AmiBroker 5.24.0 Beta Read Me

March 6, 2009 15:46

THIS IS A BETA VERSION OF THE SOFTWARE. EXPECT BUGS !!!

Backup your data files and entire AmiBroker folder first!

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: This archive is update-only. You have to install full version 5.20 first.

Just run the installer and follow the instructions.

Then run AmiBroker. You should see "AmiBroker 5.24.0 beta" written in the About box.

See CHANGE LOG below for detailed list of changes.

CHANGE LOG

CHANGES FOR VERSION 5.24.0 (as compared to 5.23.0)

• typeof() incorrectly returned compile-time type instead of run-time type. Fixed.
• Static array variables implemented
  
  StaticVarSet( name, value ) and
  StaticVarGet( name )
  AFL functions now accept arrays in addition to numbers (scalars).

  Static arrays can be even 100 faster than AddToComposite/Foreign, however these two are not strictly equivalent.
  There are following limitations / differences of static arrays as compared to Foreign/AddToComposite:
  a) static array variables store only as many bars as there are currently in use by given chart
  (so they do not affect QuickAFL in any way). This is different that AddToComposite that forces usage and store of all bars.
  b) static array variables work best if you read them using the same interval as they were written to. I.e when you create static array variables using 5-minute chart, for best results read them in some other 5-minute chart. Reading in different intervals is possible, but subject to limitations
  of timestamping (see below)
  c) when you read static variable in a different interval that it was originally stored,
  static variables perform padding/synchronization and time compression/decompression automatically in a similar way as foreign,
  however Foreign compresses data always from base-time interval, while static variables operate on previously stored interval,
  hence result may differ. For example, if previously stored data was in daily interval, and you read such static variable in intraday
  chart, you will see essentially flat lines for each day, representing static data from daily interval.
  d) static array variables do not work well for non-time based intervals (tick/n-volume/n-tick) because timestamps in those intervals
  may not be unique (i.e. several bars may have same time stamp), so time synchronization is not reliable.
  e) static array variables are little slower than normal AFL variables, so for best performance, use read-once, write-once paradigm, using
  temporary normal variable for any processing during formula execution, like this:
  // start of the formula:
  temp = StaticVarGet("mystaticarray" );

  // now perform all necessary calculations using temp variable

  temp = Nz(temp) + C/2;
  ...

  // at the end of the formula store to static
  StaticVarSet("mystaticarray", temp );

  
  

CHANGES FOR VERSION 5.23.0 (as compared to 5.22.0)

• Font used by progress window, string input, tip of the day, search file is now "MS Shell Dlg" (the same as elsewhere in AB) that means that is CoolType friendly (TTF)
  
  
• AFL: SetOption("ExtraColumnsLocation", col) - this new option allows the user to change the location of custom columns added during backtest/optimization
  
  "extra" columns mean:
  a) any custom metrics added using custom backtester
  b) any optimization parameters defined using Optimize() function

  If both custom metrics and optimization parameters are present then
  custom metrics appear first then optimization parameters

  This function is provided to allow the user to change the default "at the end" location of custom columns/optimization parameters.
  For example

  SetOption("ExtraColumnsLocation", 1 );

  will cause that custom metrics and opt params will be subsequently added starting from column 1 (as opposed to last column default)

  Note that this setting changes "visual" order of columns, not really in-memory order or export order, so
  exported data files or copy/paste format do not change.

  
  
• Implemented hiding columns in all list views (right click over list view HEADER to bring "Setup Columns" dialog)
  
  
• Storing column state (widths/ordering/visibility) in automatic analysis implemented
  The widths, ordering and visibility of all built-in columns in automatic-analysis is stored between runs.
  This works for each operation mode (i.e. scan/backtest/optimization) separately, so column setup
  for scan does not affect stored column order for backtest, as well as state of columns for optimization does not
  affect backtest, etc.
  Note also that state of exploration mode is not stored, due to its complete user-configurability from AFL level.
  
  
• Data Window implemented (available from View->Data Window menu)
  
  (if you can not see this menu, you would need to reset the menu using Tools->Customize, select "Menu Bar" and then press "Reset" button).

  If you prefer to use Data Window over data tooltips, you can turn off data tooltips using Tools->Preferences, "Miscellaneous" tab, UNCHECK "Price data tooltips" box.

  
  
• Home key was working incorrectly when more than one pane was used in the chart. Fixed
  
  
• Implemented simple performance monitor Tools->Performance Monitor
  Showing some memory and usage statistics:
  - number of symbols in the database
  - number of symbols cached in RAM
  - quotation data memory usage
  - current symbol memory usage
  - total chart refresh time
  - real-time data stream update frequency

  The contents of the window is updated automatically every 3 seconds

  This tool is intended to be used now for two purposes:
  a) tweaking cache settings for best RAM usage (for example optimizations will run faster if all quotation data can be kept in RAM)
  b) monitoring real-time performance

  More uses will probably come in the future.

