count++

Is there a way I can get count++ to function on multiple variables simultaneously.

Say I have variable X, Y & Z and X occurs have it count and store 1 occurrence for X and 2 occurrences for Y etc..

But instead of having just variableX count++ and variableY count++ separate, have them combined something like..

variable()++ where whatever is inside () it will track and store for example 1 occurrence of X, 2 occurrences of Y etc.

What would I have to put inside the () to do this? Or if that's completely off is there anyway to accomplish this?

Not really since the ++ operator only increments the variable its used on.

What you can do is create a class method that can act on multiple variables (i.e. Properties).

Code:

---

    class Test
    {
        public int X { get; private set; }
        public int Y { get; private set; }
        public int Z { get; private set; }

        public void Increment()
        {
            X++;
            Y++;
            Z++;
        }
        public override string ToString() { return String.Format("X: {0} Y: {1} Z: {2}", X, Y, Z); }
    }

---

Code:

---

    class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            var test = new Test();
            Console.WriteLine(test);

            test.Increment();
            Console.WriteLine(test);

        }
    }

---

Output:

Code:

---

X: 0 Y: 0 Z: 0
X: 1 Y: 1 Z: 1

---

Thanks for this, best info I've received so far. If what I'm trying to count is the # of times the three stock ticker symbols below are triggered for a trade. Would I have to make a seperate variable for each of these below or can I somehow use info from the below initialize section without having to create a new variable for each. The method below is standard to the trading software called Ninja Trader that I use.

protected override void Initialize()
{
#region
//5min price bars
Add("MSFT",PeriodType.Minute, 5); //In 0 placeholder position
Add("AAPL",PeriodType.Minute, 5); //In 1 placeholder position
Add("NFLX",PeriodType.Minute, 5); //In 2 placeholder position

There method for entering a trade is
EnterLong()

So every time after one of the tickers enters long I'm looking for it to count and store it.

So you are saying that an EnterLong() method gets called for each of the Add("stock"...) entries?

Or does a single EnterLong(....) method gets called that lets you know the count and the stock that was updated?

Btw, there are lot's of ways to structure this, but one simple way is to use a dictionary.

Code:

---

Dictionary<string, int> _stockCounts = new Dictionary<string, int>();

---

you initially add some stocks.

Code:

---

_stockCounts.Add("MSFT", 0);
_stockCounts.Add("AAPL", 0);

---

to increment a count...

Code:

---

_stockCounts["MSFT"]++;

---

So if EnterLong(....) passed in the stock, you could do something like:

Code:

---

public override void EnterLong( string stockSymbol )
{
  if(_stockCounts.ContainsKey(stockSymbol))
  {
    _stockCounts[stockSymbol]++;
  }
}

---

Ya, you actually understand what im trying to do thats great. EnterLong() gets called for any stock that meets the entry conditions. Each stock 0 thru 2 is passed thru the entry conditions via the for loop below. 0 being 1st stock, 1 being 2nd stock and so on. I used series instead of stock below. Then the software uses BarsInProgress below I guess to call each Added stock from the initialize section.

for (int series = 0; series < 3; series++)
if (BarsInProgress == series)

//conditions for stock entry where "series" is plugged in.
EnterLong() //enters long for any stock/series thats passing thru at the moment that met conditions
//here count & hold # entries for each particular stock/series that triggered

where you have [stockSymbol] above will that pull each stock in the dictionary through?

and what is ContainsKey?

I will have 100's of stocks so thats why Im trying to loop all stocks through limited code and not have to repeat EnterLong() for each individual stock over and over.

To answer your questions, you need to better define what this is:

Quote:

---

There method for entering a trade is
EnterLong()

---

Does this get called by the framework you are using? and, if so...
Does a separate EnterLong() method get called for each stock?
or
Does a single EnterLong() method get called for all the stocks? If so, how do you know which stock is getting updated?

Yes a single EnterLong() method gets called for all stocks. That for loop that loops the script through 0,1,2... that proceeds BarsInProgress == 0, then goes to BarsInProgress == 1 then BarsInProgress == 2 and so on and dictates which stock is running through. So when 0 is looping through the script the first stock is routing through all the code and ultimately to EnterLong(), then 1 is looping through which is the second stock and so on.

0 is.. Add("1st stock", 0)
1 is.. Add("2nd stock", 0)

BarsInProgress is just basically the Stock.

