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

Humpy said:
If you have a profitable system and are weak at programming then get the help of a programmer. MT4 have a lot to choose from and will code up for 100 - 300 dollars.

MQL.com.
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The risk of outsourcing your programming is when you need maintenance done later in the future. That programmer might not be available any more at that time.
 
@jinxu Have you already decided on which broker and/or platform you will use? If so, then your choice of software will be limited by what that broker has to offer. Otherwise you have a much wider choice of possible programming languages available.
 
HobbyTrading said:
@jinxu Have you already decided on which broker and/or platform you will use? If so, then your choice of software will be limited by what that broker has to offer. Otherwise you have a much wider choice of possible programming languages available.
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That is why I recommended NinjaTrader. You write once in c# and then can connect to most major brokers.
 
John_Livermore said:
I agree. The most difficult part if designing a profitable system, not coding. Nowadays there are plenty of programmers who will do the job for you.
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I agree. Its easier to hire a programmer than get proficient at coding. Also consider this. You expose yourself to a new risk with automated trading. Tech risk. The risk that some unforseen in the code or communication between the platform and broker could create problems. Since we are dealing with money it might be better to hire someone who has programed a lot of systems. If you want a reco pm me.
 
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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Try TradeStation Easy Language. I've been using it over 10 years. I tried C# and MT4, too. Easy Language is easier to learn and use.
 
Steve Alexander said:
Try TradeStation Easy Language. I've been using it over 10 years. I tried C# and MT4, too. Easy Language is easier to learn and use.
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My advice would be to go for a full fledged language like c#. Easy language is a scripting language.
 
Traderjohnsblog said:
I agree. Its easier to hire a programmer than get proficient at coding. Also consider this. You expose yourself to a new risk with automated trading. Tech risk. The risk that some unforseen in the code or communication between the platform and broker could create problems. Since we are dealing with money it might be better to hire someone who has programed a lot of systems. If you want a reco pm me.
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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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