What Coding Language Should I learn?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jow
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Coding Language
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of which programming language is most beneficial for aspiring physicists to learn. Participants explore various languages, their applications in physics, and the role of programming in scientific research and data analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about which programming language to learn, seeking advice on the most useful languages for physicists.
  • Another participant suggests that languages like C#, FORTRAN, Python, C++, Matlab, and Java are good choices for learning.
  • Some participants argue that the choice of language should depend on accessibility and personal interest, recommending to follow courses offered by their college or preferences of professors.
  • Several participants discuss the importance of programming in physics, noting that it is essential for numerical techniques, data analysis, and simulations.
  • One participant emphasizes that many physicists need to write their own simulation code or modify existing code to suit their specific research needs.
  • Another participant mentions that programming skills are increasingly necessary in physics, as many data analysis tasks involve programming components.
  • Some participants highlight that not all areas of physics require programming, suggesting that the need for coding may depend on the specific research environment or focus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that programming is important in physics, but there is no consensus on which specific language is the best to learn. Multiple competing views exist regarding the necessity and application of programming in different areas of physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the relevance of programming may vary based on individual research paths and the specific demands of their physics environment. There are also mentions of the need for numerical techniques and data analysis pipelines, but the discussion does not resolve how these relate to specific programming languages.

Jow
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
Unlike some of my friends my knowledge of computing is very limited. I want to become a physicist, but I think it would be beneficial for me to learn how to code. However, after some research I am not sure what coding language to learn. What is the most useful / practical code that physicists use?

(I don't know if this will make a difference in what type of code I should learn but the computer I use is a mac.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
thank you
 
C#, FORTRAN, Python, C++, Matlab, Java seem like good choices
 
Whatever you have easy access to... whatever seems like most fun... if your college is running a Java course, do that. If your favourite prof wants you to hack away at his Basic code, learn that...
 
I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am wondering how does knowing how to program help you in physics apart from knowing how to use pre-made simulation programs? What can I do with my C++ CodeBlocks in physics?
 
Gytax said:
I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am wondering how does knowing how to program help you in physics apart from knowing how to use pre-made simulation programs? What can I do with my C++ CodeBlocks in physics?

There are a lot of problems that require numerical techniques to solve. Programming such problems can give insights to how the system behaves; "how does the result change if I change this variable?" You probably won't be able to find code that helps you with a current one, so you may need to make your own. Also, you may need to modify existing code.
 
Gytax said:
I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am wondering how does knowing how to program help you in physics apart from knowing how to use pre-made simulation programs? What can I do with my C++ CodeBlocks in physics?

Anybody who has data from any experiment, ever, has to write a data analysis pipeline to turn that raw data into "scientific results"

EDIT: And most theorists who do simulations write their own simulation code to model the physical system of interest to them. They don't just use other people's code. Or if they do (because it is a generic code for radiative transfer or fluid dynamics or something), they have to modify it to suit their specific application.

I don't know what to do with your question, because almost everyone in the physical sciences needs to be competent at programming for the core aspects of their work.
 
just get a physics leaning computer simulation book and work out the examples.
This one has a bunch of problems and examples.

An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods: Applications to Physical Systems
 
  • #10
Gytax said:
I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am wondering how does knowing how to program help you in physics apart from knowing how to use pre-made simulation programs? What can I do with my C++ CodeBlocks in physics?

Simulation programs may not simulate every situation, and if they do they might be too slow. I think the OP should let his particular physics environment drive his career. It maybe he can do experimental physics or theory that doesn't need any programming at all. If you do research under a professor who doesn't require any coding, then you don't need to do any coding (hey tautologies can be useful!) If the research post you get actually appears to need some coding then you can learn on the job.

Then again if you fancy doing some coding, why not... but only if you fancy it... it might be more relaxing to do modern dance between physics classes...
 
  • #11
These days its hard to do anything in physics without doing some programming/scripting. Many programs that take or analyze data have some programming/scripting component.
 
  • #12
Mmm_Pasta said:
There are a lot of problems that require numerical techniques to solve. Programming such problems can give insights to how the system behaves; "how does the result change if I change this variable?" You probably won't be able to find code that helps you with a current one, so you may need to make your own. Also, you may need to modify existing code.

That's just sensitivity analysis. That's not specific to programming.
 

Similar threads

Which MSc to do after BSc physics if you love to code?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Coding Bootcamps - Can Anyone be a Six-Figure Coder?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Courses What language should I learn for Physics/Astronomy jobs?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Studying [Academic Advise Needed] Math and coding in Astrophysics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Learn French or German language for physicist?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Programs I want to enroll in a beginning programming course
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Self Learning Math/Physics
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
4K
What should I do about my academic supervisor?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Machine learning / AI - Where do I start?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What to learn to make Physics M.Sc more employable
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K