Pip Soup: A Bit of Everything

This thread is for whatever I feel like posting.

Link to my GitHub MQL4 repository:
https://github.com/EgoNoBueno/MQL4-Code

I watched this video:



There were a few quotes about trading news events that peaked my interest:
[/list]Based on that I had a report generated. See attached.
{ sensitive information deleted by staff, per request }

Free basic Spread, Day of Week, and Candle Time remaining MQL4 indicator.

Set row spacing with Row Spacing Input.

A Comparative Analysis of Futures Order Flow Automated Trading Platforms

Exploring a Platform Communication Bridge From Bookmap to MT4

Here are 3 key automation tips for integrating Bookmap signals with MT4, based on the research:

1. Verify Data Provider Terms FIRST: Before you write a single line of code, confirm that your Bookmap data provider (e.g., dxFeed, Rithmic) allows you to export their real-time data to an external application like MT4. Many providers restrict this, and you'll need their explicit permission. This is the most critical step to avoid violating terms of service.
2. Choose Your IPC Wisely & Implement Non-Blocking Communication: For sending signals from your Bookmap add-on to your MT4 Expert Advisor (EA), sockets (TCP/IP on localhost) generally offer a good balance of speed and flexibility. Whatever Inter-Process Communication (IPC) method you choose (sockets, named pipes, files), ensure your MQL4 EA and any intermediary DLL use non-blocking calls or very short timeouts. Blocking calls can freeze your MT4 terminal.
3. Build a Robust MT4 Expert Advisor (EA): Your EA needs to do more than just receive signals. Implement comprehensive error handling for both communication issues and trade execution failures (check GetLastError()!). Ensure your EA can correctly parse the signal data, manage trade states (e.g., using magic numbers to avoid duplicate orders), and apply your risk management rules consistently.

Using Google Gemini AI For Ninjascript Code Development

I had this report prepared because I knew absolutely nothing about Ninjatrader Ninjascript coding and wanted to get calibrated in this coding environment as quick as possible.

Here are 5 key quotes from the article "Augmenting NinjaScript Development with Gemini AI: A Comprehensive Guide" that you might find useful for a forum post:

1. "The integration of Gemini into the NinjaScript development workflow holds the promise of accelerating development cycles, improving code quality, and potentially fostering innovation in algorithmic trading."
2. "Perhaps the most critical aspect of NinjaScript architecture is its state management system, primarily orchestrated through the OnStateChange() method. This method is invoked by NinjaTrader whenever the 'state' of the NinjaScript object (indicator or strategy) changes. It is the designated place for initialization, resource allocation, setup, and eventual teardown of resources used by the script."
3. "The effectiveness of any Large Language Model, including Gemini, is heavily dependent on the quality of the prompts it receives. 'Prompt engineering' is the art and science of crafting inputs that elicit the most accurate, relevant, and useful responses from the AI." See section 5.2
4. "AI, in its current state, is a powerful assistant and productivity tool, not a replacement for human developer expertise, critical thinking, and ultimate responsibility. The developer remains the architect, the quality controller, and the final arbiter of the code's suitability and correctness."
5. "Always critically review any code generated or suggested by Gemini. Do not assume its correctness, even if it looks plausible... All NinjaScript code, especially logic related to order execution or critical calculations, must be rigorously tested."

Note: These are version 1 documents. (Drafts)

I'm a new Ninjascript coder and wrote these for my own use. Your mileage may vary.

Guide: Using NinjaScript & Gemini AI

Same thing as the last post but much more easily readable.

Guide To NinjaTrader 8 Backtesting Level 2 Futures.

The Modern Toolkit for NinjaScript Ninjas:

1. Visual Studio: Moving beyond the basic editor to a full-fledged IDE for advanced C# development, superior debugging, and project management.
2. GitHub: Implementing robust version control with Git for tracking changes, experimenting safely with branches, and collaborating effectively (even if you're a solo dev!).
3. GitHub Copilot: Leveraging an AI pair programmer right in Visual Studio to get intelligent code completions, generate boilerplate, explain complex snippets, and assist with debugging.

Why Adopt This Approach?

1. Speed Up Development: Get your indicators and strategies built faster.
2. Boost Code Quality: Write cleaner, more maintainable, and less error-prone code.
3. Simplify Debugging: Utilize advanced tools and AI insights to squash bugs more efficiently.
4. Better Collaboration & Organization: Keep your projects structured and make teamwork (or just managing your own evolving ideas) much smoother.

Key Areas Explored:

1. NinjaScript Fundamentals: Reinforces the importance of understanding NinjaScript's C# foundation, its event-driven model (especially OnStateChange() and OnBarUpdate()), and best coding practices.
2. Level 2 Data Deep Dive: Offers insights into using OnMarketDepth() for order book analysis, along with a crucial discussion on the challenges of backtesting Level 2-dependent strategies.
3. Mastering Version Control: Detailed guidance on Git workflows, effective branching strategies (like feature branching), managing your .cs, .sln, and .csproj files, and crafting the ideal .gitignore.
4. AI-Assisted Development with GitHub Copilot: Practical tips on writing effective prompts, generating code (from simple lines to complex functions), understanding existing scripts, and using Copilot for debugging and optimization.
5. Integrated Workflow Examples: Walks through creating new indicators, developing Level 2 data-driven strategies, and enhancing existing scripts using this synergistic toolkit.
6. Pushing the Boundaries: Explores advanced applications like building custom WPF trading dashboards and Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) to visualize Level 2 data and other critical trading information.

Comprehensive Ninjatrader noob setup checklist for Order Flow trading.
Topics: #ninjatrader , #ninjatrader8, #nt8, #ninjascript

Research on the Al Brooks Trading methodology and his stance on using Level 2 data.

Basically he does not use it.

Here is a report:

https://github.com/EgoNoBueno/Tradin...gle%20Docs.pdf

GBPUSD tutorial. It focuses on 5 minute charts, and trading off the high or low of the day.

Price Level Indicator (Support Resistance)

This MQL4 indicator, "Price Level Indicator," visually marks
key price levels on your MetaTrader 4 chart with horizontal lines.
It offers a quick overview of significant support and resistance
based on different timeframes and specific price intervals.

Here's what it does:
Today's High and Low: A black line (thickness 5) marks
the current day's highest and lowest prices.

Previous Day's High and Low: A brown line (thickness 2)
shows the high and low of the last completed trading day.

Current Week's High and Low: A red line (thickness 5)
highlights the highest and lowest prices of the current week.

"XX000" Price Levels: Blue lines (thickness 1) appear
at every 0.01000 multiple (e.g., 1.23000, 1.24000). These are
limited to 0.04 above and below the current price for clarity.

The indicator uses the OnCalculate function for efficient updates
on new bar opens or chart refreshes. It intelligently redraws
"XX000" levels only when the price moves significantly,
optimizing performance. All lines are automatically removed
when the indicator is detached from the chart.

The Spread Enhanced indicator now includes the current time frame, and trading instrument.