Interactive Brokers’ technology has pioneered algo trading and is highly regarded among individual quant traders and hedge funds, as well as academics and researchers. Moreover, our award-winning platform consistently wins top marks and provides innovative Application Program Interface (API) solutions.
Supported Languages and Technologies
Our propriety API allows traders to build their own automated rules-based trading application in Java, C++, C#, Python or DDE.
First, download the API software from our GitHub repository: http://interactivebrokers.github.io/. Furthermore, developers interested in collaborating can find instructions on how to contribute and commit code on our GitHub page: http://interactivebrokers.github.io/api_software_contribute.html
Next, review the installed package for an overview of API capabilities along with the Testbed sample application, which demonstrates coding examples. The package also provides users with the opportunity to retrieve data via the sample Excel files.
In addition, the API release notes, organized by built and date, further enhance the learning experience and render valuable syntax reference.
Trading
The next step is to get started with the GitHub guide and learn how to connect to the Trader Workstation, request market data, and place order types. Once your application is built, ensure you first test it in a simulated account with historical market data. After successfully testing, algo traders need to subscribe to real-time market data as outlined on our website.
In addition, be sure to monitor your account data and performance via the API. See GitHub for reference on syntax specifics.
Additional Resources
If you are interested in learning more about our API, our Traders’ Academy, Short Videos and Webinars provide a plethora of educational resources in engaging visual presentations, and supplemented with coding examples.
For those curious how our other API solutions compare, see this key attributes matrix for IBKR API, FIX CTCI , WT Web API, REST Web API, Mobile API and ECA: https://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/index.php?f=1325#matrix
Finally, be sure to follow the IBKR API News section for API development updates.
Disclosure: Interactive Brokers
The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.
Disclosure: Order Types / TWS
The order types available through Interactive Brokers LLC's Trader Workstation are designed to help you limit your loss and/or lock in a profit. Market conditions and other factors may affect execution. In general, orders guarantee a fill or guarantee a price, but not both. In extreme market conditions, an order may either be executed at a different price than anticipated or may not be filled in the marketplace.
Disclosure: Hedge Funds
Hedge Funds are highly speculative, and investors may lose their entire investment.
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