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Hi Herman,
Thanks for the input here, as well as in your other posts. I hope to get to the point where I can make use of ALL the features AB offers. But I'm handicapped in my attempts to learn AFL by my lack of understanding of the terminology used to describe what the various functions are meant to accomplish, and by my inability to visualize what a given combination of functions will produce.
For instance, I've seen some references to "scalar" versus "array" values being returned by a function; pardon my ignorance, but without looking it up, I'm not certain what "scalar" means in this context. To me, a number is a number - how would AFL know if it was a scalar value or an array value? I assumed ALL returned values in an array-based language like AFL would be array values. So I lack some fundamental knowledge that would make learning AFL easier.
The only language I ever used previously is BASIC (never any Easy Language-like programming, as in TradeStation). The BASIC program has helped me in some cases, but has confused me in others. As another example of my terminology-challenged mindset, I have never understood the term "object-oriented", or why it has any significance. When my son tried to explain it to me, I must have looked like a dog trying to understand a new command. Remember, I only know how to program in BASIC, so my programming growth was stunted (according to my son). To my way of thinking, EVERYTHING is an OBJECT. What's so significant? Why would it matter?
Regarding my visualization limitations, my son can play a game of chess without ever looking at the board. I, on the other hand, honestly can't even visualize an empty board, let alone the positions of the pieces of both sides. So even though I can understand simple functions like "HHV", I can't fathom most of the others, even after reading the descriptions. I have to see a simple line of code with only one or two functions, and then view the output to be able to internalize the concept. Then I can move on to the next function. Then I can figure out how to combine them in more complex coding. This takes a lot of time, and the older I get, the less time I seem to have in a day (I'm sure I'm not alone there!). It's a frustratingly slow way to learn, but I don't know how else to do it. When I look at some of the one- or two-page formulas with three or four functions embedded in one line, my jaw literally drops; I don't have the slightest notion of what's being done in any given line of code.
One function at a time... one function at a time. You should have seen me struggling with "IIF". I kept trying to use it as an IF, THEN type of command, as in BASIC. OK, OK, so I'm obtuse.
I'm sure the new "Drag-and-Drop" code building feature is undoubtedly a great tool for most users; but without some concept of what 90% of the functions are meant to achieve, it's not a tool I'm yet able to use.
Alright, I'm done whining about my personal deficiencies... But if someone could write that "AFL For Dummies" book, it would be helpful... : )
Best regards,
DC
----- Original Message -----
From: Herman van den Bergen
To: amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2004 10:35 AM
Subject: RE: [amibroker] How does Amibroker compare against the rest
[DC] Probably the only way to make the AFL approach better would be to have
AmiBroker write the code itself, based on verbal command in your natural
language.
Perhaps you should have another look at the new Drag&Drop features... you
can now cascade code modules and "build" indicators and systems without
seeing/editting afl code. Ofcourse you have to understand what you D&D and
probably you want to create some of your own custom indicators/modules and
add them to your Chart's workspace. You can create System Building blocks
that, when dropped on several indicators, will give you buy and sell
signals. No other software i have seen has this capability. Development work
can be reduced since you no longer have to edit code to test various parice
arrays and signal arrays, just select them in the param() window,
I haven't seen anybody exploit this, but the capability is there NOW.
best regards,
herman
-----Original Message-----
From: dennisconn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dennisconn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2004 8:02 AM
To: amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [amibroker] How does Amibroker compare against the rest
I hve used Metastock (too limited), TradeStation (too pricey), Dynamic
Trader (somewhat pricey, but gorgeous charts), Fibonnaci Trader (no longer
unique), Ensign, Sierra Charts and QCharts (ho hum), and Neo Ticker (not as
user friendly or intuitive IMO), and one or two others whose names I can't
recall.
Amibroker can do anything the programs above can do, barring some
proprietary indicators (but if you can figure out the code, you can program
AmiBroker to do it). The only other thing that AB can't do is plot
indicators beyond the rightmost bar on the chart (e.g., displaced moving
averages), but I think a few of us have suggested it be considered in some
future update. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Every update Tomasz releases contains something of practical value. If a
given release contains bugs, they get handled quickly (or so I gather from
the comments I read).
I'm still struggling to learn the AFL, but there are usually enough
formulas already posted so that understanding it is not TOO awfully
difficult. I could still use an "AFL For Dummies" reference, because I tend
to make it harder than it has to be. Probably the only way to make the AFL
approach better would be to have AmiBroker write the code itself, based on
verbal command in your natural language.
I guess the bottom line is this: if you've been looking for a program that
can do almost everything NOW, and perhaps will in the future, and has
support that is EXCELLENT, then AmiBroker is the end of your search.
Just in case yopu wonder, I have no affiliation with AmiBroker or its
staff, apart from being a very happy owner.
DC
----- Original Message -----
From: leading_indicator_1
To: amibroker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 2:45 PM
Subject: [amibroker] How does Amibroker compare against the rest
Would like to hear your opinions. If you have had a chance to use
other similare software (wealth-lab, tradestation, metastock...) how
does amibroker compare against them? It obviously beats them when it
comes to price but are you satisfied? Pros and Cons, limitations,
bottom line?
I just installed trial version and have intraday strategies that I
would like to try out. Not sure yet if Amibroker can do the job.
Thanks for all your answers.
Check AmiBroker web page at:
http://www.amibroker.com/
Check group FAQ at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amibroker/files/groupfaq.html
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