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C++ vs Python

Jan 16, 2016 at 17:34
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5 Replies
Yurin92
forex_trader_294488
Member Since Dec 28, 2015   8 posts
Jan 16, 2016 at 17:34
Hi everyone over there!

I have been trying to program my strategy to work alone, in form of EA with Metatrader 4. But although I'm not proficency with MQL4, I already see the bottelnecks of this platform and this programming language. I wonder if it would be a good idea to learn to code python or C++, run my own robot in my own 'platform' on a Raspberry Pi. I could use some APIs and tools some brokers offer, like Oanda (the one I am currently using).

My questions are:
- Is it worth the effort?
- Which language should I choose?

Thank you very much in advance. Please, feel free to share your opinions and experiences.
Member Since Jan 22, 2010   99 posts
Jan 17, 2016 at 07:28
Python - faster to develop and easier to learn
Member Since Sep 20, 2014   365 posts
Jan 18, 2016 at 01:05 (edited Jan 18, 2016 at 01:14)
I went Java, but I'd say as a rule of thumb if a broker offers a Java API you'll find C++ and FIX API's as well. Your better brokers will always have API's and I'd go as far as to say if you really are going to do this professionally then you have to use enterprise grade code. Can't do that in MT as you're in someone else's framework.

MT is ok to get you going, but once you've cut your teeth it's time to move onto something a bit faster and more professional.

Also, I don't know why you'd bother with something like Raspberry Pi, you can simply leave your compiled code in the cloud, it will always be on, no bad connections or any of the shit that comes with having a physical box somewhere.

 
Yurin92
forex_trader_294488
Member Since Dec 28, 2015   8 posts
Jan 18, 2016 at 12:21
I would like to learn and use something 'scalable'. Right now I don't have much money to fund an account. That's why I'm thinking about Raspberry Pi and not a VPS. But I would like to invest my time learning something that I can use in the longterm and not something that will be 'useless' in some months.

I tried MQL4, but I would like to work with tick information and not with time candles. I am not doing HFT right now, but I don't discard that idea, hence I am looking for something fast.
Member Since Sep 20, 2014   365 posts
Jan 18, 2016 at 12:42
Then you only have one option.

It's Oanda, it's the REST API with a language and operating system of your choice.

You'll need a development machine, I know nothing about the Raspberry, but you'll need something that can handle the compiler of your choice.

Maybe you don't even need that, I don't really know what the cloud can do but I'd imagine you could get a Linux environment to work from for next to nothing in the cloud.

And if I can give you any advice. Fx is not for the poor. It will ruin your life. You need resources to do this. The rags to riches story is a myth. The brokers publish their figures. It's 30% per annum and it's not the same 30% every annum, rest is a bell curve, so maybe 10% will make it and of those 10% about 1% will really make it. So maybe out of every 100 000 people trying this maybe 1000 are ok. And I guarantee you they can afford computers and VPS's.

I've been paying for PS's for 14 years at anything from $100 a month to $200. Do the math. Think long and hard. This is not easy quick money.
Yurin92
forex_trader_294488
Member Since Dec 28, 2015   8 posts
Jan 18, 2016 at 13:37
Thank you very much for your advice. I already know it is not easy or simple. That's why I am asking. As I said, I want something I can learn and adapt to my needs in the longterm.

I'll consider your advice and have a look at these ideas.

Thank you very much
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