When it comes to breaking into the world of finance, having the right skills can make all the difference. And when it comes to programming languages, there are a few that stand out as essential for success. In this article, we'll explore three programming languages that can help you land a job in finance: SQL, Python, and Java.

But before we dive into the details, let's ask: what makes these languages so special? Are they truly the best choice for a career in finance? We'll take a closer look at each language and examine their strengths and weaknesses. We'll also explore the future of finance and what it may hold for programmers.

So, what are these magic languages that will help you land a job in finance? Let's start with SQL.

SQL is the most in-demand programming language in financial services this year, with 24.4% of job ads mentioning it. According to new analysis, this number is down slightly from 2023's 24.32%, but still significantly higher than its proliferation in total technology jobs, where it hovers around 18%. So, what makes SQL so special?

SQL is a language to query databases, making it ideal for large datasets. Hundreds of people can work simultaneously on it without corrupting it, and if something does happen, SQL can get up and running quickly with minimal downtime. But SQL is also considered one of the easiest languages to automate with AI. While things still remain uncertain on the level of automation that will be possible, those instructing AI technology with SQL knowledge will still yield better results than those without.

Next up is Python. Python was listed in 18% of finance job listings, and when it comes to jobs requiring a scripting programming language, Python is the preferred choice, featuring in 60% of these listings. Its adaptability, simplicity of usage, and extensive ecosystem of libraries and frameworks have contributed to its meteoric rise in recent years. Stripe, Robinhood, and Zopa all use it.

Python is a great financial analysis tool, and is used by researchers, traders, and analysts alike. It's also connected to finance through its use in big data, cloud computing, and blockchain. All things considered, it's not really surprising that large organizations like Citi and Goldman Sachs already provide in-house training in the language.

Finally, there's Java. Java was mentioned in 14% of all finance job analyzed, compared to C++'s 2%. While C++ is still a popular language, Java is more commonplace and easier to learn. It's also one of the primary programming languages used by numerous banks and financial institutions, who can operate open banking solutions with security, thanks to the language.

Java is a mature language with a large standard library and well-documented open-source libraries. This kind of maturity is important when dealing with payments and investments. Making mistakes on a financial application can be very costly for a company, and Java is well-maintained and has been scrutinized for over three decades now. This stability makes it an ideal backend system for many banking and financial institutions.

Learning the Right Programming Languages to Land a Job in Finance

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