Chapter 14: Platforms, Your First Project & What to Learn Next
Popular algo-trading platforms in India
- Streak — beginners using indicator-based systems; no-code strategy creation, scanners and backtesting.
- Tradetron — no-code users and multi-leg strategy creators; cloud-based builder with paper trading and broker integrations.
- AlgoTest — traders focused on Indian options; no-code options backtesting, forward testing and automation.
- QuantMan — beginners exploring rule-based systems with historical backtesting.
- Zerodha Kite Connect — developers wanting custom control; order APIs, GTT, historical candles and WebSocket data.
- Upstox Developer API — developers building custom systems; trading APIs, historical data and WebSocket streaming.
- AmiBroker + execution bridge — experienced system traders; flexible research and AFL coding.
Before paying for any platform, verify its current broker integrations, exchange empanelment status, data source, security practices, execution method, support and total costs.
A structured first project
- Universe: selected liquid Nifty 50 stocks • Timeframe: 15-minute candles
- Strategy: moving-average crossover with RSI filter
- Risk: 0.5% per trade, 1% daily loss limit, maximum two positions, four trades/day
- Mode: paper trading, reviewed over at least 30 trading sessions
During review, compare backtest vs paper win rates, average profit and loss, drawdown, signal counts, slippage assumptions, missed/duplicate trades and behaviour across market conditions. The purpose is to learn the complete process, not to maximise returns.
What to learn after the 12-week plan
- Portfolio-level risk management and volatility-based position sizing
- Walk-forward analysis and Monte Carlo simulation
- Futures rollover handling and options strategy backtesting
- Event and earnings filters, database management, cloud deployment and system monitoring
- Machine learning — only where there is a clear use case; a transparent rule-based strategy is easier to test, diagnose and control
Final thoughts
Successful algo trading begins with a repeatable trading idea, not with software. Treat an algorithm like a small trading business: document its purpose, expected behaviour, costs, failure scenarios and the conditions under which it should be stopped.
This lesson is for educational purposes only. It is not investment advice, a recommendation or an assurance of returns. Trading and derivatives involve substantial risk, and backtested or paper-trading results do not guarantee future performance.
