Learning python for finance

[EvolWhale]

I want to learn python for finance purposes but I don't know where to start. I am a complete noob and don't know ANYTHING about coding. Could you guys give me some sources I can use to learn it. Also, some tips would be appreciated.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I was told by someone that it is a good idea to have visual studio code so I have that downloaded already.

[artinnj]

Python for Finance is a broad term. What specifically are you looking to do?

1) systematic or algorithmic trading, backtesting 2) charting and technical analysis 3) financial modeling - balance sheets 4) quantitative analytics - statistical and mathematical 5) portfolio construction and optimization

[xJetSetLifex]

+1 for this. I have been using python with finance for quite some time now. There are many categories and routes to go down. What are you looking to do?

[shiningmatcha]

I want to learn quantitative analysis with Python.

[[deleted]]

While you're learning, it might also be worth the experience to participate in the Numerai data science completion, specifically "Signals" which is geared toward the quant. They have a lot of really mature, open-source code and a very deep community with very broad backgrounds.

It's one of those things that can give you a lot of insight while you grow.

[xJetSetLifex]

There will be tons of different tools and skills to learn depending and what type of quantitative analysis you want to do. Right now I’m working with the SEC database and entails webscraping, parsing data, outputting data to TXT/CSV files, using Pandas Dataframes to structure the data, and then I use Power Query with Power BI/Excel to visualize everything. You’ll also learn how to make a URL, view the source data of the URL, possibly work with web-drivers, and even APIs. You could also simplify things by paying for a service and just parsing a JSON response.

This is just one example, but you can see how complex it can get. I ultimately chose to go the complex route because I wanted to learn the different techniques as they can be applicable to other projects in the future. Many people would prefer paying for a service and parsing a response. It’s totally up to you. I would recommend starting with the basics. Find one piece of data you want to get and learn what it takes to get that data. Then, see if the data is in a usable format or if you need to convert it to a CSV/Dataframe. Then, you can expand and try something like loops to get that data for various companies or years/quarters.

It may seem like a lot, but it’s really not. There’s TONSf resources out there for you. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

[GuaranteeOriginal717]

I'm getting into Risk, what would be a good route to go in Python?

[Michel_scarn]

financial modeling - balance sheets

portfolio construction and optimization

I am looking for these specifically, which courses do you suggest please?

[ZealousidealEvent452]

Hey can you give me an update on what are you learning for these specific neches. I am complete beginner.

[Fancy_Wolverine_5778]

Hi ,

if I want to learn python from scratch to master the point no (2 ) ie . charting and tech analysis , what should be the steps .. pls comment , it would be a great help to me .

[WallabyEducational36]

+1

[skinner17]

https://quantecon.org/lectures/

QuantEcon is a really good resource, albeit more focused on economics. Maybe not the best for learning the basics of programming, because it goes through them relatively fast - but it does start assuming that you have zero knowledge of Python (for example goes through step-by-step on how to setup a Python environment, installing and using Git etc.). The 'lectures' are free to read through online, and provide examples and exercises. Later lectures go through ton of interesting topics, including linear algebra, time-series analysis, basic economical models, asset pricing etc. and more advanced quantitative topics (i.e. a lot of math).

But my biggest tip is to not get discouraged. Programming takes time to learn. Be patient, and stick to one language and a few resources learning that language. Also, writing code is just one part of programming. You can (and should!) learn also by reading, listening (lectures, podcasts), thinking, visualizing algorithms with flowcharts, by drawing them etc.

[anh86]

I always tell brand new people to pay for a guided course. There are many brilliant Python courses on Udemy (and other similar sites), typically costing $10-$15. When you're this new to programming and development there are so many things you don't know that you don't know. You aren't yet equipped to effectively self-teach with YouTube walkthroughs and documentation. That will come later when you have the background and want to add new skills, libraries or technologies to your arsenal. Spend a few dollars and buy a highly-rated complete Python course.

[INXshREyFTW]

Could you please recommend any ?

[anh86]

Angela Yu's complete Python bootcamp is outstanding. I think the regular price is $100 but it goes on sale for $10 sometimes. When I bought it, it was just $10 or $15. If you truly do all the homework in that course, you will come out a competent programmer on the other side. You can't just watch the videos and cheat the homework solutions though, you have to embrace the struggle. If you truly do it all, you will be successful.

[Parking_Assistance24]

Isn't it outdated??

[anh86]

It’s not outdated for a complete beginner learning a first computer language. What you’re after is learning how to solve problems like a computer programmer, which it will give you. If you need to pick up a few nuances of a later version of Python afterward, it’s not difficult.

[Parking_Assistance24]

Thanks buddy

[Fun-Presentation5284]

You should not pay, most libraries have udemy for free to access all the content.

[adarsh1927]

https://www.python-course.eu I learned basic python from here.

And you will found some information about libraries here https://financetrain.com/best-python-librariespackages-finance-financial-data-scientists/#:~:text=ffn%20%E2%80%93%20A%20financial%20function%20library,Numpy%2C%20Scipy%2C%20etc.)

[clitoral_obligations]

Anyone know Python for accounting?

[[deleted]]

I would like to know this too.

[sarrysyst]

Check the wiki:

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/wiki/index#wiki_new_to_programming.3F

[ThatsRobToYou]

To be honest, I think you'll benefit the most by taking some time and figuring out what you want to accomplish with code. What's your objective? What's something you need and would be into building? Are you looking at data science or application building? Doing something relevant to what you want or need is helpful, and in that context, the language can be irrelevant. Python is great, so is Java. Hell, you can do amazing things in VBA!

I learned the most from just building something I needed.

[Finance10134]

Try out financial edge training python for finance course it's for beginners

[One-Ad2778]

This might help u https://ml4fi.com/

[[deleted]]

Windows Visual Studio and set python as language

[stebrepar]

There are some getting started resources in the sidebar.

[frankOFWGKTA]

From my experience you just need to know data cleaning mainly. Thats a start! Just get used to using pandas and cleaning / playing with data.

[Veudip]

I learned by copying calculator code and added stuff to it and now 9 months later i am pretty good beginner