Programming Your System

[brownsfan019]

So I've been thinking more and more about possibly programming my trading methodology. I have no idea where to start since I am not a programmer. I'm not even sure if what I am looking for can be programmed... It's not as simple as when X indicator and Y indicator do this, buy...

Just looking for some ideas since we have some programming guys here and maybe some are on full/partial automation...

Thanks!

[Blu-Ray]

If you want any help programming or want me to program something, just give me a shout and I'll do my best.

With regards to partial/full automation, I have programmed various codes to fire off signals, but they're not black box systems, they all require discretion, and as you say with your methodology is not a X/Y then Buy......

So I think it all comes down to what you're expecting to come of it.

Cheers

Blu-Ray

[mcichocki_]

Same here...I am leaning towards ninja and want to automate but don't have a clue on programming. What does it cost to have something coded I've wondered and how can you be sure your edge won't be compromised as well?

Also can code or indicators be locked down so they can be sold without fear of the actual backing code being given away? Of course with the talent here we've had almost all hot indicators duplicated from looks alone, so that's never gonna go away 100%.

[brownsfan019]

If I did it, I'd really want a full blown system where it does it all.

[Blu-Ray]

	Quote:	mcichocki_
	Same here...I am leaning towards ninja and want to automate but don't have a clue on programming. What does it cost to have something coded I've wondered and how can you be sure your edge won't be compromised as well? Also can code or indicators be locked down so they can be sold without fear of the actual backing code being given away? Of course with the talent here we've had almost all hot indicators duplicated from looks alone, so that's never gonna go away 100%.

mcichocki

I'm unsure about Ninja, but you can with Tradestation.

Cheers

Blu-Ray

[Blu-Ray]

	Quote:	brownsfan019
	If I did it, I'd really want a full blown system where it does it all.

Thats not a problem and it is possible, but you would need a full list of all the criteria required for both entry and exit.

[Sparrow]

It's possible for NT to write properitary indicators and sell them, you can choose between giving someone your indicators as plain code or a dll. I am sure there are other more professional options available to lock down your code.
As for having someone code your strategy, the only thing you can do is have them sign a contract which would make it impossible for them to legally use or pass it on your system.

If someone is really determined and they've got the skills and access they'll crack your system/indicators, nothing is really 100% secure.

[BlowFish]

Personally I'd stay away from the obvious charting packages. They really are not robust enough unless you are going to sit and watch which kinda defeats the object. The obvious place to run this stuff is at your brokers where they have (if they are any good) suitable redundant infrastructure. I have never used them but maybe check out strategy runner. They also have in house programmers to help customers with automation. Quite a few brokers offer to run SR strategies. Step one is writing a detailed enough spec that people can quote on it, you can have placeholders for key elements if you are worried about plagiarism.

I know a couple of people that have done it themselves but they have either been pretty hot Java or C guys or had access to pretty hot Java or C guys (friends or colleagues). It is possibly a greater undertaking than you might imagine. Long story short you aren't going to want ninja, ts, amibroker, ensign, or whatever running on some virtual machine in a data centre. Of course if you are going to run it on a PC in your office while you watch TV with one eye and make sure everything is OK with the other that's a far more trivial proposition.

Cheers.

[Hlm]

	Quote:	BlowFish
	It is possibly a greater undertaking than you might imagine.

This is such a TRUE statement. However, I would remove the word "possibly" . In my experience (and others I have talked to) automating a real trading edge correctly is extremely difficult. It can be a real eye opener to the way you actually trade. The big danger when automating is getting off track. When trying to simplify your trading to fit nicely into signals you will discover that your profit will drop dramatically. This will create a tendency to curve fit areas without realizing it which is very dangerous. Over the last six months or so I have carefully traveled down this road of automation (as many of you know). So far my total research, development, and programming has totaled several hundred hours. It has been a very interesting experience to say the least. If you want to bounce some ideas off me feel free to send a message my way. I wish you luck.

[BlowFish]

Many moons ago I used to work as an IT consultant and whilst I always called the truth as I saw it I got into the habit of using a qualifier. My girlfriend was always telling me off for prefacing everything with 'I suspect...' Old habits die hard I guess.