is a good bet.Please help!!Bassam

Thanks for your reply ...but visual c++ or just c++?and the .net thing?

QuoteOriginally posted by: bassam13Thanks for your reply ...but visual c++ or just c++?and the .net thing? C++ is a general prog. lang.VC++ is MS implementatiion of C++ (ANSI of course) and is embedded in VSStudio..NET is MS new framework for C++, C#, VB.NET and a host of other lang.Lots of this s/w banter on Wilmott. Good luck and happy fishing.

oklast question Do you think VB is enough for financial modelling?

It depends on your constraints.For instance, do you have to perform a pricing every one in a while, or do you have to price hundreds of instruments daily?Do you want to write a few pricers copying and pasting code, or a framework in which it is possible to write a number of similar pricers with minimum or no code replication?Etc, etc...Luigi

QuoteOriginally posted by: bassam13Do you think VB is enough for financial modelling?VBA yes (read the threads), VB.NET has a bad reputation. Sometimes people can be a bit snobbish, like "I do C++ and OO", even though VB is good as well.

QuoteOriginally posted by: bassam13last question Are you sure?

I would suggest using Visual C# .NET because the trade-desk would appreciate a user friendly GUI.

Your needs really depend on what you plan to do with the applications being built.My bias is strongly towards C++ and the much-loved STL because it is a universal standard, so that what I write on a Mac will work on a Cray or a Sun. It might even work in Windows.Visual C++ is Microsoft's implementation of the language. The new (2005) version is more standards-friendly, but you must understand there is (generally) STL type C++ and .NET. There can be some interplay between the two, but recognize there are two different approaches.C# and VB.NET are great languages if you are targeting Windows .NET environment. In fact, if done properly, the GUI could be C#/VB and the libraries C++ (as many projects are built upon other works) with little confusion or annoyance.Beware, there are C++ and Fortran purists that exemplify the saying, "To a hammer, every problem is a nail."

QuoteOriginally posted by: AndrewC# and VB.NET are great languages if you are targeting Windows .NET environment. In fact, if done properly, the GUI could be C#/VB and the libraries C++ (as many projects are built upon other works) with little confusion or annoyance."Agree completely.I think that this scenario you sketch has a chance of actualising in the coming years.My rule-of-thums is that using C# for the I/O stuff in combination with C+= (or C#!) for crunching results in 400% increase in all-round productivity when compared to C++ and current database and GUI designer s/w.

Luigi,Yes, it's a good practice to know where I want to go, then use the applicable and most efficient mean to do so. Thanks!CuchulainnI did read the comments. Thanks. Yes, on the threads I noticed that VBA does provide value. And that's not my last question. Only a fool would stop asking, especially when the answer is free Fire:A point well taken!Andrew:Thanks for providing which language is suitable for which occasion. I really appreciate that.-----------------Since our trading models are not that complex and not so repetitive, I believe that VBA and VB will do fine for now. We'll see how it will progress ...thanks a lot guys Bassam

QuoteOriginally posted by: bassam13CuchulainnI did read the comments. Thanks. Yes, on the threads I noticed that VBA does provide value. And that's not my last question. Only a fool would stop asking, especially when the answer is free BassamGood advice does not have to be expensive! Of course, you have to buy a round of drinks for us. Luigi drinks mineral water, I drink Tonic.BTW, some fools have stopped asking

Cuch, you should switch to Gelato al Nutella !