  
  
• Time&Sales window now shows some "recent statistics" regarding trading
  
  Time&Sales window now shows some "recent statistics" regarding trading namely:
  - number of trades and average # of trades per second
  - number of trades and shares traded at ask or above
  - number of trades and shares traded at bid or below
  - ask minus bid difference expressed in number of trades and shares
  - ask minus bid difference expressed as percentage ratio to total trades/total volume traded

  A little background:
  Ask minus bid: the positive numbers represent more transactions occuring on ASK side than on BID side.
  This in theory may mean more buying than selling, but in practice things are largely dependent
  on security traded. Esp. dark liquidity pools do not show in order books and
  may report trades to the tape several seconds later thus invalidating relationship between
  bid/ask and actual trade prices.

  IMPORTANT:
  These are temporary, short-term stats - they cover ONLY trades displayed in the T&S window since opening of the window OR
  resetting stats.

  You can reset statistics using right click menu : "Reset Stats"

  
  

CHANGES FOR VERSION 5.22.0 (as compared to 5.21.0)

• added ability to extend blank chart area by pressing END key multiple times (each time 10 blank bars are added) and restoring preferences value by subsequent pressing of HOME key.
  
• added option to always require variable declarations (using local/global) on formula-by-formula basis:
  SetOption("RequireDeclarations", True );
  global test1;
  test1 = 5; // OK variable declared
  test2 = 3; // error: assignment without declaration
  
  
• added typeof() operator
  
  The typeof operator is used in the following way:
  typeof (operand)
  The typeof operator returns a string indicating the type of the *unevaluated* operand. operand is the string, variable, function identifier, or object for which the type is to be returned.
  When supplying identifier, it should be provided alone, without arithmetic operators, without extra arguments and without braces.
  If you want to check the type of value returned by the function, you must first assign the return value to a variable and then use
  typeof( variable ).
  Possible return values are:
  " undefined" - identifier is not defined
  " number" - operand represents a number (scalar)
  " array" - operand represents an array
  " string" - operand represents a string
  " function" - operand is a built-in function identifier
  " user function" - operand is a user-defined function
  " object" - operand represents COM object
  " member" - operand represents member function or property of COM object
  " handle" - operand represents Windows handle
  " unknown" - type of operand is unknown (should not happen)typeof operator allows among other things to detect undefined variables in the following way
  if( typeof( somevar ) == "undefined" )
  {
  /// when somevar is undefined the code here will execute
  }
  The following sample COMMENTARY code shows the output of
  typeof in some common situations
  x = MACD();
  y = LastValue( x );
  function testfun() { return 1; };
  printf( typeof( test ) + "\n" ); // the undefined variable
  printf( typeof( 1 ) + "\n"); // literal number
  printf( typeof( "checking" ) + "\n"); // literal string
  printf( typeof( x ) + "\n"); // array variable
  printf( typeof( y ) + "\n"); // scalar variable
  printf( typeof( MACD ) + "\n"); // function identifier
  printf( typeof( testfun ) + "\n" ); // user function identifier
  
  
• GetSignalQty member function of Backtester object returned zero. Fixed now
• In the Plot() function Xshift parameter was used as z-order in 5.21 beta. Fixed now.
• Plot, PlotOHLC and PlotForeign() are no longer limited to -5..+5 zorder range. You can use any zorder value now.
  
  Note that if you use zorder outside default range -5..+5, you may see performance degradation for big positive and big negative z-order values.
  Approximate performance penalty is 10 milliseconds for 100 z-orders (or 1ms for 10 z-orders)
  
  
• SetChartOptions now adds ability to programmatically extend blank space on chart-by-chart basis
  
  SetChartOptions( Mode = 0, Flags = 0, gridFlags = chartGridMiddle, ymin = 0, ymax = 0, blankbars = 0 )
  New, 6th parameter "blankbars" defines the minimum number of blank bars for given chart. The default value of zero means no change
  (use preferences setting).
  if specified value is less than value set in preferences, it is ignored, so you can not decrease the blank bars below value set in preferences.
  if many panes within same chart use this function, then the largest specified blankbars will be used
  Note that you can still extend blank space further using END key.
  Special feature - if "blankbars" is negative then extra blank bars added are equal to absolute value of blankbars parameter plus chart gets scrolled to rightmost position.
  Caveat: forcing custom blankbars via SetChartOptions effectivelly disables HOME key scroll to begin operation.
  
  
• the feature to extend blank area via mouse wheel and > button is removed, due to complaints received
  

CHANGES FOR VERSION 5.21.0 (as compared to 5.20.0)

• Added optional data padding for non-trading days (switchable from View->Pad non-trading days menu) - for daily and higher intervals only (FC#1136,FC#1174)
• All drawing tools now can define Z-order (from -5 to +5).
  
