finance – Scriptingthewhy.com

Why You Should Get Yourself a Job with Legacy Programming Languages

Key Takeaways

“Old” languages are still relevant: FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal continue to play crucial roles in specific domains.
FORTRAN: Excels in scientific computing and high-performance computing.
COBOL: Remains essential in financial systems for handling large datasets and transactions.
Pascal: Influenced modern languages and continues to be used in education.
Career opportunities exist: Skilled programmers in these languages are in demand and can command competitive salaries.
Learning value: Studying these languages provides valuable insights into the history and foundations of computer science.
Evolving landscape: While newer languages are dominant, maintaining legacy systems built on older languages creates ongoing demand for programmers.

AI-generated image. “PEOPLE, PLEASE REMAIN CALM! AI CAN’T TAKE OUR JOBS IF WE LEARN HOW TO PROGRAM BETTER!”

Come one, come all! Welcome back to yet another exciting reason why you should get ahead of the AI threat. We all know AI is on the brink of taking everyone’s job. Everywhere you look you can find someone shouting out loud and not-so-proud; “THEY TOOK OUR JOBS!” Well, in today’s read (which may not help you since AI can program as well) we’re going to over the programming languages of old. Yes, that’s right, in an effort to protect our future, we first must learn about their past. What languages did they speak? Are they still being used today? Could you get a job today using these languages? Are all questions we seek to answer. Let us begin.

Are “Old” Programming Languages Still Relevant?

You might be surprised to learn that some of the oldest programming languages are still very much alive and kicking! While the tech world is constantly buzzing about the latest shiny new languages like Python and JavaScript, languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal have a rich history and continue to play crucial roles in various industries.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

FORTRAN: Born in the 1950s, FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation) was a pioneer, designed for scientific and engineering calculations. It excels in number-crunching tasks, making it indispensable in fields like weather forecasting, financial modeling, and high-performance computing. For example, its ability to handle complex mathematical computations with high precision and efficiency is why it’s still used in scientific research and engineering projects.
COBOL: This “Common Business Oriented Language” was specifically created for business applications. Think handling massive datasets, managing financial transactions, and powering the back-end systems of many large corporations. You might be surprised to know that millions of lines of COBOL code are still in use today! It’s the backbone of many banking systems, where reliability and extensive processing capabilities are crucial.
Pascal: While perhaps less prominent in industry, Pascal played a significant role in computer science education. Its structured approach to programming influenced many modern languages and helped shape how we teach programming concepts. Universities and colleges often used Pascal to introduce students to the fundamentals of programming due to its clear syntax and structured programming principles.

AI-generated image. “We don’t stand a chance if I don’t learn these programming languages. Why do I have to be the chosen one?”

Are They Still Used Today?

Well, the short answer is…yes. Absolutely!

FORTRAN: Remains a powerhouse in scientific computing and high-performance computing. Its ongoing relevance is due to its specialized libraries and tools that support extensive mathematical and engineering calculations. This language continues to evolve, with versions like Fortran 90 and Fortran 2008 bringing modern features to the table.
COBOL: Continues to underpin critical business systems, especially in finance. COBOL’s strength lies in its ability to process large volumes of transactions with accuracy and reliability. Efforts to modernize COBOL include integrating it with contemporary technologies and updating its syntax to make it more accessible to today’s programmers.
Pascal: While its direct use might have declined, its influence on other languages and its role in education remain significant. For instance, Object Pascal (Delphi) carries forward the legacy of Pascal in a modern object-oriented form, used in both desktop and mobile app development.

Can You Still Make Money with Them?

You can make money with any language but apparently companies are willing to pay big bucks. So, the answer is, yet again. Yes, you can!

Skilled FORTRAN programmers: are highly sought after in sectors like scientific research and high-performance computing, often commanding competitive salaries. Their expertise is invaluable in maintaining and developing high-precision applications for academia and industry.
COBOL programmers: who can maintain and modernize existing systems are in high demand, especially in the financial industry. These programmers ensure the seamless operation of critical financial transactions and data processing tasks, making them indispensable in the banking and insurance sectors.

AI-generated image. “You know the more time I spend programming a computer, the more I realize they’re right. It is time for a change.”

The Evolving Programming Landscape

While newer languages like Python and JavaScript dominate many areas today, the need to maintain and modernize legacy systems built on older languages creates a continuous demand for programmers proficient in these languages. Understanding these foundational languages also provides deeper insights into the development of programming paradigms and practices over the decades.

Should You Learn Them?

Learning older languages can provide valuable insights into the foundations of computer science. If you’re interested in scientific computing, finance, or working with legacy systems, learning FORTRAN or COBOL could open up unique career opportunities. Additionally, the structured thinking and problem-solving skills developed through Pascal can be beneficial across various programming tasks.

In Conclusion

While the tech world is constantly evolving, older programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal continue to play important roles. They demonstrate the enduring power of robust, well-designed languages and remind us that the history of computing is deeply intertwined with their development and evolution. The knowledge and expertise in these languages remain valuable assets in the ever-changing tech landscape. And with all of that being said, should you learn any of these languages? Or a language in general? Yeah, I mean people should learn something new every day. Learning a programming language, if any, places you above someone who doesn’t know the language. Remember your goal is to standout in the job market, not to blend in.