Can you post the code within the single EnterLong() method?

Oh boy well here goes, hope it doesn't scare you away. I used NumEntries++ any place where I was wanting it to count and store entries, but that's not anything that actually functions. After it counts I was wanting it to route back to the bool statement that you will see below to make sure number of entries is < 1.

Code:

---

protected override void Initialize()
{
#region Primary 5min

  //Primary 5min
  Add("ACE",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
  Add("ACN",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
  Add("ADT",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
  Add("SCTY",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
#endregion

#region Secondary 1min
  //Secondary 1min
  Add("ABC",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
  Add("ACE",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
  Add("ACN",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
  Add("ADT",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
  Add("SCTY",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
#endregion

  Add(SMA(Fast));
  Add(SMA(Slow));

  EntriesPerDirection = 1;
  EntryHandling = EntryHandling.UniqueEntries;
  CalculateOnBarClose = true;

}

/// <summary>
/// Called on each bar update event (incoming tick)
/// </summary>
protected override void OnBarUpdate()
{
  //for loop to iterate each instrument through, "series" is 5min of each instrument, "series + 5" is 1min of each instrument.
  for (int series = 0; series < 5; series++)
{
    if (BarsInProgress == series + 5) //OnBarUpdate called for 1min bars
    { 
      bool enterTrade = false;
      if (NumEntries < 1)
      {
        enterTrade = true;
      }
      else
      {
        enterTrade = BarsSinceEntry(series, "", 0) > 2;
      }

      if (enterTrade)
      {
          // Condition set 1 Long Entry, fast MA cross above slow MA & current price > high of bar at cross.
          if (SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1]
              && SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[2] < SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2]
              && Closes[series + 5][0] > Highs[series][1] + distance
              && SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] + .01 )
  {
          EnterLong(200);
          NumEntries++;
  }
      }
} }

---

I took the liberty of formatting your code a bit. I also added curly braces because without them, it's easy to introduce error because a for loop will only act on the first line of code immediately following the for loop (or the if statement). Maybe it works right now without the extra braces, but you might add a line of code and then it won't work as you expect. Better to get into the practice of adding curly braces after for and if statements. Then it's clear to all how the code should work.

That being said, I took a guess as to where the placement of the NumEntries++; statement should go. I probably got it wrong (which is why you should use curly braces).

As far as the code scaring me. I'm not scared, but I really don't know what you are accomplishing with this code. In earlier posts, you mentioned that EnterLong() method gets called. Well, the way you have that coded, you always pass in a value of 200, so I'm not sure what that does.

Also, what is NumEntries? Is that the number of stocks or the number of tick counts? Or the number of times something meets your criteria?

Getting back to what we discussed earlier with keeping track of counts for a particular stock. Looking at your code, you are tracking the stock by it's index (i.e. the series variable), right? Therefore if a stock meets the criteria and you want to increment its count, you can use a dictionary like I described before (except make it a Dictionary<int, int>) and then change your code to:

Code:

---

          // Condition set 1 Long Entry, fast MA cross above slow MA & current price > high of bar at cross.
          if (SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1]
              && SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[2] < SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2]
              && Closes[series + 5][0] > Highs[series][1] + distance
              && SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] + .01 )
  {
      _stockCounts[series]++;
//          EnterLong(200);
//          NumEntries++;
  }

---

That will increment the count on the stock (by its series index) when it meets your criteria. Then if you need to find out the count elsewhere, just retrieve the count for a stock by calling

Code:

---

var singleStockCount = _stockCounts[series];

---

There are actually a better ways to do this, but this approach is very simple.

I just missed a curly bracket when I was copying and pasting and moving things around, sorry about that. And NumEntries++ is just the number of times a particular stock or index meets the criteria and Enters the stock Long. The 200 is just the # of shares to buy. EnterLong(int quantity).

Yes tracking by the index which I named series(could have just named index instead).

Thanks alot! I will experiment with this over the weekend and let you know how I make out.

I'm getting some compile errors. Do I put the Dictionary in the initialize() section above all the add's as I have below or is there something else basic I'm missing?

It's telling me type or namespace Dictionary could not be found, and _stockCounts does not exist in current context. Also I'm not sure if I used the ContainsKey() statement near EnterLong() correctly?

