The tools of our trade...

asimon 03-12-2006, 10:29 PM

The following are the essential resources:

The 4XLab.NET source code, FREE, but must register and login to the forums.
Here you have a description of the software
As an alternative, you can download the Source Code to the Trading Systems Version. No forums login is required, and you can start developing and testing trading systems and indicators inmediately.
Visual C# 2005 Express Edition, FREE, follow manual installation instructions for a key and registration free install
Quote data from http://ratedata.gaincapital.com, FREE, will post a few quote files here later.

These should be enough to start developing mechanical trading systems.

The following are nice to have:

Metatrader 4 client terminal, FREE, must complete very simple registration inside program.
This program was my initial source of quote data, plus it can be used to visualize indicators, and is a very good source of indicator source code.
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, FREE.
Later versions of 4XLab.NET will use both .CSV files and database connections as sources of tick data.
OANDA FXGame account, FREE, never expires.
This is the broker we will be using for the actual trading. Open an account so you can familiarize yourself with the environment.

You should be thoroughly amazed at the amount of quality free resources available online.