Why would you need to know Java and/or Perl in economics?

Question

I am applying for work as a data analyst for a retail firm and they want you to know Java or Perl (both preferably). I have looked at other firms and this seems to be a skill set they want. Any ideas why? I asked one of my professors and he has never heard of having to know it. I am finishing my degree in economics and do have a little bit of time to learn these but is it really useful?

Answer 1

I don't know what your programming/statistical software background is like, but as a research assistant who regularly uses MatLab, SAS, Stata, and EViews to perform statistical analysis, I can tell you knowledge of these programs' underlying language is key to their successful use. Simply put, the standard basis commands these programs are packaged with are inadequate when attempting advanced data analysis. Thus, in order to do some advanced modeling, one needs to write their own programs to do the work.



For example, one can model a simple log-linear cost function using a single command in EViews. However, in order to model a more generalized functional form (such as the miniflex Laurent cost function with a Box-Cox power transformation) one would need to write the actual code to perform the necessary operations to find the desired estimates.

Answer 2

It's funny, today my econometrics professor actually told the class how useful it is to have some rudimentary knowledge of programming for economics. He urged us to learn a programming language--any one is fine--because it'll help us familiarize ourselves with programming syntax, which will eventually give us that sense that would allow us to quickly pick up and understand commands and syntax used in modern statistical analysis software. And he makes a good point; there are a lot of un-user friendly statistical analysis and modeling software out there that requires a somewhat basic grasp of programming to decipher.



As for me, in light of this piece of advice from my professor, I think I will try to pick up a programming language myself. As someone who has never had any experience in programming before, I think I will try to pick up the quintessential java. Good luck with your work!

Answer 3

there is not any absolute, typical 'least perplexing' language. some are basic for some human beings to income yet no longer particularly basic for others, and vice versa. Python is between the least perplexing to income and especially recommended for novices. elementary is likewise particularly basic to income, yet some human beings have confidence elementary teaches programmers undesirable conduct and could subsequently be prevented; i'm not sure on that myself. Pascal is relating to the comparable as elementary, a minimum of in accordance with what I undergo in techniques from my short fling with it. C is a little greater no longer basic (yet great and effectual), and C++ is a little greater no longer basic than that (OOP could be grotesque to income for a beginner). some flavor of assembly would be seen 'maximum perplexing,' in spite of the shown fact that this is particularly basically time-ingesting to code in. you in addition to would must be very careful approximately using your archives in its perfect context, or you will get wildly unpredictable consequences (some are basically incorrect whilst others can corrupt different archives or maybe crash your device). i actual desire assembly simply by fact it eliminates each and every of the abstraction different languages introduce. i can deal with thinking procedurally greater effective than an OOP attitude. you additionally can do programming with a hex editor, in case you're so vulnerable. that would in all probability be the main perplexing attitude wanting using binary. to do this you will in all probability ought to write your own compiler/assembler, and you will ought to have the two an magnificent memory or an exceptionally thorough yet nicely prepared reference handbook.

Answer 4

Computer Science(java) and Economics work beautifully together. They probably want to cancel out 2 jobs with just yours. If you know how to code you can put together programs that can improve efficiency at your new job.