Code:

---

protected override void Initialize()
        {
Dictionary<int, int> _stockCounts = new Dictionary<int, int>();
                       
#region Primary 5min                       
//Primary 5min
_stockCounts.Add("ACE",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
_stockCounts.Add("ACN",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
_stockCounts.Add("ADT",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
_stockCounts.Add("SCTY",PeriodType.Minute, 5);
#endregion

#region Secondary 1min
//Secondary 1min
_stockCounts.Add("ABC",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
_stockCounts.Add("ACE",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
_stockCounts.Add("ACN",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
_stockCounts.Add("ADT",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
_stockCounts.Add("SCTY",PeriodType.Minute, 1);
#endregion
                       
                        Add(SMA(Fast));
            Add(SMA(Slow));
                       
                        EntriesPerDirection = 1;
                        EntryHandling = EntryHandling.UniqueEntries;
                                                       
            CalculateOnBarClose = true;

        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Called on each bar update event (incoming tick)
        /// </summary>
        protected override void OnBarUpdate()
        {       
       
               
          //for loop to iterate each instrument through, "series" is 5min of each instrument, "series + 5" is 1min of each instrument.
                        for (int series = 0; series < 5; series++)
                        if (BarsInProgress == series + 5) //OnBarUpdate called for 1min bars
                        {       
                                var singleStockCount = _stockCounts[series];
                                bool enterTrade = false;
                               
                            if (singleStockCount < 1)
                                {
                                enterTrade = true;
                                }
                                else
                                {
                                enterTrade = BarsSinceEntry(series, "", 0) > 2;
                                }

                if (enterTrade)
                                  {  // Condition set 1 Long Entry, fast MA cross above slow MA & current price > high of bar at cross.
                        if (SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] &&
                                        SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[2] < SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] && Closes[series + 5][0] > Highs[series][1] + distance
                                        && SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] + .01 )

                            EnterLong(200);
                                {
                                  if(_stockCounts.ContainsKey(series))
                                  {
                                      _stockCounts[series]++;
                                    }
                                }
                      }
            }
               
}

---

I solved the namespace issue by adding using System.Collections.Generic;

But using this... _stockCounts.Add("ACE",PeriodType.Minute, 5);

I don't think I can use...

Dictionary<string, int> _stockCounts = new Dictionary<string, int>();

Dictionary only has 2 arguments I need a string, PeriodType, and int. Someone suggested using a list of struct's but I'm not sure what the heck that means.

Any idea?

Thanks

You can use an dictionary of structs, but you can also keep it simple. Instead of supplying a string, period type and value, can get rid of the period type by converting everything to the lowest unit. For example if you only track hours and seconds (and don't need milli-seconds), convert the hours to seconds and store everything in seconds. Therefore the dictionary will be <string, int> where the int represents the seconds.

Btw, using a struct is a good idea, but try to get this approach working first.

I don't believe it will allow me to do that, it appears from the software manual below that it requires 3 arguments, otherwise I would think I will get a compile error...

The following syntax allows you to add another Bars object for a different instrument to the script.
Add(string instrumentName, PeriodType periodType, int period)

The only way I could have 2 arguments is if I left out the 1st argument as below...
Add(PeriodType periodType, int period)

Unless you disagree with my above email and still think I can somehow use dictionary, I am moving forward and attempting to use a list of structs below. But how do I set it up so it has the 3 arguments defined..string, PeriodType, int? Or maybe the below is completely wrong?

List<Stocks> _stockcount = new List<Stocks>();
Stocks data = new Stocks();
{
Stock1 = "AAPL"
Stock2 = "MSFT"
};

_stockcount.Add(data);

You aren't following. I'm not suggesting that you use 2 params. If you store the vales always as seconds, you can determine the period type and be able to pass 3 params. If you don't see how to do this, then use a struct.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You aren't following. I'm not suggesting that you use 2 params. If you store the vales always as seconds, you can determine the period type and be able to pass 3 params. If you don't see how to do this, then use a struct.

---

I guess I am not following as Dictionary only allows 2 parameters as far as I know, I don't see how I can use 3.

You store the name and seconds in the dictionary. When you call the api which takes 3 params, you have the name (1st param) and the seconds. You use the seconds value to derive the last 2 params.

