I've been researching and backtesting with NinjaTrader 7 for several months now, and I'm just about ready to enter the world of automated futures trading. However, before I do, I'd love to read some "battle stories" from other custom-coded strategy authors out there. Please understand: I'm not interested in hearing any tips about indicators or settings or combinations of EMA's, or C-Sharp coding tutorials. I'm interested in what we call, in the software developer world, "Best Practices".
For example, when writing a strategy for backtesting, I'll simply check for my signals and conditions, and then use EnterLongLimit() or EnterShortLimit() to enter my trade. Is that good enough for "prime time"? I'd like to see examples of how to handle order confirmations, no-fills, and partial fills. (I never have more than one position open at a time, per instrument.)
I usually just set my stop losses with a call to SetStopLoss() or SetTrailStop(). Simple in simulation; how well do these features work in real life? I also have some strategies that are much more dynamic in modifying my stops. Are there any negative repercussions to doing this with real-money trading, instead of relying on Stop Limit orders?
How about exceptional events? Spikes, unplanned market closures? I hope I'm making my question clear: I'm asking for advice/tips on writing automated trading strategies that take into account the difference between a nice, neat simulation environment, and the chaotic elbow-to-the-ribs of real-world trading.
For example, when writing a strategy for backtesting, I'll simply check for my signals and conditions, and then use EnterLongLimit() or EnterShortLimit() to enter my trade. Is that good enough for "prime time"? I'd like to see examples of how to handle order confirmations, no-fills, and partial fills. (I never have more than one position open at a time, per instrument.)
I usually just set my stop losses with a call to SetStopLoss() or SetTrailStop(). Simple in simulation; how well do these features work in real life? I also have some strategies that are much more dynamic in modifying my stops. Are there any negative repercussions to doing this with real-money trading, instead of relying on Stop Limit orders?
How about exceptional events? Spikes, unplanned market closures? I hope I'm making my question clear: I'm asking for advice/tips on writing automated trading strategies that take into account the difference between a nice, neat simulation environment, and the chaotic elbow-to-the-ribs of real-world trading.
