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.