For example, if the PeriodType is Hours and the value is 60, then 3600 would be stored in the dictionary. When you call the api, to determine the PeriodType, you divide by 60 multiple times to determing if the PeriodType is hours, minutes or seconds. If this is too complicated, use a struct.

Code:

---

public struct StockEntry
{
  public string Name { get; set; }
  public PeriodType Period { get; set; }
  public int Value { get; set; }
  public int Count { get; set; }
}

Dictionary<string, StockEntry> _stocks = new Dictionary<string, StockEntry>();

// example of adding a stock to the dictionary
_stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You store the name and seconds in the dictionary. When you call the api which takes 3 params, you have the name (1st param) and the seconds. You use the seconds value to derive the last 2 params.

For example, if the PeriodType is Hours and the value is 60, then 3600 would be stored in the dictionary. When you call the api, to determine the PeriodType, you divide by 60 multiple times to determing if the PeriodType is hours, minutes or seconds. If this is too complicated, use a struct.

Code:

---

public struct StockEntry
{
  public string Name { get; set; }
  public PeriodType Period { get; set; }
  public int Value { get; set; }
  public int Count { get; set; }
}

Dictionary<string, StockEntry> _stocks = new Dictionary<string, StockEntry>();

// example of adding a stock to the dictionary
_stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

---

---

I think I might be retarded, so if I have Add("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5) instead I would do Add("ABC", PeriodType.Second, 300)?? It's not making sense to me because I have to put PeriodType.Second or Min or whatever which is not of type int, it's of type PeriodType. So when it tries to pull in 300 to PeriodType.Sec ill get an error I would think.

Maybe the struct is the way to go. So you wrote..
_stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", .... } );
but where you have the ,...... would I fill it in as such...
{ Name = "ABC", Period = Minute, Value = 5, Count = what would I put for Count here because that is yet to be determined I think?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

what would I put for Count here because that is yet to be determined I think?

---

set it to 0 or don't include the count property. By default integer variables are initially set to zero.

Think I'm getting close, but I'm getting the error... "The name '_stocks' does not exist in the current context
" for the 3 locations highlighted in blue below. Any idea?

Code:

---

public struct StockEntry
{
  public string Name { get; set; }
  public PeriodType Period { get; set; }
  public int Value { get; set; }
  public int Count { get; set; }
}

 protected override void Initialize()
{                                               

Dictionary<string, StockEntry> _stocks = new Dictionary<string, StockEntry>();
                       
_stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", Period = PeriodType.Minute, Value = 5, Count = 0 } );
_stocks.Add("ACE", new StockEntry { Name = "ACE", Period = PeriodType.Minute, Value = 5, Count = 0 } );
}

      protected override void OnBarUpdate()
      {
                for (int series = 0; series < 2; series++)
                if (BarsInProgress == series + 2) //OnBarUpdate called for 1min bars
                    {       
                                var singleStockCount = _stocks[series];
                                bool enterTrade = false;
                               
                            if (singleStockCount < 1)
                                {
                                enterTrade = true;
                                }
                                else
                                {
                                enterTrade = BarsSinceEntry(series, "", 0) > 2;
                                }

                if (enterTrade)
                                 
                      {  // Condition set 1 Long Entry, fast MA cross above slow MA & current price > high of bar at cross.
                        if (SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] &&
                                        SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[2] < SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] && Closes[series + 2][0] > Highs[series][1] + distance
                                        && SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] + .01)
                                                                       


                    EnterLong(200);
                                {
                                  if(_stocks.ContainsKey(series))
                                    {
                                      _stocks[series]++;
                                    }
                                }                               
                      }
              }
        }

---

You've declared the _stocks dictionary within the Initialize method. This makes the _stocks variable a local variable and only accessible within the Initialize method. You need to declare the _stocks variable as a field of the class (so it can be accessed by any method of the class).

If you don't know how to do this, consult an online C# tutorial (which can teach you c# basis better than we can here on code guru).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You've declared the _stocks dictionary within the Initialize method. This makes the _stocks variable a local variable and only accessible within the Initialize method. You need to declare the _stocks variable as a field of the class (so it can be accessed by any method of the class).

If you don't know how to do this, consult an online C# tutorial (which can teach you c# basis better than we can here on code guru).

