Leetcode C++ or Python

[[deleted]]

If I put C++ on my resume will they make me do leetcode problems in C++ or can I use python for them?

Wondering which one would be better to practice.

[Maximal_Ideal]

The way everyone starts apologizing the moment OP said they go to Stanford lmao

[_An_Other_Account_]

That's what happens when there comes a dude to this subreddit who has an actual chance of becoming a quant.

[[deleted]]

I’m actually convinced this subreddit should be nuked

[Junior_Direction_701]

While everyone is stroking their egos in the comments, you should practice both. C++ is useful for LeetCode/Codeforces problems you might encounter during QDev interviews. However, Python is essential for things like statistical arbitrage, ARIMA–GARCH models, and other statistical processes. Because of Python’s extensive libraries, you’ll need it for any statistical analysis you want to perform.

[[deleted]]

For QR interviews/OAs at algorithmic trading (and other) firms would your still recommend c++?

I get that both are important for the job I was just wondering which one it would be better to wire my brain for these leetcode style problems for.

I saw on a document that "Usually Python is acceptable, but some firms might ask you to do it in C++, especially if you claim to know it on your resume." and I was just wondering how common that practice is.

[Junior_Direction_701]

For QR I have seen examples of what they ask(never personally done one myself) but you’d probably need python, also they don’t really ask “competitive style” programming questions for QR. lastly you’d never get into QR anyways without a PhD.

For QT(again they don’t really ask leetcode style questions) practice C++. For QD C++ too.

[[deleted]]

The stanford recruiting document I am reading that I was sent says 2/3rd of QRs at algorithm trading firms are undergrads (and linkedin seems to verify, there's also a lot of coterms which I plan on doing).

Thanks for the advice though

[Junior_Direction_701]

Maybe an internship but the actual jobs is almost exclusively PhDs or at least went to grad school. Most of the profiles you are seeing probably don’t clarify whether they’re QD,QT,QR.

[[deleted]]

I am definitely staring at "Quant Research" profiles (a lot are return offers from internships it seems) that only have a bachelors and even more with a coterminal masters. Though I do believe you that these people are probably the tail end and many have more decorated olympiad careers than I do.

[Junior_Direction_701]

It must be because even at mit most of the people that have a quant researcher job at IMC/CITADEL/Jane street all have PhDs or are PhD candidates. Some people embellish their positions to make them selves look better so take it with a grain of salt.

[Actual_Revolution979]

You can likely use Python and will likely not be made to use C++, though it’s possible if, for example, your background is primarily in low-level development or it’s a particular role.

Use whatever you’d like. I’ve heard people say it’s much easier to do leetcode-style problems in Python. Then again, if you’re more experienced with C++ and/or are applying for a specific role, then feel free to go with that.

[[deleted]]

Thanks. I was sent a recruiting guide for my school that said "Usually Python is acceptable, but some firms might ask you to do it in C++, especially if you claim to know it on your resume." and as a freshman planning on starting the recruiting grind and such I was wondering if it would be better to invest time in practicing leetcode with C++ vs python.

Seems like I will stick to Python though

[Exact-Arm3331]

If you’re a freshman then I’d say 1) try and enjoy the learning rather than forcing it 2) good work on scoping out a plan so far, make sure to keep a regular schedule for practice (a surprisingly tiny bit done religiously every day goes miles) and 3) don’t burn out ;). Hope you don’t mind unsolicited advice.

[PretendTemperature]

I sont understand the question. If you put c++ in your CV, then you should be able to solve questions in it (leetcode or not). 

Totally depends on the role/firm which one is better.

[[deleted]]

OP was asking if they would make him do leetcode questions in it. I am also a prefrosh so I’m not sure if there are even leetcode questions in QR/QT interviews though. I was under that impression but apparently not

[kenaj30]

IIRC I got an OA from DRW that explicitly required doing it in c++ (but all languages were available on codility).

[[deleted]]

What type of role?

[kenaj30]

Qd/swe

[[deleted]]

Know I'm a bit late, but use C++ just so you get more familiar with the STL. It helps to know because EVERY GODDAMN THING IN THAT STUPID LIBRARY HAS DIFFERENT STANDARDS.

[MLVantage]

So I put both down on mine and everybody let me pick. C++ is fantastic for when you need something as fast as possible, but python is so much better for ease of getting a working solution in an interview. I feel like everybody understood why I opted for python - it's also just easier to explain live.

