"Print" declaration outside scope within a class

[pvtrader]

Hello NT!


I am using a class implementation within a custom strategy/indicator.

When attempting to debug, I normally use "Print" statements. However, using "Print" within class methods results in compile error, Print declaration outside of scope.......

Is there a way around this ?

Curious also how the Ninjatrader Output Window that uses Print, relates to c# Console.WriteLine ? I should be able to use the System console writeLine within class methods......

[Ralph]

pvtrader,

To use Print() in your own class instances you could pass a indicator/strategy reference by construction (this). Then you have access to the public interface of that indicator/strategy.

Regards
Ralph

[pvtrader]

Thanks Ralph for your prompt reply.

It helps to debug the innards of a class by using Print statements embedded at various points within the code, instead of examining it as a blackbox as it were, via its' public interface.

Using "Print" results in compiler error -> "The name 'Print' does not exist in the current context.

Using c# 'Console.WriteLine' compiles with no errors.

So the question comes to mind, how to re direct Console.WriteLine to NinjaTraders' Output Window?

Or, what do I need to do in order to include a declaration of 'Print' within the class definition?

[Ralph]

I don't know how to bind the console to the output window. I use Print() only. Here is an example:

class MyClass
{
private Indicator parent;
public MyClass(Indicator indi)
{
parent = indi;
}
public void MyPrint()
{
parent.Print("here we go");
}
}

... somewhere in your regular indicator class:

MyClass myClass = new MyClass(this);
myClass.MyPrint();

Regards
Ralph

[pvtrader]

Thanks again for quick reply.

That is slick. Using the class to inherit method from parent. Very nice.

Another question if I may. Attached is sample code of a Strategy that uses your approach. Works fine.

Only one glitch. I would like to have only one instance of class that persists during the lifetime of the Strategy. The sample code I attached instantiates class within the Initialize method and terminates on return from Initialize.

I don't want to instantiate class within OnBarUpdate, only want one instance of.

So where to instantiate ?

[Ralph]

Is the strategy code NT6.5 or NT7?

[pvtrader]

Using NT 7

[Ralph]

You define your class and an instance counter as static:

private static MyClass myClass;
private static in instCounter;

In OnStartup() you let the first strategy instance do the job:

if (instCounter++ == 0)
{
myClass = new MyClass(this);
}

In OnTermination() you let the last strategy instance turn out the light:

if (--instCounter == 0)
{
myClass = null;
}

Regards
Ralph

[pvtrader]

Thanks again, very appreciative of you taking the time to respond.

Works like a charm!