---

Ok so I have declared it for the class as such..
private Dictionary<string, StockEntry> _stocks;

But the problem now is that in my OnBarUpdate() section below it's trying to access a dictionary via an index like normal arrays or lists which I can't do. It has to access via its key but I'm not quite sure how to do this? Do I replace "series" below with KeyValuePair<string, StockEntry> or something to that affect?

Code:

---

protected override void OnBarUpdate()

{ 
//for loop to iterate each instrument through
for (int series = 0; series < 5; series++)
if (BarsInProgress == series)
{ 
var singleStockCount = _stocks[series];
bool enterTrade = false;
  if (singleStockCount < 1)
{
enterTrade = true;
}
else
{
enterTrade = BarsSinceEntry(series, "", 0) > 2;
}

                if (enterTrade)
 {  // Condition for Long Entry here


                  EnterLong(200);
{
 if(_stocks.ContainsKey(series))
{
_stocks[series]++;
}
}
 }
            }
}

---

Instead of using a string (i.e. stock name) as the dictionary key, use an integer. Then you can access the stock by series index.

Keep in mind that the following doesn't return a count.

Code:

---

var stockEntry = _stocks[series];

---

It returns a StockEntry object. So if you want to increment its count, you'll need to do:

Code:

---

_stocks[series].Count++;

---

or

Code:

---

var stockEntry = _stocks[series];
stockEntry.Count++;

---

Quote:

---

Instead of using a string (i.e. stock name) as the dictionary key, use an integer. Then you can access the stock by series index.

---

So where I have.... _
_stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

would I replace "ABC" with 0 as below?...
_stocks.Add(0, new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

and if so how does "ABC" get assigned to Index 0? Does Name = "ABC" in StockEntry take care of this?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

So where I have.... _
_stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

would I replace "ABC" with 0 as below?...
_stocks.Add(0, new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

and if so how does "ABC" get assigned to Index 0? Does Name = "ABC" in StockEntry take care of this?

---

You are in control of your code. When you add the entries, is it more convenient to track the entries by index or by name? Only you can answer this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You are in control of your code. When you add the entries, is it more convenient to track the entries by index or by name? Only you can answer this.

---

With the way I already have it setup with the for loop below and the fact that I have to use the softwares internal command of BarsInProgress which requires an int, I guess my only choice really is to track by index.
for (int series = 0; series < 5; series++)
if (BarsInProgress == series)

But my concern is when I add a stock to the dictionary as below...
_stocks.Add(0, new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", ... } );

Will stock ABC be assigned to index 0 because of the first term and because of Name = "ABC" or will it just automatically be assigned to an index 1 because it was the first one to be added?

Normally when I would just Add a stock using Add("ABC", "", "") the software will assign this to index 1, then the next one I Add would take index 2. The program assigns index 0 to whatever stock chart is open in the software at the time by default.

I guess I'm not understanding the basics of what putting in the 0 as the first term is doing exactly, and what Name = "ABC" is doing exactly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

I guess I'm not understanding the basics of what putting in the 0 as the first term is doing exactly, and what Name = "ABC" is doing exactly.

---

It's a common mistake for beginners to dive into a larger program without understanding the building blocks of the language. Fortunately you can step out of the real program and create a test program that helps you understand at any time.

Whe you say you don't understand the Dictionary class, learn about it by reading an online tutorial and write a test console app where you can try out some dictionary concepts. It might take 30 minutes to an hour to work through the basics, but it will be time well spent. Once you understand the dictionary well enough (can add and access dictionary items), the you can go back and use what you've learned in your real program.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Arjay

It's a common mistake for beginners to dive into a larger program without understanding the building blocks of the language. Fortunately you can step out of the real program and create a test program that helps you understand at any time.

Whe you say you don't understand the Dictionary class, learn about it by reading an online tutorial and write a test console app where you can try out some dictionary concepts. It might take 30 minutes to an hour to work through the basics, but it will be time well spent. Once you understand the dictionary well enough (can add and access dictionary items), the you can go back and use what you've learned in your real program.

---

I understand the dictionary class as far as the first argument being the key and the second being the values. I just didn't quite understand what you were trying to accomplish with having "ABC twice in the following... _stocks.Add("ABC", new StockEntry { Name = "ABC",....). Only info I ever see is simple Dictionary's where it's dictionary.Add("CAT", 2) so I'm just getting a bit thrown off when "ABC" is showing up twice.

