I would like to become an automated trader. How do I start?

Traderjohnsblog · Dec 3, 2017

HobbyTrading said:
I prefer to turn this reasoning around: because you are dealing with your own money is it better to become proficient at coding and don't depend on others whose money is not on the line. This enables you to maintain and modify your own code whenever necessary or you like to change. And ensures that you know your code inside out.

It was enough incentive for me to learn how to use java. I have not regretted this choice.
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Good point. I guess it depends on perspective. I don't know how to code and I am frankly not very interested in learning. I found it easier to have someone else program the strat and then test the daylights out of it myself.

ventop · Dec 3, 2017

The price depends on the complexity of your strategy. If it's based on indicators it will be easier for a programmer and will take him a couple of days.

Traderjohnsblog · Dec 3, 2017

ventop said:
The price depends on the complexity of your strategy. If it's based on indicators it will be easier for a programmer and will take him a couple of days.
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Wouldn't all strats be based on indicators? The program would need the mathmatical input from them to trigger an action. Correct?

ventop · Dec 5, 2017

experts based on indicators (MCAD, MA and so long) are much easier, since they are already included in trading platforms. When it comes to non-indicator trading strategy (for example price action, etc.), it will require more time for programming

mnevis · Dec 5, 2017

jinxu said:
My system rules are starting to become finalized. With minor tweaks here and there. There is the possibility that part of the system rules can be automated.

However, I only have a novice level of programming experience. I've put it off over the year because I thought that my system wouldn't work automated. Now I see that it might be possible. I'm considering this now because discretionary trading has it drawbacks.

Mainly, the first two type of algorithm I want to develop is an alert system so I don't have to monitor the market 24/7 to wait for my signals. And a risk control system because it's my weakness and a bot probably could do it better.

How would I get started? What language and platform should I use? Are there any library code out there that you can buy or get for free? Thanks.
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Hi jinxu,

What I would suggest to you is to start to code some easy algos on mt4. This platform is free and the data is quite reliable depending of the broker of course. Apply those algos to see how they behave and fix all bug step by step. See if the algos are doing exactly what is intended to do. Fix step-by-step all the bugs and irregularity. You will find that this plateform is user friendly and you don't need to understand more advanced notion of programming.

I understand that algorithm are good to trade with but above the algos there is a person who is there who is watching the algos doing and is indeed affected by the emotion. I think algos is a tool not a total replacement.

I hope this will help you.

Best of luck,

Mnevis

Stdray · Dec 27, 2017

If you are already familiar with python programming, then Quantopian is a good start. But if programming is not your forte, then you can try other alternatives such as CoolTrade, Investfly, NinjaTrader.

SimpleMeLike · Dec 27, 2017

Hello,

I use NinjaTrader because it's free for now til I verify an strategy with a winning edge.

Whatever you use, make sure it's free for niw.

Handle123 · Dec 27, 2017

Contact local college and talk with Dean of Computer Science, he usually knows couple of best programmers and hire couple, give both different areas to code, I did that long ago for Tradestation, Ninja version 8 very cool on speed.