How to convert the SMA indicator into a Method/Function ?

[pstrusi]

Hi ninjas,

I'd like to add the SMA indicator as a Method or Function within a main Script, because several reasons. As you must imagine that's not so easy as Cut & Paste, cause its variables ,out of Indicator environment, give errors. My goal is calling this method within my script a whenever you call the external SMA indicator

So would you please help me indicating me what must I change in the SMA script in order to put it as a Method/Function within my main Script ?

Thanks

[NinjaTrader_JC]

Hello pstrusi,

I am not sure I fully understand what you are trying to accomplish here. You can call the SMA indicator inside of any NinjaScript file like a method to be able to get its values so you do not have to do the calculations manually.

For example:

// Sets "value" to the current price of a 20 period SMA and also Prints it in the output window.
double value = SMA(20)[0];
Print("The current SMA value is " + SMA(20)[0]);

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?moving_average___simple_sma.htm

Is that how you are wanting to use the SMA or could you give me an example of what you would like to do so that I may try to assist you further?

[pstrusi]

Hi JC thanks for your response.

Yes, I know that I can call it as a method or function in any script; but for compilation and velocity purpose I've been wondering how to code the very same SMA into the main Script, so I don't have to add external scripts to my own. I imagine that this can be done. So, what do you think about it?

[NinjaTrader_JC]

Hello pstrusi,

Just to clarify, your main script that you are referring to is outside of NinjaTrader meaning that it is not a NinjaScript file that you are opening by going to Tools -> Edit NinjaScript?

[pstrusi]

It is a Ninja script file, created by me

[NinjaTrader_JC]

Hello pstrusi,

If it is inside of NinjaTrader I still am not sure I understand what you are trying to do. The only thing that comes to mind is a the "User Defined Methods" which can be setup to create a method externally from your main script but still be able to be called in any of your indicator/strategy to return a value like the SMA.

Here is a few samples on what a "User Defined Method" can do that you may view to see if this is what you are looking for.

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?user_defined_methods.htm

Let me know if this is what you are looking for.

[pstrusi]

It's not even an issue, so no worries, but let put it this way

Whenever you're gonna compile a NT script, if you use an indicator out of the main script, the system will let u know and asking you if you want to add it to the export file, so what I'd like to know is:

How can add the SMA indicator as a method within the main script,so when it must be compiled, you won't need to add any external file?

[koganam]

Hi JC thanks for your response.

Yes, I know that I can call it as a method or function in any script; but for compilation and velocity purpose I've been wondering how to code the very same SMA into the main Script, so I don't have to add external scripts to my own. I imagine that this can be done. So, what do you think about it?

The quick and dirty way to create a varying cumulative function is to use a loop construct. There are more efficient ways. However, depending on how often the function will be called, that inefficiency may be a non-issue.

Here is an example of such:

        protected override void OnBarUpdate()
        {
Print(null); //Are they really equivalent? Examine the Output Window
Print("Current Bar: " + CurrentBar);
            Print("SMAClass value: " + SMA(Close, 10)[0]);
            Print("InternalSMA value: " + InternalSMA(Close, 10));
        }
        
        private double InternalSMA(IDataSeries Price, int Period)
        {
            if (CurrentBar < Period) return 0;
            double SumPrice = 0;
            for (int index = 0; index < Period; index++) 
            {
                SumPrice += Price[index];
            }
            return (SumPrice/Period);
        }

If you want a more efficient method, unfortunately, it would not be free.

[pstrusi]

Thanks Koganan for your help, I appreciate it