Either way I think there might be an issue as tech support for NinjaTrader is saying... "Using a Dictionary collection is not directly supported in NinjaScript".

Can I use List in the same manner as in the following?....
List<StockEntry> _stocks = new List<StockEntry>();
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", Period = PeriodType.Minute, Value = 5, Count = 0 } );

You can use a List. As far as the documentation saying a dictionary isn't supported, I call B.S. If you are able to write supporting code, you can choose any storage method you want and it the program won't be impacted per se.

I recommended a dictionary because early on it wasn't clear how the entries were accessed, but use a List if it makes more sense. Remember, you are in charge of the code.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You can use a List. As far as the documentation saying a dictionary isn't supported, I call B.S. If you are able to write supporting code, you can choose any storage method you want and it the program won't be impacted per se.

I recommended a dictionary because early on it wasn't clear how the entries were accessed, but use a List if it makes more sense. Remember, you are in charge of the code.

---

I sure don't feel like I'm in charge of my code..lol. I'm not getting any compile errors but it doesn't seem to be working correctly. When I add a stock to the List as below is this becoming Index 1 or just the 1st item in a list?
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry { Name = "ABC", Period = PeriodType.Minute, Value = 5, Count = 0 } );

Because later on in the script I have the for loop which is supposed to be pushing through index 1 or stock 1, then Index 2 or stock 2 and so on.
for (int series = 0; series < 5; series++)
if (BarsInProgress == series)
//conditions for stock entry

You've reached the point where you need to read up on List<> in msdn and debug you code by stepping through it. To set a breakpoint, use the mouse to click on the

Code:

---

for(int series = 0,...)

---

line and press F9. You'll see a little red dot appear to the left. When the program runs (press F5 to start the program in debug mode), it will stop on this breakpoint and allow you to look at the values of the variables. This will answer you questions (along with reading the msdn documentation) on whether the first item added to a list is added at index 0 or 1.

To learn how to program, you'll need to spend some time doing tutorials, reading msdn documentation and debugging (i.e. stepping through your code).

Ok I will run some breakpoints. It's sounds like you are sure though the items added are taking on Index #'s for sure, I wasn't sure if they were taking on any Index at all and just going straight to a List or something. Just one question before I go off on a venture on msdn. Seeing I switched from a dictionary to a list does the Count code change from this....

EnterLong(200);
{
if(_stocks.ContainsKey(series))
{
_stocks[series].Count++;
}
}

To just this?...

EnterLong(200);
_stocks[series].Count++;

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

Ok I will run some breakpoints. It's sounds like you are sure though the items added are taking on Index #'s for sure, I wasn't sure if they were taking on any Index at all and just going straight to a List or something. Just one question before I go off on a venture on msdn. Seeing I switched from a dictionary to a list does the Count code change from this....

EnterLong(200);
{
if(_stocks.ContainsKey(series))
{
_stocks[series].Count++;
}
}

To just this?...

EnterLong(200);
_stocks[series].Count++;

---

I could answer this, but I'm sure we'd keep going and I'm running out of time. Not to mention that I've been answering frome my smart phone so formatting code responses is time consuming.

You really shouldn't think of looking into msdn as venturing off. It should be you first place to find basic syntax answers and general .net class answers. If you enter "List<> class msdn" into a bing or google search, you'll find some links that take you to the msdn docs.

You can also search for "C# List<> tutorial" which should answer your question of whether an index gets created when you insert an item into a list. Actually, I've already told you how to find that answer when I said to create a test project and try things out.

You can continue to ask questions on a forum, but if you want to really learn, you'll need to roll your sleeves up, set some breakpoints, debug and understand the code you are writing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

I could answer this, but I'm sure we'd keep going and I'm running out of time. Not to mention that I've been answering frome my smart phone so formatting code responses is time consuming.

You really shouldn't think of looking into msdn as venturing off. It should be you first place to find basic syntax answers and general .net class answers. If you enter "List<> class msdn" into a bing or google search, you'll find some links that take you to the msdn docs.

You can also search for "C# List<> tutorial" which should answer your question of whether an index gets created when you insert an item into a list. Actually, I've already told you how to find that answer when I said to create a test project and try things out.

You can continue to ask questions on a forum, but if you want to really learn, you'll need to roll your sleeves up, set some breakpoints, debug and understand the code you are writing.

