Best Compiler for Master of Science in Finance?

I am planning on taking the Masters of Science Program in Mathematical Finance at the University of British Columbia. They recommend that all applicants learn C/C++ prior to enrolling. I have a little programmin experience so I plan to teach myself through books and online tutorials, but I don't know which compiler would be best for what I need. I'll be programming for research purposes, and to analyse/compute complex mathematical formulae related to finance. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Glubin

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Originally posted by glubin
I am planning on taking the Masters of Science Program in Mathematical Finance at the University of British Columbia. They recommend that all applicants learn C/C++ prior to enrolling. I have a little programmin experience so I plan to teach myself through books and online tutorials, but I don't know which compiler would be best for what I need. I'll be programming for research purposes, and to analyse/compute complex mathematical formulae related to finance. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Glubin

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I don't think there is a "best computer" for what you need!
Any compiler can do the job.

You might ask about the best compiler to creat win32 applications, or a compiler for linux, but for what you need any compiler can do the job.
dev-C++ is a good free compiler...

Don't worry about your compiler for now, just get a free one (Dev-C++ as suggested at bloodshed.net or look at cuj's list of compilers ) and then start learning the language. Learning C++ is a lot more important the discussing the finer points of different compilers. I would recommend getting a compiler that supports the current standard though.

-Futura

You have to know programming to get a Finance degree???

I agree with Codulation. At this point it doesn't matter. Once you get into a class that requires it, you may find that most of the students are using a particular compiler, or the professor may recommend a particular compiler. There may be compilers that are better optimized for math... I'm sure there are people here with opinions on that... Some of the posters here have strong math backgrounds!

Microsoft's compiler is the most popular compiler in the "real world".

Your field of study is going to use lots of complicated special-purpose math. I'll bet that 90% of what you do will be with pre-existing applications. You'll be using your financial calculator and a spreadsheet every day... Maybe some other special math and/or financial software less frequently. You shouldn't have to do that much programming! If you were working in finance and you needed a special program, you'd hire a programmer to do the "dirty work" for you, unless you really love to program, and you have the time.

BTW - If you want to learn C++ on your own, I recommend the book "Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days" by Jesse Liberty.

I use Borland, although I just chose it because it was free.
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