Looking for platform independent API

S

silicon.bz

Hello,

I am looking for a platform independent API with which to trade stocks. ETrade and Tradeking both offer suitable API's, but ETrade is $10 a trade (and being sketchy), and I hear that Tradeking has trade execution issues (plus no sandbox). I am used to what I consider very fast execution with Scottrade, any slower and I would be unhappy. TDAmeritrade has a $25k minimum to use their API after talking with customer service. I DO NOT want monthly fees for using the API, or a high minimum such as $25k, and I do not want a Java based API such as with interactive brokers. I would much prefer a message over HTTP based system such as what ETrade, TK, and TDA use, but without their downsides. I have years of experience with C and UNIX socket programming, so I want to stick with what I know quite well. Am I asking for something that doesn't exist, or is what I want out there somewhere?
 
This really makes me uncomfortable..

[10:01 AM] Diego: Thank you for contacting TradeKing. How may I help you?
[10:01 AM] Matthew: Hi Diego!
[10:01 AM] Matthew: I'm considering moving my funds to Tradeking but have a few concerns.
[10:01 AM] Diego: Sure
[10:03 AM] Matthew: I have read multiple reviews about Tradeking experiencing high degrees of slowness at times when using the website, but was wondering if this slowness also had any effect on the API, or if the API was exempt from this issue?
[10:06 AM] Diego: These issues were intermittent, and the issues that caused them have been corrected, but I wreally would not be ablet o say if this also cause an issue with the API, but I would assume it did at that time.
[10:07 AM] Matthew: Oh, I see. How long ago were these issues corrected?
[10:08 AM] Diego: I believe the last issue was experienced a little longer than a month ago if I am not mistaken.
[10:10 AM] Matthew: Okay, thank you Diego, have a nice day.
[10:10 AM] Diego: You are welcome
[10:10 AM] Diego: I am happy to be of your service. Have a great day.
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Quote from silicon.bz:

and I do not want a Java based API such as with interactive brokers.
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It's not Java based at all. Only TWS is java based, the API can be for any platform you want. If you know C# you can use it in .Net with ActiveX controls. You can also use it with any COM interface, any language/platform that will take it. I'm not sure what you're looking for, or that in fact you are making a clear distinction between "API" (interface to trading functionality via code) and "Platform" (what you use as a human to trade).

Quote from silicon.bz:

This really makes me uncomfortable..
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If you're asking this question then you obviously have no idea how an API works, and probably don't really know what you are looking for in the first place. The website is just used for info, for other clients etc. No company on this planet would host their trading execution and data feed on a web server, especially not the same one that is hosting their website. Do some basic research, figure out what an API is.

You say you want "speed" and then you say you want it over HTTP. What? No, that's not how it works. Http is slow, a direct TCP connection is faster, and UDP is faster yet (but unreliable). Most brokers I know use TCP as they should. I "think" some of the super-mega-fast feeds use UDP but i'm not sure, it's probably very rare.
 
Quote from braincell:
It's not Java based at all. Only TWS is java based, the API can be for any platform you want.
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The TWS Standalone API is Java based.. hence the .jar file.
Source

I want to use UNIX C/C++ only for trading.
Quote from braincell:

If you know C# you can use it in .Net with ActiveX controls. You can also use it with any COM interface, any language/platform that will take it.
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I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

Quote from braincell:

If you're asking this question then you obviously have no idea how an API works, and probably don't really know what you are looking for in the first place. The website is just used for info, for other clients etc. No company on this planet would host their trading execution and data feed on a web server, especially not the same one that is hosting their website. Do some basic research, figure out what an API is.
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I actually know what an ABI and API both are. Coding a kernel for MIPS utilizing an ABI was quite some fun! (I have been coding for a number of years, just not trading for close to that long.)

I simply do not want Java running on my UNIX trading server. I have a lot of experience with it and it has qualities that I am not fond of, -especially- on a mission critical server running custom financial software.

I apologize for being unclear, I simply want a UNIX C/C++ mechanism to buy and sell stock through a reputable and technologically stable broker with which I can easily deposit and withdraw funds. And that is all.
 
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