---

I've studied the msdn docs. It seems like the text on lists and count is just not advanced enough to tackle what I'm trying to accomplish. I've tried running breakpoints but it doesn't give the information I'm seeking. The only place where I see the breakpoints useful is where I have the indexes or series looping through, I can see the index 1,2, 3 etc. looping through. But when I try to set a breakpoint on _stocks[series].Count++ or on if (_stocks[series].Count < 1) to see which series is routing through it doesn't run or I am unable to pin it as I can in other areas where series is in the script. I must be missing something?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

I've studied the msdn docs. It seems like the text on lists and count is just not advanced enough to tackle what I'm trying to accomplish. I've tried running breakpoints but it doesn't give the information I'm seeking. The only place where I see the breakpoints useful is where I have the indexes or series looping through, I can see the index 1,2, 3 etc. looping through.

---

Text on lists? This doesn't make much sense because a list can store any data type. It can be as complex or advanced as you need it to be. When your code hits a breakpoint you can inspect any variable in scope including lists, the contents of lists and so on. You can also open the watch and locals windows while debugging. The watch windows allows you to add the variables to inspect while the locals window displays the variables that are currently in scope. If you want additional help, pm me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

Text on lists? This doesn't make much sense because a list can store any data type.

---

Oh I just meant the documentation regarding Lists. I'll PM after I look into the breakpoints a bit more. thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You can use a List. As far as the documentation saying a dictionary isn't supported, I call B.S. If you are able to write supporting code, you can choose any storage method you want and it the program won't be impacted per se.

I recommended a dictionary because early on it wasn't clear how the entries were accessed, but use a List if it makes more sense. Remember, you are in charge of the code.

---

Received some further info regarding the Add method. It's not that List is not supported in the Ninja Trader Software, it's the fact that in order for a stocks data(such as open, close, high, low data within a 5min period) to be pulled from the local database into the script the stock needs to be added in this way in Initialize()... Add("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5); This added stock then takes on Index 1 and this Index now carries all the stocks data throughout the script to make further decisions.

When it's setup as _stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5)); All this is doing is adding this stock to the internal list, it's not pulling in the stock data for stock "ABC" from the local database.

So is there a way I can add all the stocks as ... Add("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5); where it takes on Index 1 and have it Count how many times Index 1 passes through the method of EnterLong() that's further along in the script? EnterLong is basically a method that executes a trade after it passes all conditions in the script.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

Received some further info regarding the Add method. It's not that List is not supported in the Ninja Trader Software, it's the fact that in order for a stocks data(such as open, close, high, low data within a 5min period) to be pulled from the local database into the script the stock needs to be added in this way in Initialize()... Add("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5); This added stock then takes on Index 1 and this Index now carries all the stocks data throughout the script to make further decisions.

---

Not quite. Whenever you call the Add(...) method, it is going to add an entry and its index will start at 0 (zero-based index). So if you have two stock entries, the first will be accessed at index 0 and the second one will be index 1.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

When it's setup as _stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5)); All this is doing is adding this stock to the internal list, it's not pulling in the stock data for stock "ABC" from the local database.

---

I realize how it works. I'm trying to educate you on how it works. When you add to _stocks, it's going to add any info you tell it to add initially. If you need to gather additional info, then it's up to you to add it and up to you to update it later in the program.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zirjeo

So is there a way I can add all the stocks as ... Add("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5); where it takes on Index 1 and have it Count how many times Index 1 passes through the method of EnterLong() that's further along in the script? EnterLong is basically a method that executes a trade after it passes all conditions in the script.

---

You seem to misunderstand how the index works. If you add multiple stocks, not every one is going to be at index 1. If you want more help, you are going to have to post the complete code. I understand that you may not want to publicly post the code, so that is why I have suggested for you to pm me. We're at 40 posts right now, it's going to be much simpler for me to modify your code rather than keep going round and round explaining the same things over again in conversation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

Not quite. Whenever you call the Add(...) method, it is going to add an entry and its index will start at 0 (zero-based index). So if you have two stock entries, the first will be accessed at index 0 and the second one will be index 1.

