Advice on Learning how to Program for NT

[NickF]

Hi,

I've been using NT for a while and plan to continue using for some time to come. But for me to really achieve my goals for indicators, backtesting and Autotrading I need to learn how to program and start writing my own scripts.

Any suggestions on how one gets started in this world of programming? I thought of taking a class on C# at a local community college or books on the subject. But are there any better methods out there that could shorten the learning curve a bit and be more focused? I have ZERO experience in programming.

Thanks.

NickF

[NinjaTrader_Ben]

Hello,

First, what I would do is attend one of our beginner level development events for free:

http://www.ninjatrader.com/webnew/trading_online_events.htm

That will give you a starting point. Then just start programming and posting questions on this forum. Its like learning a spoken language, you have to use it to learn it. The index on the help guide is helpful:

http://www.ninjatrader-support.com/HelpGuideV6/FHKeywords.html

Also, go through these tutorials:

http://www.ninjatrader-support.com/HelpGuideV6/Overview23.html

[MicroAl]

Learning C#

Nick

I found the Sams book learn C# in 24 hours to be excellent. It explains things in a really basic way which was ideal for me.

There are a number of web sites you could try. One that has been recommended on this forum is http://www.homeandlearn.co.uk/csharp/csharp.html which details a basic C# course. Try the MSDN site for some comprehensive C sharp learning videos. These will be based around C# programming using Visual Studio but you can download Visual Studio Express for now charge and use it permanently to learn C#.

Learnvisualstudio.net has a number of videos on C# programming for beginners. They do a series which is console based which I think is very good. There is a small charge for access to their site.

Finally at the other end of the scale if you wish to really get into C# programming I would recommend the Appdev courses which I find excellent (Appdev.com). Be aware however that the video part of their courses (not the coursebooks or sample programming) appears to be licenced under other sites such as learnwindows.now for a cheaper price.

[kaywai]

Nick,

you can also have a look at Murach's C#2008. another i came across on C#2008 is by deitel. very detailed explanation for beginners.

[NickF]

Thanks guys. your replies have been helpful. Now on to another learning journey...