Algo Trading with Java and IBKR API

Is learning Java for algo trading one of your 2020 New Year’s resolutions? Then IBKR Java API Educational resources and Testbed samples will provide you with a practical and engaging framework.

How popular is Java? According to PYPL PopularitY of Programming Language, a site that analyzes how often language tutorials are searched on Google, Java ranks #2 (Python takes the lead). IBKR is excited to offer our free and interactive tools to finance professionals and quants looking to add Java to their programming and data science skills. Follow these three easy steps:

First, get hands-on experience by learning the syntax through the TWS API GitHub guide. For a brief description of Java classes, structs, unions and interfaces see this GitHub section https://interactivebrokers.github.io/tws-api/annotated.html and click on the Java tab at the top. Learn all about the EClient and EWrapper methods and what role they play in connecting your custom algo system with our API.

The next step is to download from GitHub our sample project called Testbed. This script provides ready-to-use code for streaming market data, setting up scanners and error handling. Please note that Java 8 or higher is required for running the Java API client.

Finally, be sure to practice placing orders in a simulated trading environment with our award-winning platform. Coding and trading in a paper account allows users to use the full range of our trading platform but in a simulated environment using real market conditions. Wrap up your learning session with a quick look at TWS User Guide Paper Trading section.