Clearing cache, is it just deleting folders?

[MatthewLesko]

What's the best way to clear cache, and anything else for that matter, to help keep NinjaTrader Desktop clean and efficient?
Do I just delete these folders?
Is any important information lost when I do that?

Documents\\NinjaTrader 8\db\cache
Documents\NinjaTrader 8\db\minute
Documents\NinjaTrader 8\db\day
Documents\NinjaTrader 8\db\messages
Documents\NinjaTrader 8\db\snapshot
Documents\NinjaTrader 8\db\tick

[QuantKey_Bruce]

See also duplicate https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/...leting-folders

[NinjaTrader_JustinD]

Hello MatthewLesko,

Thank you for using NinjaTrader.


No important information is lost when removing the data in those folders so long as you have access to your data provider which can redownload any data you need from their servers. There are no other steps required to clear the cache on the platform.

In addition to clearing the cache, here are some other steps to help increase efficiency in your platform if it is not behaving as you expect. First, I highly recommend going through our Performance Tips, which outline all the best methods for reliable performance from NinjaTrader on any computer.

Be sure to install all available updates for your PC from the Windows Settings > Update and Security page as well. Manually check for updates here, and reboot your PC after any are installed.

If you are using any 3rd-party add-ons, please keep in mind that we do not control how well they will perform and that the more you ask of NinjaTrader to load on your charts, the more it pushes your PC which may result in freezing or lagging behavior.

As always, please feel free to write in with any additional questions you have regarding NinjaTrader.

[jeronymite]

Just for clarity, NinjaTrader_JustinD, are you saying that the actual folders can be deleted or merely the content in those folders?

Thanks.

[bltdavid]

Just for clarity, NinjaTrader_JustinD, are you saying that the actual folders can be deleted or merely the content in those folders?

I just delete the folders.

Remember, before deleting any folder,

-- MAKE SURE NinjaTrader.exe IS NOT RUNNING --

When NinjaTrader starts back up, if any required folder is missing,
it will be recreated automatically.

I've watched the 'reincarnation' of these folders in File Explorer
many times.

Fyi, another tip:
The tmp folder is automatically cleared at startup. This means
any leftover files your indicator/strategy leaves there will be
deleted automatically when NT is restarted. I store log files,
debug logs, lock files, and any other temporary file I may have
a need for, in the tmp folder, knowing they'll be cleared and gone
when NT starts back up.

[QuantKey_Bruce]

I just delete the folders.

Remember, before deleting any folder,

-- MAKE SURE NinjaTrader.exe IS NOT RUNNING --

When NinjaTrader starts back up, if any required folder is missing,
it will be recreated automatically.

I delete the folders as well, and this works fine.

There is also a suggestion at https://forum.ninjatrader.com/forum/...27#post1241327 to add a way to do this from within the control center which is friendlier for end users than asking them to browse to the right folder and delete it. One peril of having them do that is it is easy to confuse Documents -> NinjaTrader 8 -> cache for Documents -> NinjaTrader 8 -> db -> cache. They each store something different - the former is a cache of reflected types, while the latter is a cache of constructed bars.

[jeronymite]

Thanks, as always to bltdavid and QuantKey_Bruce for additional sensible comments.

My question was more intended for NinjaTrader to declare what they consider as "supported", so that there can be no doubt. If folders, that aligns with what many already do. If only contents, that is important to hear from NinjaTrader.

Thanks.

[NinjaTrader_JustinD]

Hello jeronymite,

Thank you for your response.


Both processes will work actually! If you delete the entire folders themselves while the platform is closed, they will automatically be recreated when you restart giving the historical data you download on your charts and other cached information a location to reside. It is important not to do this with files in other places within the Documents/NinjaTrader 8 folder as they are not all able to function this way.

Incorrectly removing other files or folders may result in a corrupted installation that can only be fixed with a Repair or a complete reinstallation of the platform.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.