Hi all,I've started working in an IT company a few months ago.I'm learning Java, since that's what we use here.My background is from physics, so programming is not my forte.I'm aware C++ is where I should focus, but I've landed here so far.May be the OOP way of thinking helps, but I'm not sure if I will be learning useful stuff for quanting. (this is mainly commercial software, web apps,etc.)If that's the case, what should I be investigating? (e.g multi-threading,etc) Is it worth to master Java or should I switch to C++ ASAP?Thanks in advance.

QuoteOriginally posted by: CatsoHi all,I've started working in an IT company a few months ago.I'm learning Java, since that's what we use here.My background is from physics, so programming is not my forte.I'm aware C++ is where I should focus, but I've landed here so far.May be the OOP way of thinking helps, but I'm not sure if I will be learning useful stuff for quanting. (this is mainly commercial software, web apps,etc.)If that's the case, what should I be investigating? (e.g multi-threading,etc) Is it worth to master Java or should I switch to C++ ASAP?Thanks in advance.I started using Java about 1.5 years ago. I got to a point where I could understand the syntax well, and I wrote a bunch of derivatives stuff (utilities, et cetera). Clearly understanding the syntax of a programming language is not the same thing as understanding the "architecture."I like java, and I think it is easier to understand and to use than is C++. However, 99% of people who inhabit these august forums will tell you if you want to work in finance, you should be a c++ guru. As for me, nowadays I just have really smart people at my company who do things for me and make me look good. So I have the best of all worlds.

Of course Java it's easier than C++.My point was if it would be a smart move to be proficient enough in Java, or switch given the chance.Will I ever use Java at all in finance, or that would be just an "mental warming" for the real action?I think I'll wait a bit and see what happens.Thanks.

As a programmer can tell you that learning any programming language is good and is not a waste of time, since there are a lot of similarities in the languages, by knowing that this or that exists in one programming language you can assume that the same feature exist in the others of course syntax may be little different.. this will speed up you learning process coz you would already know what to look for

QuoteOriginally posted by: CatsoWill I ever use Java at all in finance, or that would be just an "mental warming" for the real action?Java is used a lot in finance, but not much (yet?) in quant space though

QuoteOriginally posted by: CatsoOf course Java it's easier than C++.My point was if it would be a smart move to be proficient enough in Java, or switch given the chance.Thanks.Learning to program in Java well will greatly help your C++. Java was designed in part to make it easier for programmers to develop good OOP habits and avoid bad ones.Also, what happens in practice is that you will have to learn a new language whenever you go into a new company. More often than not critical systems are written in an old archaic or proprietary language that you will have to learn "on the fly." Even if the company uses a "standard language" they will have internal programming styles and libraries which will give that language a distinctive "accent" that you will have to learn. So the more languages you know, the better.

www.javaquant.net

Thanks for your replies, people.I'll be around here for a while.