C++ – How to Learn C++ with Prior Web Programming Knowledge

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I am actually considering learning C++. I want to become a quantitative financial analyst, and going to pursue my CFQ soon. Java is not heavily used in this field, but C++ is for its complexity. For someone who already has knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript (intermediate), and PHP (intermediate), how hard would the switch be to pick up C++ over the course of a year? How long would it take to get certified in C++? And how hard is it to learn? I have built CMS websites, and some decent applications for the web.

I took a college course of beginning programming in Java as well.

Basically switching positions as a web designer to a C++ programmer and use Matlab.

I have heard the language is very complex, but easier to program than languages like Java.

Best Answer

I disagree with all the other answers1, it's not going to be as easy as they tell you. There's quite a lot more to the shift, it's a:

  • Domain shift: Web development to quantitative financial analysis. Extremely different mindsets, approaches, etc.

  • Philosophy shift: From the easy going attitude of PHP to something that could only have come out of the darkest corners of Stroustrup's mind. A particularly disturbed individual, judging from his hellspawn2.

  • Talent shift: I've been working with PHP since version 3.0, and still loving it, and I can tell from experience that PHP does not require talent, you can be successful without it3. It's always nice when you have it, but it's not a requirement. C++ on the other hand requires talent. Real actual hardcore talent.

One good thing, though. I want to become a quantitative financial analyst is a very specific goal. From that sentence I'm deducing that:

  1. You've done your research - you know the proper lingo,
  2. You actually want this - you've done your research,
  3. You are probably in contact with people in the sector - no one really wants to be something that ugly, if they haven't had a peek inside.

I'm no Sherlock of course, but I see some hope. Technically it's possible, if you are extremely talented, extremely dedicated, somewhat lucky and go for an entry level job at the field. And if you are all those things, best ignore anyone pissing on your parade, and just go for it. Or you might regret it for a lifetime.

1 Not really, great advice, upvoted each and every one of them
2 To be fair, that was long time ago. It took an asylum of people to get to where we are today.
3 I've met more than a few people that consider themselves web developers (and who am I to say they aren't?), when what they actually do is scrap together a ready made blog platform with a ready made theme. Some of them are extremely successful, and by that I mean mostly financially. It takes a lot of other talents to get there, of course, I'm only referring to programming talents.

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