Modify Input Dialog

The Modify Input Dialog allows you to define an input field in a formula. Input fields act as parameters that are specified when a function definition, entry/exit system, or alert is used.

&  For help with function definitions, see Calculating Values and Financial Indicators.

&  For help with entry/exit systems, see Creating and Analyzing Entry/Exit Signals.

&  For help with alerts, see Working with Messages and Alerts.

Selecting a Default Name of an Input

The default name is the default field name that will be used when a function definition, entry/exit system, or alert is used to create a data field. It is also the name that appears in italics when a function definition is inserted into a formula. As the title implies, this name is only a default and any field or value can be inserted when this function is used.

To specify the default name, enter the desired name in the box labeled Default Name.

Ä    Note: When a new field is being created and a field exists that is equal to the default input name, that field will default to being used for the input. For example, if an input is typically going to be the high trading price of a stock, then naming the input "High" will cause it to default to using a field named "High" if one is available. If no match is available, the input will typically default to the "Close" field.

Selecting the Type of Values for an Input

Most input fields can be a data series or constant. In other words, the value specified for this input can be a data field or the user can set the value to a number. However, some functions require specific types of values for some inputs. For example, the period of a summation must be specified as a constant integer.

The following types of values can be specified for an input.

·      Data Series or Constant

This type of value includes any function, data field, or constant number.

·      Data Series

This type of value includes any function or data field. It is typically used for array functions such as the Summation function, which operate on a series of data.

·      Constant (integer only)

This type of value includes only integer numbers. It is typically used for array functions such as the Summation function, which operate over a specific period. Since this period cannot change over the course of the calculation, it is a constant.

·      Constant (any number)

This type of value includes any numbers. It is typically used for values that specify weights or multipliers that should not change over the course of the calculation.

Ä    Note: It is typically not necessary to adjust the Type of Value setting. By default, it will be set to the most general type available. If the input is later reused in a more restrictive context, the type of value will automatically be adjusted to the new type.

Additional Settings for an Input

These options are also available for each input.

¨    Default Numeric Value

This setting indicates the value that the input will default to when it is used to create a new field. It should be set to the most common value for this input. It is also used as the initial value when an input is included in optimization.

þ    Use numeric value by default.

This setting indicates to default to using a numeric value when the Type of Values is set to Data Series or Constant.

þ    Include this input during optimization.

This setting indicates to try different values for this input when this function or entry/exit system is being optimized. This occurs when a function is used as an "optimizable function" for a prediction or when a field created with an entry/exit system is marked to be optimized. Values in the Optimization Range will be tried. Float (non-integer) values will be tried unless Constant (integer only) is selected as the type.

Ä    Note: Optimization is not available to inputs to alerts or trading solutions. It is also not available for inputs where Data Series is selected as the type.

What Do I Do Next?

When you are finished making any changes, press the OK button to save your changes. If you would like to exit from this dialog without saving any changes, press the Cancel button.

How Did I Get Here?

The Modify Input Dialog is displayed when you press the Create a New Input… button from the Input Field sub-page during Formula Entry. It is also displayed when you press the Edit… button from the Inputs page of the Create a Function Definition Wizard , the Create an Entry/Exit System Wizard , the Create an Alert Definition Wizard, the Modify Function Definition Dialog , the Modify Entry/Exit System Dialog , or the Modify Alert Dialog .