Understanding AmiBroker Data Feeders: The Engine Behind Technical Analysis AmiBroker is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and versatile technical analysis software packages available to traders today. However, the software itself is essentially a sophisticated engine—it requires fuel to run. That fuel is data. Without a reliable Data Feeder , AmiBroker is a blank canvas. This text explores what an AmiBroker data feeder is, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your trading needs. What is an AmiBroker Data Feeder? A data feeder is a software bridge or plugin that connects a data source (like a stock exchange or a broker’s server) to the AmiBroker application. Its primary function is to fetch real-time or historical market prices and automatically populate the AmiBroker database so that charts and indicators can update dynamically. Without a feeder, a user would have to manually download CSV files and import them—a tedious process that prevents real-time decision-making. How Data Feeding Works The process generally involves three steps:
Connection: The feeder connects to an external API (Application Programming Interface) or a data vendor’s server. Translation: It converts the incoming data stream into a format that AmiBroker can read (typically adhering to the AmiBroker OLE Automation standard). Population: It pushes the data into AmiBroker’s internal database in real-time, automatically creating symbols (tickers) and updating Open, High, Low, Close, and Volume (OHLCV) values.
Types of Data Feeders There are three primary categories of data feeders used with AmiBroker: 1. Real-Time Data Feeds (Third-Party Plugins) These are the most common solutions for active traders. They are standalone programs that run in the background alongside AmiBroker. They connect to data vendors (like Global Data Feeds, eSignal, or IQFeed) and pump data directly into AmiBroker.
Pros: Generally very fast, supports multiple exchanges, and often includes backfill (historical data) features. Cons: Requires a paid subscription to both the plugin and the data vendor. amibroker data feeder
2. Broker-Specific Bridges Many modern discount brokers provide APIs that allow developers to create "bridge" software. These tools connect the trader's specific trading account to AmiBroker.
Examples: Plugins for Zerodha (Kite), Upstox, Interactive Brokers, or Amibroker-chart plugins. Pros: Often cheaper or free; integrates directly with your trading account for seamless execution. Cons: Data stability relies on the broker’s server uptime; sometimes lacks extensive historical data compared to dedicated vendors.
3. Free Data Sources There are free tools and AFL (AmiBroker Formula Language) scripts that can scrape data from websites like Yahoo Finance or Google Finance. Without a reliable Data Feeder , AmiBroker is
Pros: No cost involved. Cons: Highly unreliable for intraday trading; data is often delayed; prone to breaking if the website changes its layout; generally not recommended for serious trading.
Key Features to Look For When selecting a data feeder, traders should evaluate the following features:
Backfill Capability: If you open a chart, you need to see past price action immediately. A good feeder will automatically download missing historical data. Data Speed (Latency): For scalpers and day traders, the data must be tick-by-tick with minimal delay. Symbol Management: The feeder should automatically create new symbols in AmiBroker when new stocks or contracts are added to the market, rather than requiring manual entry. Stability: The feeder should handle internet disconnections gracefully, reconnecting automatically without crashing AmiBroker. A data feeder is a software bridge or
Installation and Setup Most AmiBroker data feeders follow a standard setup procedure:
Install the feeder software. Open AmiBroker and create a new database (usually configured to a specific time interval, e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute). Enter your API credentials or login details into the feeder software. Configure the feeder to identify the correct AmiBroker database path. Start the feed; the charts should begin updating instantly.