C++ Online Programming Course Testimonials

[faye.w]

I have taken courses in R during undergrad and some Coursera courses in Python after work last year, so I initially thought I would be able to handle this course with ease for MFE prereq. However, I would now definitely re-consider myself to be "pretty new to programming" after taking this course. Don't take me wrong, it is a compliment. Unlike other more user-friendly languages, C++ indeed has a steeper learning curve but this course handles it well. The course overall is really comprehensive and builds up nicely. Each level starts from the basic, but never ends with just some simple exercises; students, especially for those like me who did not have a systematic CS training background, do have to put in a lot of effort (e.g. average 20+ hours per level, 60+ for L9 for me). Luckily, we have a great forum that we could check and ask questions, and more importantly, we have very dedicated TAs (esp. @APalley ) who always patiently answer our "stupid" questions almost in real time. Needless to say, it is a real pain juggling between work, CFA, and this course, but I indeed feel like gaining a lot of concrete knowledge and more confidence in programming. Maybe I will never be a pure programmer as I could still see myself having a huge distance to catch up with more proficient students, but this experience is really beneficial and worths a lot more than a few Cousera courses combined.

(Disclaimer: For your own good, please do NOT take this course if you are not required or really into C++; you can have a life out there, but you have to go to the moon here, LOL @Daniel Duffy )

 

[Daniel Duffy]

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one

 

[Daniel Duffy]

"I have taken courses in R during undergrad and some Coursera courses in Python after work last year, so I initially thought I would be able to handle this course with ease for MFE prereq"

To draw an analogy: R is like going to the supermarket and purchase a pre-packaged meal. You bring it home and warm it up in the microwave. C++ is not like that.

R, Python and Java are not sufficient for C++; better to learn some C essentials first.
In the same vein judo is not enough for karate.

 

[longgamma]

I hope this review helps someone on the edge and how it helped me in my work.

Background: Equity derivatives sales/trading with some knowledge of Excel VBA to automate repetitive work. Did the program after 10 years from undergrad and had some basic idea from programming Matlab.

This course is basically a CS101 course along with a TA to review assignments and clear your doubts. It is well structured and paced to give you a start on C++ and object oriented programming. Post this course, I am not a C++ engineer, but am much more comfortable with programming VBA and understand Python much better. Especially, the part on OOP, is so important as you learn to make your code modular and can apply it in any use case.

There is a lot to learn after this program, no doubt about that, but it gives you the confidence to learn on your own and not get bogged down.

This is a solid start and miles better than other MOOCs available as you get access to a TA to clear up your doubts. The reading materials are self contained and I didnt need anything from outside to complete the certificate. Good luck!

 

[Daniel Duffy]

" Especially, the part on OOP, is so important as you learn to make your code modular and can apply it in any use case."

It's good to see that OO design and OOP is appreciated. Writing flexible and maintainable software is so important in real life.

 

[longgamma]

" Especially, the part on OOP, is so important as you learn to make your code modular and can apply it in any use case."

It's good to see that OO design and OOP is appreciated. Writing flexible and maintainable software is so important in real life.

Yes! OOP is an amazing software design concept. I mean, I do see a change in even simple Excel VBA macros I write. Earlier, my code used to be monolithic and used a lot of loops. Now, its a lot cleaner, VBA doesnt have real OOP but does have basic classes and inheritance and I am making use of it!

Additionally, completing this course has really helped me learn Python much faster.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Yeah, you will learn Python before lunchtime :D

 

[nelsonyhy]

I took this course and the Advanced course in order to meet the prerequisite of MFE program. I am not a CS major and prior to this course, I only had taken one CS course in school so my background in C++ programming was weak. However, this course really helped me to walk through the essence of OOP in C++ and its intersection with Financial Engineering. Recently, I relied on this course to pass a round of quant interview in a French bank which I would not have done so months ago. I cannot thank enough to the feedback that Avi has provided throughout the course.

 

[Zhichun ZHAO]

Very high quality content. As for me I was totally a beginner of C++, but this course just guided me step by step to code and solve financial problem. TA has great patience and they are ready to help you anytime. In the end I'm really satisfied with what I have learned!

