Computer Science for Trading?
- Thread starter Doran
- Start date
you say, I'm teaching my computers how to program, and the early results are quite impressiveQuote from kut2k2:
Don't be so sure. There are now machines that can outplay the best human chess players in the world.
Of course every computer still has to be programmed by one or more humans. So it's not really machine versus human, it's (machine plus human) versus human.
the reserve team is teaching them what to do in case of my early demise
Quote from kut2k2:
Don't be so sure. There are now machines that can outplay the best human chess players in the world.
Of course every computer still has to be programmed by one or more humans. So it's not really machine versus human, it's (machine plus human) versus human.
Good point. One of the problems with programming and building good applications is that trader and programmer speak different language and do not quite understand each other. Very often good trader is not capable of conveying the message how to build good trading system or might not realize how his trading system works in detail and cannot properly quantify it. There are very few people who would be good professional trader and professional programmer with enough scientific background to build good software. Unfortunately programming is time consuming and very tedious.
Quote from Doran:
Greetings
A few months back I found a thread here with a new guy asking a few questions on how to become a stock trader. He was essentially asking what university degree he should get to be a trader, and I was very very surprised by the answers read here.
It seemed as if people were saying to not waste your time getting an MBA or Economics or Finance degree, for it's the act of trading that makes you a good trader. Ah, wise and insightful indeed, thanks. But what surprised me the most was with how many people suggested him to get a computer science degree if anything. Over and over again, people suggested programming, and as I browse the forums here, there are quite a few sections entirely dedicated programming.
But why? I'll be honest, it never occurred to me that stock traders were also programmers. What can you do with programming and/or computer science that makes you a better trader?
And if one were to study computer science with the intent of trading, what language to start with first and what type of programs to write?
Pretty much rubbish. I have a bachelors in CS and it doesn't relate to trading in any way.
Quote from kut2k2:
Don't be so sure. There are now machines that can outplay the best human chess players in the world.
Of course every computer still has to be programmed by one or more humans. So it's not really machine versus human, it's (machine plus human) versus human.
Because as complex as chess is, there is a finite number of combinations; there is a finite number of moves and counter-moves, all of which can be programmed and stored so that the computer can plan ahead. The computer wins because they can see and narrow down moves in advance.
That's different than creativity. Computers are incapable of creativity right now. Chess isn't a dynamic game believe it or not. The market is a dynamic game.
I don't think a degree is necessary for trading at all, but if one insisted upon it I'd go with either a psychology or compu sci degree. Which depends entirely on your personality. If you want to take indicators for example and tinker with them to find an edge then programming might be better suited for you. If you are more intuitive and want to understand how things tick in a more discretionary style than you might be better off with a psych. degree.
Between the two I myself would take psych.
I can tell you that I personally believe that my Economics degree did more harm than good in regards to trading.
Between the two I myself would take psych.
I can tell you that I personally believe that my Economics degree did more harm than good in regards to trading.
