Importing Data Into Amibroker

Introduction

AmiBroker is a popular trading software platform used by traders and investors around the world for analyzing and backtesting trading strategies. To effectively use AmiBroker, traders need to import data into the software. In this article, we will explore the process of importing data into AmiBroker and provide some tips and tricks for successful data importation.

Data sources for AmiBroker

Before we dive into the process of importing data into AmiBroker, it’s essential to understand the different types of data sources that the software supports. AmiBroker can import data from a variety of sources, including:

ASCII files: AmiBroker can import data from plain text files in ASCII format. These files typically contain columns of data separated by commas or other delimiters.

MetaStock files: AmiBroker can import data from MetaStock files, which are widely used in the trading industry.

CSI files: AmiBroker can import data from CSI (Commodity Systems Inc.) files, which are a popular source of historical data for futures and commodities traders.

Real-time data feeds: AmiBroker can also receive real-time data feeds from a variety of sources, including Interactive Brokers, Esignal, and IQFeed.

Importing data into AmiBroker

The process of importing data into AmiBroker varies depending on the data source. However, the following steps outline the general process of importing data into AmiBroker:

Step 1: Open the database

The first step in importing data into AmiBroker is to open the database. Traders can create a new database or open an existing one.

Step 2: Select the data source

The next step is to select the data source. Traders can select the data source from the “Data Sources” menu in AmiBroker. The menu lists all the data sources that AmiBroker supports.

Step 3: Configure the data source

Once the data source has been selected, traders need to configure it. The configuration process varies depending on the data source. For example, if traders are importing data from an ASCII file, they need to specify the file path and the delimiter used in the file. If traders are importing data from a real-time data feed, they need to enter their login credentials.

Step 4: Import the data

The final step is to import the data. Traders can import the data by clicking the “Import” button in the data source configuration window. AmiBroker will then import the data into the database.

Tips and tricks for successful data importation

Importing data into AmiBroker can be a straightforward process, but it can also be challenging if traders don’t follow best practices. Here are some tips and tricks for successful data importation:

Ensure data accuracy: It’s essential to ensure that the data being imported into AmiBroker is accurate. Inaccurate data can lead to incorrect analysis and backtesting results. Traders should verify the data by comparing it to other sources.

Use a reliable data source: Traders should use a reliable data source for importing data into AmiBroker. Reliable data sources typically provide accurate and up-to-date data.

Consistency in data format: Traders should ensure that the data being imported into AmiBroker is consistent in format. Inconsistent data formats can lead to errors during the importation process.

Use compression techniques: Traders can use compression techniques to reduce the size of the data being imported into AmiBroker. Compressed data takes up less space and can be imported more quickly.