Looking for a programmer to help you create custom indicators, scripts or Expert Advisors (EA) for trading platforms like MetaTrader, NinjaTrader or TradingView?
If yes, then this post is for you.
A programmer can help you automated your trading strategy, automate parts of your strategy (Incremental Automation) or create a custom indicator that nobody has.
But Forex programming services can actually be a little hard to find.
In my experience, even the most thorough Google searches do not uncover very many results. It seems like most talented programmers are great at programming, but not so great at search engine optimization.
So I compiled my own list and decided to publish it here.
I also share my experiences with how to find the best trading programmer for you.
If you would rather learn to program yourself, take a look at our MT4 Programming Course for Beginners.
How to Find the Best Trading Programmer For You
Ultimately, your goal should be to find a programming company that you can develop a long-term working relationship with, so you can go to them every time you want some coding work done.
When you only work with one company, you know what to expect from them, you know about how much you will be paying and most importantly…you trust them.
Just like with Forex brokers, there are a lot of fly-by-night programming services out there, so you should be cautious.
The most important thing to remember, is to quadruple-check any work that a programmer gives you. Some programmers will tell you that a program works, but they didn't take the time to test it properly. Programmers also make honest mistakes or there can be miscommunication on what you actually wanted the program to do.
So be sure to verify that every feature of your indicator, script or EA works as planned. If you have an EA programmed, test it in demo before ever using it in your live account.
It's your trading account on the line.
Check accordingly.
Have a Concise Project Specification and Testing Plan
Before you contact any programmers, the first step is to have a detailed project specification.
This doesn't have to be complex or formal, but you should know exactly what you want your new piece of software to do. Take the time to sit down and figure out if-then scenarios and include the formulas your software will be using.
If you don't know what you want your software to do, you cannot expect the programmer to know. The best programmers can do many amazing things…but they don't read minds.
Also create some testing plans, so you can test your software after it's created.
Think of scenarios that could be tricky and figure out ways to test for them. Again, you don't have to get super detailed, but at least sketch out a plan of the things you want to test before you call the project complete.
This step takes some time up front, but it saves a ton of headache later.
Don't skip it.
Put your spec and testing plan into a written document so it's easy to email.
How to Test Programmers
Once you have a spec and testing plan worked out, it's time to contact a few programmers.
Send your project specification out to a few different shops to get a quote. This is where having a project spec beforehand helps a lot.
Then pay attention to the following:
- How fast do they respond?
- How good is their written language?
- Do they ask good clarification questions to show that they are paying attention?
- Does their quote fit into your budget?
- Can they provide you with references or testimonials?
- Do they provide suggestions for improvement?
There may be one company that stands out, but usually there are 2 or 3 that look pretty good.
Regardless, you want to test out a company before you give them any serious amount of money.
If the project is not expensive, then you can just pay them upfront and see what it's like to deal with them. I'll usually do this with simple indicators that cost less than $100.
However, if your project will cost a significant amount of money, then I would suggest doing the following:
- Ask to pay half up front, then the other half when the programming is completed to your satisfaction. The programmer stays in control of the source code until you pay the second payment. That's fair to both parties.
- Test the programmer with a small project first. Create a project that would cost less than $100 to do (or whatever “cheap” is to you). Send that project out to test different programming companies before you ask them to do a larger project. This small amount of money spent up front can help you avoid losing a large amount of money later.
Now that you know what you need to contact a programmer, all you need are some companies to contact.
That's where my trading programming services directory comes in handy…
Forex Trading Programming Services
Before you ask, I've personally worked with the companies on this list.
So be sure to do your homework and take the time to figure out the best programming solution for you.
It's your responsibility to do your own due diligence on these companies.
SnapDragon Systems
Adam Hartley has created trading software for some of the biggest fund managers and institutions in the world.
Past clients have included Barclays Capital, the Tudor Group, Headstart Fund & the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
If you have a complex programming project that you need done right, talk to Adam.
Here are some of the services his company provides:
- TradeStation/Multicharts programming
- Metatrader programming
- Forex Tester programming
- Trading systems testing
- API development
- Backtesting data provider
- MetaTrader historical data provider
- See Adam's online Metatrader 4 programming course for beginners
MQLSoft
I have used MQLSoft for several MT4 indicator projects. Witold is very responsive and has even jumped on my computer personally to fix an issue that I was having with a custom indicator.
His prices are reasonable and he specializes in MT4 custom programming for EAs, indicators and scripts.
He has also been very helpful with providing feedback on ideas that I've had.