Disclaimer: This script is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or career advice.

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Security, Tech

Discover Why Crypto Could Save You Money Today

Key Takeaways

Cryptocurrency leverages cryptography: Secure transactions are enabled through complex mathematical algorithms that encrypt and decrypt data.
Blockchain technology:
- A decentralized, immutable ledger shared across a network of computers.
- Records transactions as “blocks” in a chronological chain.
Key cryptographic concepts:
- Public-key cryptography: Utilizes public and private key pairs for secure communication.
- Hashing: Creates unique digital fingerprints for transactions, ensuring data integrity.
Security Risks:
- Cryptographic weaknesses: Exploitable vulnerabilities in the algorithms or their implementation.
- Smart contract vulnerabilities: Bugs in self-executing contracts can be exploited.
- Phishing and social engineering: Attacks targeting users to steal private keys.
Potential of Cryptocurrencies:
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Disintermediating financial services.
- Faster and cheaper transactions: Enabling efficient global transactions.
- Increased financial inclusion: Providing access to financial services for the unbanked.
Challenges:
- Volatility: Significant price fluctuations.
- Regulation: Evolving regulatory landscape.
- Scalability: Limitations in processing high transaction volumes.

AI-generated image. “I BOUGHT THIS COIN LIKE YOU SAID, AND NOW IT’S WORTH NOTHING! YOU SAID I WAS GOING TO MAKE MILLIONS!”

Diving Deep into Crypto: A Techie’s Perspective

Come one, come all. Welcome back, come have a seat. Or have a stand if you’re reading this in an elevator. I don’t know what my tech interest readers are doing at the time of reading this. Welcome to another exciting topic that has taken the internet and my new feed by storm.

This something that every “finance professional bro” is talking about on popular platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TicTok. These are all popular platforms to obtain solid, insightful, life-changing information. That was sarcasm. YouTube, you might get solid information, and that’s a strong might. However, the others are pretty much taking life advice from children.

Social soap-box aside, moving right along. Today’s topic is Cryptocurrency. What is it? It’s a buzzword that’s been dominating headlines for years, but what exactly is it, and how does it work from a technical standpoint?

At its core, cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that leverages cryptography – the art of secure communication – to enable secure transactions. Cryptography uses complex mathematical algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data, meaning only authorized parties can access and utilize it. This is crucial for crypto, as it ensures:

Security: Your funds are protected from unauthorized access.
Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on a public, immutable ledger called a blockchain.

AI-generated image. “I’m just checking for missing parts. There’s no way I’m going use this as a bot to inflate prices.”

How does it work under the hood?

Imagine a digital ledger – a giant spreadsheet – shared across a vast network of computers. This is the blockchain. Each transaction is recorded as a “block” on this ledger, creating a chronological chain of events. In layman terms; it’s a giant notebook that everyone can see and write in. Whenever buying or selling something, it’s documented in the notebook. Each new note is a new page to the notebook.

Cryptography plays a starring role:
Public-key cryptography: Each user has a unique pair of keys: a public key (shared with others) and a private key (kept secret).
Hashing: Transactions are hashed, creating unique digital fingerprints that are difficult to alter.

This system ensures:

Decentralization: No single entity controls the network.
Immutability: Once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be altered.

The Techie’s Take on Security Risks

While cryptography is the backbone of crypto’s security, it’s not without its vulnerabilities:

Cryptographic weaknesses: Flaws in the algorithms or their implementation can be exploited by hackers.
Smart contract vulnerabilities: These self-executing contracts, while powerful, can contain bugs that can be exploited to drain funds.
Phishing and social engineering: Hackers often target users with phishing emails or scams to trick them into revealing their private keys.

The Future of Finance: A Crypto-Powered Vision

The future of finance with crypto is brimming with potential…that is until the government gets involved but until we have:

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Imagine a world where financial services like lending and borrowing operate without intermediaries. DeFi platforms leverage blockchain technology to enable this.
Faster and cheaper transactions: Crypto offers the potential for near-instantaneous and low-cost transactions across borders.
Increased financial inclusion: Crypto can provide access to financial services for the unbanked and underbanked populations globally.

However, challenges remain:

Volatility: The price of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate wildly.
Regulation: The regulatory landscape for crypto is still evolving.
Scalability: Many blockchain networks face limitations in processing a high volume of transactions.

AI-generated image. “Not all crypto is made equal, the same goes for the risk.”

In Conclusion

Cryptocurrency is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape. While challenges and risks exist, the underlying technology of cryptography and blockchain holds immense promise for the future. And with all of that being said, crypto can be a hit or miss. Some people get into crypto and win big but that margin is a small few. All in all, do your own research and be careful with your money, and who you follow for crypto advice. The pursuit of money blinds reality, and that’s dangerous.

Disclaimer: This script is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile investments and may result in significant losses.

Disclaimer: The use of cryptography in cryptocurrencies does not guarantee absolute security.

