Do I need to modify my strategy code if I switch data provider or broker?

[billythekid72]

Hello,

Once I have developed and tested a strategy, do I need to modify the strategy code if I switch live data provider or broker?

Thanks,

Billy

[NinjaTrader_ChrisL]

Hi Billy, thanks for posting. That will not be necessary. All you will need to do is switch the "Account" drop-down to run the strategy on your live account.

Kind regards,
-ChrisL

[billythekid72]

Thank you Chris.

[jeronymite]

billythekid72 The code should still execute without the need for modification when changing brokers. However, whether it will execute in the same way as for the other broker will depend on your logic and how similar the broker connections are in terms of the data provided, order types supported, speed of execution in the market, etc. For brokers with similar capabilities and data provisions, you'll probably have similar execution. But you may find significant differences between them; for example, the order types supported (not all brokers support all order types), the prices in the data (not all price data feeds are the same -- different brokers may provide different Ask/Bid prices and that affects spread), not all brokers support the same minimum forex lot size, etc.

Basically, you'll need to validate that your code works as expected/desired with the new broker, and adjust it if need be.

Thanks.

[billythekid72]

Hello @jeronymite,

Thank you for sharing your insights, they are invaluable.

Best,

Billy