I want to make the foray into program trading. I've been trading for a year now, and am convinced program trading is the only future. What is the best way to begin learning Tradestation's Easylanguage? Are there any great books/manuals out there?
Good presentation of various system strategies and plenty of EasyLanguage code, but you may want to start with something easier. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0971853649/102-6107367-1948166
The best way is to have an idea that you want to put into code, and then do it. There is no substitute for hands-on experience. I came from a strong programming background, and picked up EL fairly quickly (although there are concepts in EL that do not exist in the traditional programming world), so YMMV. If you do not know any programming languages (we're not talking VCR "programming" but computers), you'll have a tougher time than I. If variables make you think of Algebra, you've a long (but interesting, IMO) road ahead of you. However, I am unable to advise you on any texts if you do not know how to code. I would suggest you examine some of the functions and strategies that come with TS to see how they work.
You can download the Getting Started with TradeStation EasyLanguage and EasyLanguage Reference Guide here: http://www.tradestationworld.com/3rdParty/DevDownloads.shtm PTR
JWest0926: You can try signing up for a one of TradeStationâs EasyLanguage Fluency and Advanced EasyLanguage seminars to get you started. Then, as TGregg mentioned, just do it and get hands-on experience. Experiment, and play with the code and see how you can express your ideas in that syntax. Also, join the TradeStationWorldâs EasyLanguage and EasyLanguage-DLL discussion forums to ask further questions and get answers and ideas from other programmers. Hope that can help you get on the road to program trading. Kermit
Poundtherock, thanks for the great assistance. I've looked into Conways book and am looking for a cheaper used copy. I'll be downloading that TS manual momentarily. Kermit, can you direct me to those discussion lists/forums? That would be great. All this assistance is a huge help. Thanks guys, and any more rec's greatly appreciated! JWest
Consider the discussion list: http://www.purebytes.com/archives/subs_omega.html This one is good but you need to translate: http://konkop.narod.ru/ This site has some good links : http://www.e-minitraders.com/tradestation.html Best of all, think of an idea you want to code and then do it. There is no substitute for this. As you stumble, post on the Omegalist (purebyes link) or on Tradestation World and you should get lots of help. Some of it may be useful DS
JWest0926: If you go here: http://www.tradestationsupport.com/discussions/default.asp youâll see links to all their discussion forums. Register with TradeStationWorld, if you havenât already done so. Kermit
Wow, thank you guys! ET is great because of people like all of you, so willing to share great knowledge! I really appreciate the help and any more assistance greatly appreciated! Jon
JWest0926, Send me a private msg if you have some specific questions re. programming. While I don't consider myself to be an excellent programmer in EL, I have been at it for over 10 years and learned a few things along the way and besides, you might give me a useful idea. DS