Create a Function Definition Wizard: Basic Information

The Create a Function Definition Wizard allows you to create a new function definition. Function definitions can be used to calculate values, such as financial indicators and preprocessed prediction inputs. Creating a new function definition enables you to combine multiple existing functions into a single function definition. The Basic Information page allows you to enter a name and basic description for the new function definition.

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

Selecting a Name for the Function Definition

Function definitions have two names – a display name and a formula name. The display name is shown in the function definition selection lists. The formula name is an abbreviated name displayed when the function is used in the formula definition of another function. Both names are used to generate potential field names for fields using this function.

The names selected must be unique to all functions, entry/exit systems, alerts, and trading solutions. However, they can be equal to each other.

It is a good idea to be as descriptive as possible when naming functions. Naming a function "Dan’s Function" with a formula name of "Dan" may remind you of where the function came from, but it won’t help you remember what the function does or when you would want to use it. More useful names might be "Double Moving Average" or "Price Smoothing Function".

Selecting a Function Group for the Function Definition

By default, TradingSolutions will select the function group that was selected on the Define Functions Dialog. You can select a different function group from the Function Group combo box or create a new group by pressing the New… button. Function definitions can also be moved to new function groups at any time after they are created from the Define Functions Dialog.

Selecting the Type

The following types are available. In most cases, you will want to leave the default value of TradingSolutions Formula.

·      TradingSolutions Formula

This value indicates the formula associated with this function is defined within TradingSolutions using the TradingSolutions formula language.

·      External TradingSolutions DLL

This value indicates the processing for this function is defined in an external DLL file.

Ä    Note: Development of External TradingSolutions DLL’s requires the TradingSolutions SDK Add-on.

Entering a Description for the Function Definition

The description for a function definition can be useful as a reminder of what a function does or when you would want to use it. Function descriptions appear at the bottom of function definition lists when the Display Descriptions option is selected. It is not necessary to have a function description, just helpful. If you do not enter a description of the function, you will be asked if you would like to use the formula as the function description. It is a good idea to limit descriptions to three lines of text. Additional descriptive text can be entered as notes later in the wizard.

Copying an Existing Function Definition

If you are creating a new function that is similar to an existing function definition, you can copy the formula, description, and/or notes of another function by pressing the Copy another Function Definition… button. This will display the Copy Function Definition Dialog, where you can select which function definition to copy. You can also select whether to copy the descriptive text, formula, or both.

What Do I Do Next?

When you are ready to continue, press the Next button to continue on to the Enter Formula page. If you would like to exit the Wizard without creating a new definition, press the Cancel button.

How Did I Get Here?

The Create a Function Definition Wizard: Basic Information page is displayed when you press the New… button on the Define Functions Dialog from under the Function Definitions list.