C++ Over Python?
The most effective tech stacks utilise the strengths of each programming language for the given objective. In finance, the systems built are very critical with direct impact on profits.
Python is very effective for expressing ideas into quick prototypes, however as it is dynamically-typed (can only check if the code works when you run it), it lacks to robustness that you would want in programming a trading system that trades billions of dollars daily.
Contrastingly, C++ has a static compiler which allows you to correct errors as you go. Alongside frequently updated standards and functions, this makes C++ a language which can allow it’s user much great control as reward for the additional effort required.
For perspective on the complexity of this language, the creator Bjarne Stroustop rated his C++ ability around 7/10. This sheds light on the difficulty of the language and maybe explains the reason that fewer university programmes are focusing on C++.
Rather than this having the effect of phasing out the language, it is rather making the talent pool more concentrated. At the same time, the mission-critical advantages of using C++ in finance have not disappeared, so the biggest firms in the industry are fighting to compete for the best C++ talent (both with and without finance experience).
The firms we work with are big on concurrent multithreaded systems, kernel hacking, template metaprogramming, performance tuning, FPGA technology etc. This creates systems that are optimised in terms of both latency and memory, allowing each firm’s algorithms to compete in the market.
If you are interested in finding out more then it would be great to have a discreet chat about this and how best your specific experience can be leveraged, with compensation that consistently exceeds Big Tech / Banks etc.
Please feel free to reach out or drop a like and I can message with more info:
[email protected]Β /Β Rahnpreet Sandhu