---

I realize that my coding is very beginner but I know for a fact it doesn't work like this with this software, or at least not exactly. The default stock or 0 index is the stock that is highlighted in the software's strategy or backtesting analyzer window, then stocks Added to Initialize(), are just that, they are Added stocks. So the first Added stock takes on Index 1. But if one was to have the same stock that is already highlighted and defaulted in the software also as the first stock Added under Initialize() it will still take on Index 0. So the default Index 0 stock doesn't even have to be Added under Initialize(). I realize though that you may still need it in the Add list so it can be "Counted" or tracked.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

You seem to misunderstand how the index works. If you add multiple stocks, not every one is going to be at index 1.

---

I was never under the impression in any way that they are all at index 1. I realize the Index increases, that's why I had the for loop in the code, as you will see below, to iterate through all the different Indexes(stocks).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

When you add to _stocks, it's going to add any info you tell it to add initially.

---

Bottom line here is, for it to pull info in from the local database it has to be in this format under Initialize() Add("ABC"....), putting _stocks. in front of Add is not allowing this data to come through as far as I have seen so far. Putting _stocks in front of it seems to simply be just adding it to the List directory.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arjay

If you want more help, you are going to have to post the complete code. I understand that you may not want to publicly post the code, so that is why I have suggested for you to pm me.

---

I don't mind at all posting the code. The main purpose of this conquest is to be able to Count the # of trades that have taken place per Index or Stock. The bool statement in the script below is looking for that Count...

Code:

---

namespace NinjaTrader.Strategy
{

public class MAcrossLongExperimentMultiTESTKono : Strategy
    {
#region Variables
private int fast = 3;
private int slow = 50;
private double distance = .03;

public class StockEntry //maybe this should be a struct?
{
  public string Name;
  public PeriodType Period;
  public int Value;
  public int Count;

public StockEntry(string Name, PeriodType Period, int Value, int Count)
{
        this.Name = Name;
        this.Period = Period;
        this.Value = Value;
        this.Count = Count;
}       
}
List<StockEntry> _stocks = new List<StockEntry>();

 protected override void Initialize()
        {                                               

//5min bars
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 5, 0)); //Index 0 seeing stock "ABC" is the default stock highlighted in the software                       
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ACE", PeriodType.Minute, 5, 0));
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ACN", PeriodType.Minute, 5, 0));
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ADT", PeriodType.Minute, 5, 0));
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("SCTY", PeriodType.Minute, 5, 0));

//1min bars
 _stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ABC", PeriodType.Minute, 1, 0));        //Index 5.  In for loop I have as series +5, where series=0               
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ACE", PeriodType.Minute, 1, 0));
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ACN", PeriodType.Minute, 1, 0));
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("ADT", PeriodType.Minute, 1, 0));
_stocks.Add(new StockEntry("SCTY", PeriodType.Minute, 1, 0));

Add(SMA(Fast));
Add(SMA(Slow));
                       
                        EntriesPerDirection = 1;
                        EntryHandling = EntryHandling.UniqueEntries;
                                                       
            CalculateOnBarClose = true;
}

protected override void OnBarUpdate()
        {
for (int series = 0; series < 5; series++)
                        if (BarsInProgress == series + 5) //OnBarUpdate called for 1min bars
                        {
                      bool enterTrade = false;
                      if (_stocks[series].Count < 1) // if particular stock has 0 count enterTrade
                                {
                                enterTrade = true;
                                }
                                else
                                {
                                enterTrade = BarsSinceEntry(series, "", 0) > 2;  //otherwise make sure at least two 5min bars have elapsed ie. 10 min
                                }

                if (enterTrade)
                                  {  // Condition set 1 Long Entry, fast MA cross above slow MA & current price > high of bar at cross.
                        if (SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] &&
                                        SMA(BarsArray[series],Fast)[2] < SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] && Closes[series + 5][0] > Highs[series][1] + distance
                                        && SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[1] > SMA(BarsArray[series],Slow)[2] + .01)

                                                EnterLong(200); // buy 200 shares
                                       
                                                _stocks[series].Count++;  // if a particular stock is bought Count and store it for use in the bool statement above.

}
}
}
}

---

Zip up the complete solution and pm it to me. I can't tell from the code you posted what is exposed by the Strategy class and I need to know this in order to find out how to access the internal collection.

I can't seem to send an attachment through the PM, here it is. Thank You for taken a look.

There is a problem with sending attachments here. PM me and I will give you my email to send the attachment to.