What Is EasyLanguage?

EasyLanguage is a simple, but powerful, computer programming language for creating technical indicators and trading strategies for the TradeStation trading platform.

EasyLanguage is designed by traders for traders, so you can describe your trading ideas to the computer in plain English like expressions, using trading terms and phrases you are already familiar with. By combining common trading terminology with conditional rules and historical price data, EasyLanguage makes it easy for you to create custom indicators and trading strategies in a straightforward and intuitive manner.

Even you don’t intend to write complex indicators or strategies using EasyLanguage, it is useful to have a basic understanding of the syntax structure. Many input parameters to indicators and strategies can utilize simple EasyLanguage statements that can change the nature of the calculation, making the indicator or strategy more flexible and powerful.

Compatibility with Previous Versions

With some minor exceptions, EasyLanguage code written is any previous version of TradeStation will be compatible with the current version. The exceptions would be any reserved words or functions that have been renamed, and the old name removed from the language.

In most cases, it is possible to reedit the code to reflect the new naming conventions; this will correct most versioning issues.

Note: EasyLanguage code written in the current version of TradeStation is less likely to be compatible with older version. This is due to the fact that EasyLanguage is constantly expanding and evolving new language elements. It may be necessary in these cases to rewrite portions of the code to reflect the older language syntax.

Analysis Applications: Chart Analysis, RadarScreen, and OptionStation

EasyLanguage is the underlying technology that drives all of the analysis techniques throughout the TradeStation platform. Every Indicator, Strategy, and User Function that comes with TradeStation is written in EasyLanguage. The EasyLanguage code written to create this library of technical tools is open and accessible thought the EasyLanguage editor. You can open any of these files to review, copy, or modify the EasyLanguage code.

Although the Chart Analysis window is used for most examples and discussion topics in this book, be aware that the underlying concepts apply equally to the RadarScreen and OptionStation windows. There are a few minor calculation differences and restrictions which will be discussed.

Development Platform

As the foundation of the TradeStation trading platform, EasyLanguage provides opportunities to create add-on products, such as indicators or trading strategies, which can be marketed to other TradeStation clients. Currently in place is a large network of third party Solution Providers that offer a variety of EasyLanguage products and services. Visit the TradeStation.com Support Center web site for more information.

The important thing to remember is that EasyLanguage is not only the language of TradeStation, it’s the language of strategic trading!