Disclaimer: It is crucial to conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any cryptocurrency.

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Cloud Talk, Tech

How Cloud Cuts Your Budget

Consider following on social media!

Quick note: if you’re viewing this via email, come to the site for better viewing. Enjoy!

businessman seated worrying — AWS…I could’ve cut cost going with Google cloud. Multi-cloud nonsense.
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Here’s a situation, you are working on your small business and you’re thinking about growing your enterprise so you can further scale to make your company become the industry giant you have set your sights on.

However, you begin to notice that cash isn’t flowing like it once was. You begin to question: “Why? How did this happen? I know my company is turning a profit. What in the world is going on here?” You check your business account only to find your money has been going places it doesn’t need to be.

You find you don’t need this stress since you have other pressing things to worry about and trying to get your finances back on track doesn’t rank high on your to-do list. This situation would be better suited if you had access to a certain team of people with a particular set of skills (my second Taken reference sorry).

There’s a name for a group of people that handles the operation of financing, but I just can’t recall it.

someone seated counting money — Counting money that doesn’t belong to me gets old very quick.
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Clouding Around

Do you want to cut costs and track your money in the meantime and all the while grow your business to new heights? How would one do this you might ask?

Well, you have two options which are 1) you could venture to handle everything yourself which in turn would be a complete and utter nightmare, seeing you go from 0 to 100 in 1.5 seconds flat due to the fact you got overwhelmed, or 2) find yourself a team of people who could manage and monitor, assess, and even advise your finances for you.

What group of people would be crazy enough to do such a thing? Financial Operations or FinOps for short. FinOps is a cultural practice that brings cloud technology and business altogether to drive accountability and maximize business value.

FinOps are governed by six principles: collaboration, ownership, centralized cost savings, reporting, value, and taking advantage of variable costs. If you’re looking to scale your business and moving to the cloud or growing your cloud is going to be on the menu, FinOps are going to be one group needed to make sure all resources are accounted for and the budget stays on track.

In a nutshell, you can think of them as accountants for your current or future cloud.

credit card transaction — I sure could use a team of accountant to explain why business card keeps declining.
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Sales in Failure are Final

Oh dear reader of mine, you may be thinking to yourself, “Why would I hire an accountant? I manage my bank account and business account just fine. I budget well, I’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Well, as mentioned before, if you lack the skill set to operate in the cloud and begin to connect resources without a care in the world, your dollar sign will quickly get overwhelmed. Everything costs in the cloud down to the computing power which could range from a second to minutes.

So yeah, money management would get out of hand before you even completed computing “Hello World” using a Lambda function. Therefore, having a FinOps team would be very beneficial. What group of people would turn to FinOps for information?

Financial planners, analysts, business managers, and advisors use reports from FinOps for cost allocation and forecasting. This is like having a weatherman in your business, but they’re actually paid to get the forecast right.

Enjoy the read so far? Why don’t you consider subscribing so you can keep up to date?

a team of people looking over data — Third quarter isn’t looking good, might be another quarter in the red.
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Fins Cuts the Budget

How much does FinOps have a play in the world of today you might be wondering. Well, that depends on what part of the world you are in, if you’re the employer, you’re more likely to hear about how certain cloud resources are outside of your budget and how you should be focused on cutting costs.

If you’re the employee, then it’s more likely you’re hearing about how cloud resources you could use, and need are outside of the company’s budget and how much the company needs to focus on cutting costs.

FinOps has been around since 2012 and many companies both big and small have adopted the FinOps framework to run their business. This adoption helps edge out the competition by enabling companies using FinOps to be capable to make better data-driven decisions, reducing costs on wasted resources, creating investment opportunities, and increasing transparency.

Just think of them as all good things to have if you get hit with an audit. Again, this group has a particular set of skills that work in your favor, just don’t forget to pay them on time.

older fellow seated at table — So you think you have a future in FinOps?
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Choosing Paths

So, you may have the response “Nah, I can handle my budget and others with no problem. Just tell me, do I need a degree?” There’s some good but pricey news, you don’t need a degree to get into FinOps, just need to be familiar with their core principles.

FinOps is a cultural mindset developed to provide accountability to a business. Your time will be better suited to pursuing certifications with some specialized credentials like a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Equity Professional (CEP) however, obtaining these certifications is not going to be easy, and knowing your stuff when it comes to financing is a must.

Another option is you could join the FinOps Foundation and select from their courses to become either a certified practitioner (I know I mentioned this step but skip becoming a practitioner, employers don’t recognize them) or hop right into becoming a certified professional. Just know, this is going to get pricey since this ranges from $599 – $3,750 (I did say I had some pricey good news).

But if you’re trying to learn on a budget, again Zero daddy has you covered. There are other resources, Coursera has one course on FinOps provided by Intel, and there are several courses on Udemy. Just stay away from getting caught up in tutorial hell. Gain a deep understanding of the basics, build upon them, and keep on moving.

After obtaining some of these credentials and online courses, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of investment and financial management best practices. Or you could do a combination if you have the time and money, it all boils down to what goals you have in place.

typewriter with paper saying "goals" — Goals without actions are only dreams.
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