API Thinkorswim, where to start?

H

Hiperfly

Hello guys,

could you guide me a little bit in how to start implementing a strategy for the Thinkorswim API?

I mean, links or whatever is also ok. This would be my first automated strategy.

Regards :)
 
Any reason you chose their API over IB?

The IB API has been around for years:
1) Online documentation is pretty usable.
2) Sample code is available.
3) There are several online forums dealing with the API
4) I think there a couple of open source platforms using it (TradeLink?).

Also, you might want to try an intermediate step and try one of the various platforms such as Multicharts or Ninjatrader. Both offer C# and allow you to concentrate on the strategy without all the extra boiler plate code (which is pretty substantial).

My $0.02.
 
TheGoonior said:
Any reason you chose their API over IB?

The IB API has been around for years:
1) Online documentation is pretty usable.
2) Sample code is available.
3) There are several online forums dealing with the API
4) I think there a couple of open source platforms using it (TradeLink?).

Also, you might want to try an intermediate step and try one of the various platforms such as Multicharts or Ninjatrader. Both offer C# and allow you to concentrate on the strategy without all the extra boiler plate code (which is pretty substantial).

My $0.02.
More...
I would like to open an account with them but, is there any problem to open such account if Im a non US citizen?

I already 'kind-of-tried' Ninjatrader and I didn't like it too much, maybe because I'm not used to it... I will check Multicharts, thank for the advice.

Also, I'm not into programmin (and my friend who is not into trading is who will code the strategy :p )... How long do you think could take to code a simple strategy for IB or ToS?

Ty for all, regards
 
Hiperfly said:
I would like to open an account with them but, is there any problem to open such account if Im a non US citizen?

I already 'kind-of-tried' Ninjatrader and I didn't like it too much, maybe because I'm not used to it... I will check Multicharts, thank for the advice.

Also, I'm not into programmin (and my friend who is not into trading is who will code the strategy :p )... How long do you think could take to code a simple strategy for IB or ToS?

Ty for all, regards
More...
I'm in the US, so I have no knowledge of their international requirements. I'm pretty sure there are international users, though. You'd have to ask them directly.

Obviously the time required is totally dependent on what you are trying to do. Do you sit right next to the machine and babysit while it trades or is it completely autonomous? Is your system trading multiple instruments? Complicated algorithms?

If you roll your own, you need to implement quote data collection, order management, connectivity, etc, etc. With NinjaTrader and Multi-charts, you at least have a framework already developed for you (charts, etc) and you can focus on your trading algorithm.
You can also do back-testing and market replay for evaluation purposes. In addition, you're not locked in to a particular platform (they both are supported by multiple brokers, although again, you'd have to look in to each to see the specifics).
 
Hiperfly said:
I would like to open an account with them but, is there any problem to open such account if Im a non US citizen?

I already 'kind-of-tried' Ninjatrader and I didn't like it too much, maybe because I'm not used to it... I will check Multicharts, thank for the advice.

Also, I'm not into programmin (and my friend who is not into trading is who will code the strategy :p )... How long do you think could take to code a simple strategy for IB or ToS?

Ty for all, regards
More...
on tos, if you go to support/chat top of screen and in chat rooms go to swim lessons ,they share programs for tos, help each other code,over my head but it's there
 
What is the minimum account size for API trading with IB? Is it the normal 10K? I looked at OHouse but they require 30K account min for API access.
 
I finally decided for IB API, cause there is no problem for opening an account from my country (there was for ToS). Thanks TheGooner.
 
Hiperfly said:
I finally decided for IB API, cause there is no problem for opening an account from my country (there was for ToS). Thanks TheGooner.
More...

What was the minimum account size needed for API access? Was it the standard 10K?
 
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