<p>Any advice on what courses to take if I’m interested in learning C++ as a novice?</p>
<p>hello monosierra,</p>
<p>assuming that you have adequate programming background (to the level of cs15/16 or cs17/18 sequence), then i think cs36 will give you ample introduction to C++. CS31 is listed as a prerequisite, and it definitely cannot hurt to take that course. However, I have spoken to some of the TAs and I think we all agree that with CS15/16 - CS17/18 sequence, you're all set to take CS36.</p>
<p>quick question, though, have you programmed before? and what language did you use?</p>
<p>In addition to all that, I think that both the 15/16 track and 17/18 track is completely worth taking and experiencing even if you have quite a bit of experience.</p>
<p>Also, the CS department rarely let's anyone skip the intro level tracks, and even if you've programmed before, the classes are still challenging and again worth taking.</p>
<p>I'm computer lingo illiterate haha! Yap, I know nothing. Which is why I was looking at 0040 and 0150.</p>
<p>oh. if you have never programmed before, i strongly suggest cs15. i am ambivalent about cs4. it's a good course as an introduction to programming, but i personally feel it is more geared towards scientific computing.</p>
<p>be forewarned that all cs courses will transform you to a SunLab dweller.. (unless, of course, you're one of those kids who know how to setup remote login without asking help from the consultants)</p>
<p>CS15 is the way to go for sure. Remote login isn't that rough, but then again, I'm a regular Linux user...</p>
<p>Being in the Sunlab is better anyway.</p>
<p>Oh OK. Thanks! I'm doing COE but with all the talk about the massive role algorithms and programming are playing in finance/econs, I figured it'd be useful to have at least some knowledge of C++.</p>
<p>By the way, what should I take next after 15?</p>
<p>16, the sequel to 15. Why do you think that C++ is better than any other language? Java is what you'll learn in 15/16, and you'll learn Scheme/ML and then Java in 17/18. CS04 basically teaches you how to use Matlab. C++ isn't used until higher levels for several reasons...</p>
<p>I read that quants use a lot of C++. I'm not cut to be a quant, of course, but I think it'd be useful to know how to program (really basic) financial models should the need arise.</p>
<p>Wow. If that's the case, then I'm really lost. What kind of programming language does finance/econs need besides C++?</p>
<p>It doesn't work like that. You learn to program, the idea behind programming, actual computer science here at Brown. Languages are just the means to an end, and once you understand computer science (and learn a language or two on the way), it's very easy to pick up another language. So you should probably still take 15 and 16 if you have any serious interest in computer science, and a CS-econ degree is actually quite powerful if you enjoy the CS you take. But, taking CS15/16 will teach you enough to pick up C++ on your own (though it isn't OOP, again, learning what CS is and hwo it works etc is more valuable than a language paradigm), etc.</p>
<p>Truth is, finance and economics majors mostly don't know jack about CS and it's probably CS concentrators or people who go to schools like Brown that offer CS-Econ that are doing any programming. It could also be straight up math or applied math concentrators doing that kind of work.</p>
<p>Edit, btw, I have no idea what a quant is.</p>
<p>yes, quants use a lot of C++ to do financial modeling. but that's mostly because the libraries (i.e. stuff that people has already written to make life easier for you) are built in C++. in all honesty, i have seen financial models built using C, Java, Perl, VB.. and Excel (most popular!). </p>
<p>i wholeheartedly agree with modestmelody, if you can code.. then most likely you will be able to pick up any programming language you want. it only differs in syntaxes.. but the underlying core of a code is in the algorithms, which you will pick up as you progress learning any language.</p>
<p>and this is the first time i heard a COE major wanting to be a quant..</p>
<p>oh no i'm not going to be a quant! haha, that's the province of physics and maths phds. definitely not for me. like i said, i'm just interested in knowing how the whole thing works so i won't be too lost when confronted with those formidable excel models and whatnot.</p>
<p>the biggest problem is that i am terrified by the idea of coding. the sight of those computer lingo scrolling across the screen scares me, frankly. i much prefer the company of less precise languages (i.e human lol). </p>
<p>thanks for the advice. i guess i'll get an introduction to cs and take it from there. if everything goes smoothly, i might go a step higher.</p>