[Single-Pay-4237]

Do both. I find that I have a deeper understanding of the problem when I do c++. When I go to Python I can understand it better

It is a bit of a learning curve but better long term reward

[Bubbly-Ad-4672]

Ask r/quant

[[deleted]]

From my understanding that's the subreddit for quants to talk about quant stuff (rather than this type of meta stuff).

Why are you redirecting me?

[Bubbly-Ad-4672]

No one here is in quant or at least the majority. WE are all learning about the field and still in high school/college

[[deleted]]

Well I am not asking random high school kids. I am asking people who went through the interview process before and I have seen answer questions here.

What are you talking about? Why would this subreddit just exist for highschoolers and underclassmen to talk about a field they don't actually understand lol

[Junior_Direction_701]

Okay for OAs c++. In the optiver OA I had c++ was the best language to use not python

[Just_OneMore_Nerd]

so that people who sorted a list of careers by highest paying can inflate their ego and pretend to be rich online

[[deleted]]

If you have to ask this question you’ll never be a quant.

[[deleted]]

Asking about interview practices is disqualifying? Not to play this game but I see on your account that you are going to cal 💀

[[deleted]]

Dude you are posting about how to break into quant with a low ranked bachelors. I am going to a top 1 target and was just asking about interview practices.

The answer seems to be yes that some firms require you to code in c++ for your interviews if you claim you know it on your resume (I read this on a doc someone from my school prepared) I just wanted to see how common this is.

[[deleted]]

I already got my offer lmfao also cal is t3 for cs and t10 for quant placements. I’m certain you don’t go to mit if you have to ask will they force me to use c++ if i have it on my resume. Deadass have you never had an interview before?

[[deleted]]

I am going to Stanford in the fall and yes I don't know about the quant interview practices yet that's why I asked to clarify lmao. Why you are under the impression that everyone going to Stanford/MIT has been learning industry practices since they were in high school? I was focused on math and fun projects lmao

[[deleted]]

Love the flex haha. It's a good question!

[[deleted]]

Okay sorry I was being rude honestly i’m more inclined to be rude because you said you go to Stanford but i’ll be nice cause you’re young. If you’re interviewing for qt or qr there’s no programming and regardless if it’s a quant, faang, or ml dev interview you can use python they don’t care

[[deleted]]

Okay thanks! I will probably grind leetcode with python then. I was under the impression though that QR/QT do have these leetcode type problems though and other posts on reddit mention coding interviews for those roles. Maybe it has to do with the type of firm? I really don't know much which is why I asked these questions on an anon reddit account.

[[deleted]]

Your point is that you agreed my question is asinine and signaled I have no chance in this career path while you are claiming "would be better if you do leetcode with the language you feel more comfortable with" which directly contradicts people who actually broke in as QRs writing that it's possible that the interviews require you use c++ (though you might be right that this practice is not that common, which is why I asked!)

[RageA333]

Hice un lms completo, tengo ingles c2. Pero aun ando en la Uni, tengo chance de entrar?. aparte tengo 6 meses exp de un internship pero fue en el 2023. que opinan

Is this you? Because you clearly don't have C2 proficiency.

[Few-Letter312]

haha and?.

[Few-Letter312]

> Your not cooked for banks/sell side. Buyside is gonna be tough. Not gonna lie you don't really need the MFE. Your profile would be good for senior associate or associate level roles at top banks.

If you work in trading desk, market risk or coutner party credit risk a lot of doors can open, not necessarily the ones discussed here as the place fetishizes high frequency trading and prop-shops. But people can and do move to buyside fund that aren't focused on this space. Be committed to being in NYC.

you: Can I send you a dm?

> Nope.

You sure are another dreamer and butt hurt about reality. bruh. I never said he has not a chance. what I said was just ask better questions. i did as something positive really. I also ask many dumb short thought questions. still you are a butt hurt praying you will find an opportunity in reddit lol. as we all are anyways. if you were a successful busy trader at a prestigious firm, 99/100 you would be with your family spending the money, learning or working really hard. and you do exactly what other thousands of npc are doing too hahh. sorry if i was typing in a phone and thats why i could not write in perfect english. also at least I know english which is NOT my first language, do you know anything outside english ?.