  Z-order.
  Imagine that you could see the drawing objects arranged on the chart page like puzzle pieces on a table. Some objects may appear to be placed one on top of another, and others may be overlapping.
  This third dimension of chart page is known as "Z order." If the X axis relates to width and the Y axis to height, then the Z order relates to depth. Although Z order cannot be seen directly, just as can you position objects along X and Y (horizontal and vertical) axes, you can also position them in the Z order.
  Every object on the page has its Z order, positioned in back to front order, so that objects at the front will take precedence over objects behind.
  Z order gives you the ability to superimpose objects one on top of another.
  You can change Z-order parameter using Properties dialog
  as well as using Format->Z-Order->Bring Forward / Send Backward menus
  (and default keystrokes Shift+Page Up, Shift+Page Down)
  Negative values mean BEHIND axis/grid, positive mean above grid.
  
• Blank area past last available quote can be now enlarged on the fly by simply using > arrow in the scroll bar or using mouse wheel (just roll the wheel past the last bar) (FC #430,#1516, #1500, #1239, #982, #808, #561 )
• CBT: Backtester.GetSignalQty( bar, type ) method implemented (FC#1671)
  
  Backtester object
  GetSignalQty( bar, type ) method
  - retrieves the number of signals occuring on given bar
  type = 0 - both entry and exit signals
  type = 1 - only entry signals
  type = 2 - only exit signals
  Note that AmiBroker to conserve memory keeps track only of 2 * MaxNumberOfPositions entry signals on any single bar,
  however it keeps track of ALL exit signals (because they consume much less space and at the time of signal collection
  it is not known which positions are already open, so all exits must be tracked to prevent missing an exit)
  
• E-mail alerts can now be sent through different port than 25 (see Tools->Preferences->Alerts) (FC#1641)
  
• Early warning of indicator space running out. At application exit the message is displayed when less than 10% indicator space is left, plus an offer to run Indicator Maintenance (FC#1667)
• new AFL functions ColorBlend
  
  ColorBlend( colorFrom, colorTo, factor = 0.5 )
  - the function blends (mixes) colorFrom with colorTo with 'factor' proportion using the following algorithm
  RGB = ( 1 - factor ) * RGB(colorFrom) + factor * RGB(colorTo );
  So factor = 0 means use colorFrom only, factor = 1 means use colorTo only. All in-between values
  mean create mix of colors. The lower the factor value means more colorFrom.
  This function makes it easy to lighten or darken colors like this:
  function ColorLighten( color )
  {
  return ColorBlend( color, colorWhite, 0.5 );
  }
  function ColorDarken( color )
  {
  return ColorBlend( color, colorBlack, 0.5 );
  }
  
• Plot, PlotForeign and PlotOHLC now have new parameter zorder which defines the Z-axis position of given plot. (FC#257)
  
  zorder can be set from -5 to 5.
  The default is zero.
  Zorder = 0 means also where the "grid" is located.
  So if you want to plot BEHIND the grid you need to specify negative zorder parameter.
  Smaller values mean draw first (i.e. BEHIND others), higher values mean draw later (ON TOP of others).
  Plots are drawn in the following order:
  • zorder parameter takes precedence over the order of calling Plot() functions, so if z-order is set, it determines plotting order.
    See http://www.amibroker.com/gifs/zorder.gif
  • If multiple plots use the same z-order parameter they are plotted in reverse call order (ones that appear last in the code are plotted first). This rule can be changed by already existing switch graphzorder = 1 which, when specified, reverses this behaviour (so plots are drawn in call order).
  Please note the above applies to each zorder "layer" separately (so within same zorder "layer" reverse call rule applies)
  This may sound complicated but is required for backward compatibility.
  Example:
  Bollinger bands with "cloud" fill behind price (zorder = -1)
  P = ParamField("Price field",-1);
Periods = Param("Periods", 15, 2, 100, 1 );
Width = Param("Width", 2, 0, 10, 0.05 );
Color = ParamColor("Color", colorLightGrey );
Style = ParamStyle("Style") | styleNoRescale;;
Plot( bbt = BBandTop( P, Periods, Width ), "BBTop" + _PARAM_VALUES(), Color, Style );
Plot( bbb = BBandBot( P, Periods, Width ), "BBBot" + _PARAM_VALUES(), Color, Style );
PlotOHLC( bbt, bbt, bbb, bbb, "", ColorBlend( Color, colorWhite, 0.9 ), styleCloud, Null, Null, Null, -1 );
  
• Rectangle and Ellipse drawing tool now are by default SOLID, with default fill color being a blend between background and selected drawing color, they are use ZOrder = -1 (behind regular plots) by default
• Support for SSL (secure connection) e-mail alerts added, so now you can use your GMail accounts. (FC#83)
  Steps:
  1. Download and install AmiBroker 5.21 or higher
  2. Download and run SSL add-on from http://www.amibroker.com/bin/SSLAddOn.exe
  3. Configure (Tools->Preferences->Alerts) with SSL enabled as shown in this picture:
  http://www.amibroker.com/gifs/gmailalert.gif
  
• X-Y co-ordinate labels on axes implemented. Can be controlled using View->X-Y labels menu. (FC#1621, FC#732)
  

If you experience any problem with this beta version please send detailed description of the problem (especially the steps needed to reproduce it) to support at amibroker.com