C

From Quantnet Wiki

[edit] Overview

Many modern programming languages can be considered C-style. For an overview of these myriad languages, including C, C++, C# and dozens of others that do not start with C, check out Wikipedia.

[edit] C++ in Quantitative Finance

C++ is the predominant programming language used in quantitative finance. This is partly a result of its flexibility, but also a result of its age; a large amount of legacy code continues to be supported and built upon in C++. The compiled binaries from C++ are also regarded as among the fastest.

For those seeking a religious war over programming languages, consider the following adaptation from a thread on Quantnet forums (Why is C++ good for quantiative finance? Top 3 reasons - Quantnet forums).

The question of why C++ is good for quantitative finance nearly the same as "Why is C++ good?"

1. C++ is highly flexible an interoparable with everything on the planet.
2. Mature: supports multi-paradigm development.
3. It is an ISO standard (this means it will be around forever).
4. C++ provides encapsulation which makes program more stable and readable.
5. C++ promotes code reusability and is a good language for very big and complex projects which is needed to be worked by a team.
6. If you know C++, others will assume you are knowledgeable....

[edit] Learning and Using C++

There is no fast and easy way to learn to program, C++ included. Good C++ books can be found in this Quantnet thread. However, the best method of learning is to experiment by adapting examples and building projects. (reference for projects source thread is needed here).

There are a few open source quantitative finance libraries in C++. Some of them are:

• Quantlib

However, these open source libraries are not frequently used in financial companies in favor of proprietary solutions.

[edit] References

The following threads discuss the utility and relative value of those languages (formatting needed; can stage new content here)

• Career: http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3049
• Why is C++ good for quantiative finance? Top 3 reasons - Quantnet forums
• Religious wars: http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2493
• Relgious wars: http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2209
• Quantlib: http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2505
• Free VS: https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/Default.aspx
• Boost + Quantlib: http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2221
• vs. Java & references: http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1706