 

[geoffreyzhao]

Nice course. Awesome TA! The assignments were designed to push us to move away from comfort zone. I would love to learn more for FDM. Overall, this is a very good course!

 

[LOU XIAO]

Really love prof. Danial. And APalley is a really nice TA, who responded to my posts and messages quickly. I feel I have become more sophisticated than my classmates who don't register this course. In all, really recommend this course.

 

[EmilyXu]

This course is well-structured, well-taught and perfect for a new starter of C++. Previously, I had some programming in other languages like Python and Matlab, but C++ is very different. By taking this course, I have a more profound understanding of various concepts in C++ programming. I enjoyed the process of resolving problems in practice and finally put the knowledge into application in finance.

 

[YShen]

I enjoy this course. It is amazing that it can cover the core topics of C++ programming with just 9 lectures. The homework exercises are well designed and each of them installs a key concept. The quizzes are challenging, which motivate me to dig deeper to truly understand the language. I really appreciate the teaching approach taken by my TA, which does not involve a lot of hand-holding. Instead of giving out the answers right away, he motivates me to think and search independently. I benefit a lot from this approach. Overall it is a great learning experience.

Many thanks to @APalley and @GONG CHEN for answering my questions and providing feedback.

 

[Daniel Duffy]

Thank you.
The fact that we can do everything is 9 lectures is partly the result of continuous improvement since 1990 (thousands of course attendees, from industry and financial institutions as well).

 

[Bruce koushi]

The course is great! The course content not only covers the most basic and important features in C++ but also provide some insights about its application in computational finance, which is very helpful for me, who has little major background knowledge. Ta is also very helpful, ready to solve my problems as soon as possible. It is a very good online-learning experience!

 

[Yhc]

Hi,

I finished this course on 11/18/18, it's been one year.

Here are some of my thoughts.

Before taking this course, I had completely no knowledge of programming, but today I am able to use programming as a tool to help me address real-life problems. By taking this course, I developed very rigorous programming skills and learned to think the way how programmers think. After finishing this course, I've also tried a Python programming course in my school but it turned out to be no better than this online course. Programming is really about those limited contents, the way to assess how good a course is is how those contents are arranged, and this course did a better job.

Also, I want to thank this course for helping me find a field that I enjoy. Before taking this course I was not that determined to have a quant career in the future, but I am now.

 

[zhexuanlai]

I have just completed the course and looking forward to receiving my certificate! Many thanks to my TA, instructor, and others who helped me throughout the course!

 

[Zeyu LI]

Hi, all!

This course guided me from learning the C++ language itself to applying it to the real-world problems. The well-designed course videos&notes provided by Prof. Duffy helped me build up a clear understanding of course content. The exercises in each level were always quite challenging. Whenever I had any questions, my TAs APalley and GONG CHEN were always there and provided feedbacks quickly and to the point. I really appreciate for their help. Also, I spent quite a long time on the forum to learn from other students, and I found this learning method is quite efficient too.

For those who want to register for this course or those who are learning right now, I think as long as you spend enough time on this course, take every exercises seriously, try to get understand of every knowledge points and improve your programs based on TAs' comments, you will definitely gain a lot from this course and get knowledge more than you could imagine.

It’s been a great learning experience and I really enjoyed the time I spent in this friendly and supportive community.

 

[jpjananraja]

The course was a fabulous entry to C++ programming. Each level of the 9 Level course was brilliantly packed with instructive videos on each programming topic. But the meat of the course were the End of Level Homeworks. These Homeworks drill down the concept learned earlier through the levels through programming mini-projects. I found the homeworks the best way to completely understand the topics learned. The TAs and the forum have been the best resources throughout the duration of the course. Completed the course with Distinction and raring to start the Advanced Course.
Completed 01/21/2020

 

[Litato]

The course is very useful for me, particular the one without any foundation of programming . Every level was designed with clear purpose and i believe everyone could learn Something from the course. Besides, TA responds to my question very quickly, which is of much importance.
At last, I am wandering if there is any recommended course for MATLAB.

Sincerely appreciate the help from Prof. Duffy, my TA and those friends in the forum. :D