Programs Programming courses useful for physics majors?

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For physics undergraduates, programming skills are essential, with many departments requiring at least one introductory course, typically in C++. While C++ is a common requirement, other languages like Python, C, and Fortran are also highly beneficial for physics applications. Learning programming concepts is emphasized as being more valuable than focusing solely on specific languages. Additionally, gaining experience with GPU programming through OpenCL or CUDA is recommended, as modern graphics cards can significantly enhance computational capabilities. Continuous practice and improvement in programming skills are advised to better inform future language choices.
danielle
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I'm a physics undergrad and was wondering which programming classes are most useful/beneficial; python, linux, c++, java, etc...
 
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What does your departmental program specify as the required computer programming course or courses? Beyond that, I am only guessing that ANY and ALL programming languages or other such courses could be useful for a Physics student.

Your department MUST have a computer programming course requirement for undergraduate degree in Physics! At least one introductory course.
 
symbolipoint said:
What does your departmental program specify as the required computer programming course or courses? Beyond that, I am only guessing that ANY and ALL programming languages or other such courses could be useful for a Physics student.

Your department MUST have a computer programming course requirement for undergraduate degree in Physics! At least one introductory course.
the phys dept only requires me to take c++, but i wanted to see what else would be useful in the long run, even the ones that aren't required. Thanks for the reply anyways!
 
C, C++, Fortran, and Python should be the most useful for you. After you've got some experience with once or more of those, I'd recommend learning how to use OpenCL and possibly CUDA for GPU accelerated computation. Individual graphics cards these days are as powerful as top tier supercomputers from the early 2000s, so it pays to know how to utilize them.
 
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I say this all the time, so why not say it again? I think you will find it much more useful to learn programming than a programming language.
 
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danielle said:
the phys dept only requires me to take c++, but i wanted to see what else would be useful in the long run, even the ones that aren't required. Thanks for the reply anyways!
Vanadium 50 said:
I say this all the time, so why not say it again? I think you will find it much more useful to learn programming than a programming language.
Review, practice, and improve yourself at programming in your C++, and then later, you could decide better which other language to learn.
 

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