Karakoram, I took the liberty to reply to your pm in public ... I hope you don't mindKarakoram wrote:I am currently trying to decide if I should learn C++ (and later, visual C++.net, or C#.net) vs. VB.net
you mentioned that you found some Dev tools limiting in VB.net vs. C++
viewtopic.php?t=116
WOuld you mind elaborating on what you found/your thought process.
I learned Fortran back in the early 90's as an engineer, and haven't done a lot of "real" programming since then (just Sneazy Language), so learning a new language is a big committment for me. I intend to write my trading strategies, from scratch, and/or use some of the currently available tools such as Libraries for C++. I intend to backtest large portofolios, with buy/sell, pyramiding in and out, posiition sizing, etc. Then, once testing is completed generate orders for real time trading.
I am really on the fence about if I should learn C++ or VB.Net
Here are the few VB "hick-up" I ran into:
- Code Size limitations
- DLL Support was difficult at the time I used it VB6
- No real CLASS support and difficulties to integrate C++ libraries
- Speed
Even though I love VB as a RAD tool, I did not like to workaround the challenges I faced. If you "speak" one language than it is not difficult to express your ideas (this is the bigger issue) in any language ... besides learning the grammar and vocabularies (this is the smaller issue).
Microsoft is pushing C# as the "best" of both worlds: VB "features" and C++ strength. You can learn and apply VB very quickly ... but might run into "more" work later. C++ on the other hand, has a longer "ramp up" period, but makes your life easier in the long run. … HOWEVER, at the end of the day the grass is not greener on the other side. It all depends on your preferences … usually you exchange the pros & cons with just another set.
I decided for C++ as it leaves me more choices down the road, I can port my system much easier to other systems / OSes and have a bigger supply for add-ons (libraries / classes) readily available. In return, I got new challenges (memory management issues / debugging etc.)
Did it help?
Robert