Common code re-use

July 28th, 2010, 05:22 PM

Does anyone have a preferred method of re-using common code (or code snippets) in NinjaScript?

Back when I used to write real code, I could embed a file which the compiler would pull in and place inline before compiling, so I could re-use common sections without replicating the same lines in multiple places. I would love to be able to do that in NinjaTrader.

I have written separate namespaces, with custom classes, and saved/compiled the script in the Indicator directory. Then added "Using name;" with the others at the top of the Indicator script that used the class. However, since the namespace isn't built off the Indicator code, I haven't figured out how to use Print() or any of the NinjaScript functions.

Likewise, I can write a static class that can be used by any other without forcing an instantiation, but it has similar limitations.

What solutions have others used?

July 28th, 2010, 05:46 PM

I ran into the problem yesterday of not being able to use Print, I'm sure there's some global object for the output window we need to get our hands on, but I don't know what it is.
My solution was intrusive but if I really need to communicate an error condition, I found that calling System.Windows.Forms.MessageBox.Show works.

July 28th, 2010, 05:51 PM

In your custom code accept the NT Strategy/Indicator object as a parameter to the constructors. You can then call the NT functions from your code via the handle you have to the NT data-structures.

Code

 
using NinjaTrader.Data;
using NinjaTrader.Cbi;
using NinjaTrader.Strategy;
...
class CustomCode{
...
StrategyBase parentStrat;
...
public CustomCode(StrategyBase pStat) { // constructor
                    parentStrat = pStat;
                    pStat.TraceOrders = true;
            }

// Now use parentStrat.Method in your code

July 28th, 2010, 06:19 PM

Thanks for the suggestions, keep 'em coming!

I have wondering about the resource consumption by instantiating (calling a constructor) a class simply to re-use common code. NT is not the most efficient compiler in the world and I wonder about excess memory consumption and performance impacts. Up til now, the only methods I moved to a separate class were those which could be static, so no instantiation (construction) is required to call them.

I know one person got around not having the NT Draw routines by overriding the chart plot routines and creating his own.

July 28th, 2010, 06:20 PM

You can profile NinjaScript C# code:

How-to profile NinjaTrader code with Visual Studio 2010

You can profile your NinjaTrader C# NinjaScript code (indicators and strategies) to fine tune their performance using Visual Studio 2010. You will need the full version of Visual Studio 2010.

The wiki will automatically insert a table of contents …

Mike

July 28th, 2010, 06:37 PM

Thanks Mike. I was actually looking at some Visual Studio links earlier -- it would be nice but I don't have Visual Studio and haven't quite figured out how much it costs, which version do I need, etc. One day I plan to get there.

So I started this thread hoping to encourage folks to share techniques that work with just NT. :-) For poor folk like me!

July 28th, 2010, 06:46 PM

I don't know if it includes profiling or not, but you might be interested in the free version:
Microsoft Express Home - Visual Studio Express and SQL Server Express are free tools

July 28th, 2010, 07:35 PM

VS 2010 Pro has some of that functionality and costs between $0-$500 depending on your use. I'm on the road now but that will be the subject of the next update in my "NinjaTrader and VS2010 for Dummies" thread when I'm back.

Basically you can create and edit your own Code Snippets for custom methods, etc which saves typing. The IDE also knows your file-specific variables, etc and can auto-fill them for you as you type.

July 28th, 2010, 07:46 PM

OK, I separated out the Visual Studio discussion to a separate thread because I do not want it to stop, but I do want to keep this thread on topic. So please bear with me.

If anyone has examples of C# common code re-use that they would liketo share, or more techniques that can be implemented in a NinjaScript cs file, please chime in!

I'll see if I can dig some out. I know that they are not "officially supported" so use at your own risk. But it is a great way to learn.

Common code re-use

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Common code re-use