MS developer Kit....what it is?

dear friends

i had heard a lot about it.....even though i use amibroker...

i do have it (both Metastock 10 and developer kit) but havent used....

can you put some focus on the importance of develper kit?

have a nice day
JB

mdk is used to read/write data in metastock format.

it is also used to write custom indicators etc (external function dlls) and thus helps one to overcome the limitations which one faces while building complex experts or indicators.

cheers,
jdm.

dear jdm,

Can you pls guide me how to use it?

have a nice day
JB

MetaStock Developer's Kit

The MetaStock Developer's Kit (MDK) is the single-stop resource for the MetaStock user experienced in programming that would like to develop tools to increase the power of their own analysis. It is also perfect for the software developer wanting to create powerful add-on modules for MetaStock users.

MetaStock is the ideal technical analysis program with which experienced developers can integrate their own customized trading solutions and is the central component of the MetaStock Solution Provider program. The Developers Kit includes the MetaStock File Library API, the MetaStock External Function API, and the Custom User Interface Utility.
The MetaStock File Library (MSFL) API

* Natively read/write MetaStock price data
* Thread Safe
* Supports C, C++, Pascal, and Visual Basic
* Multi-user support
* 6000 securities per folder
* Royalty-free distribution
* 65,500 price data records per security
* Implemented as a 32-bit Windows DLL
* For experienced programmers

The MSFL API contains easy-to-use functions. With the read-only MSFL, the API includes functions for reading MetaStock price data. With the read/write MSFL, the API includes functions for reading, writing, editing, adjusting, sorting, inserting, deleting, and merging MetaStock price data. The MSFL comes as a Win 32 DLL and includes definition/header files and sample applications for Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, Borland C++ Builder 4, Delphi 4, and Visual Basic 6.0. Equis uses the same MSFL for the data access in MetaStock and The DownLoader, so you can be sure it will be reliable and compatible with MetaStock and other Equis products.
The MetaStock External Functions (MSX) API

* Create MetaStock Custom Formula functions in a Win 32 DLL
* Use the power of conventional programming languages
* Sample code provided for C, C++, Pascal, and PowerBASIC
* Seamless integration with MetaStock 7.0 or higher
* DLL functions available to Custom Indicators, System Tests, Explorations, and Experts
* Unlimited number of functions per DLL
* Argument types include Data Array, Numeric, String, and Custom
* Up to 9 arguments per function
* Access to all price data for the current security
* MSXTest application provided for verifying and stress-testing your DLL
* Intended for use by experienced programmers

If you can program in one of the supported programming languages, then you can expand the functionality of the MetaStock Formula Language, create your own custom functions that can produce a standard Win32 DLL. The MSX API defines an interface that allows MetaStock to query your DLL for the list of provided functions and required arguments. Each of your functions appears automatically in MetaStocks "Paste Function" dialog. MSX functions are called via the "ExtFml" command in the MetaStock Formula Language.

Use MSX functions to perform complex calculations for custom indicators, pattern matching, fundamental data acquisition, etc. Distribute your MSX DLLs with accompanying Custom Indicators, Experts, or other MetaStock tools using the enhanced Formula Organizer self-installing executable feature.
MetaStock Custom User Interface Utility

* Add or delete buttons on the MetaStock custom toolbar
* Add or delete items on the MetaStock tools and help menus
* Link to applications, MetaStock templates or layouts, documents, URLs, and more
* Menu items can vary depending on whether or not a chart is opened
* Chart menus have access to the security's name, symbol, and periodicity
* Implemented as a command line based executable that can be called from batch files or other applications

Seamlessly integrate your custom solution with MetaStock by modifying the MetaStock custom toolbar and the MetaStock tools and help menus with links to your applications or URLs. This allows the end user to have single click access to your solution. If you can launch it from the Windows run dialog (Start menu | run), you can add it to the MetaStock custom toolbar or the MetaStock tools and help menus. This has been designed to be called from any third party setup program so that you can easily integrate your solution with MetaStock.
Formula Organizer Enhancements

Export your MSX DLLs, templates, custom indicators, explorations, system tests, and experts into a self-extracting installation program. This makes it easy for developers to create and distribute add-on products for MetaStock. And to make sure that your custom formula stays yours when you distribute it via the web or email, the export process includes options for password protection and copyright display.
DDE Server Documentation

This includes extensive instructions for using the Dynamic Data Exchange Server included with MetaStock Professional with other DDE compatible software, such as Microsoft Excel or your own custom DDE clients. The DDE Server provides easy access to your real-time price data.
Available Versions

hi john,

foremost, you need to know any of the languages that the mdk supports like c++ vb etc, to make good use of the mdk.

cheers,
jdm.

Dear jdm,

i know the latter one.....and do have the kit.....but dont know how to use it.....
also dont know either its only the READ version or READ/WRITE version.....how would i know which version it is? How to use MDK?

have a nice day
JB

include the msfl.bas (you will find the same in your installation folder itself for eg.c:\program files\equis\mdk\msfl\inlcude\) module in your project.

look for these declarations: if you find MSFL1_writedatarec or MSFL1_insertdatarec etc you know its the read/write version. otherwise its the read version.

cheers,
jdm.

Can we use this MSDK to send emails or sms to ourselves about the sitiuation of trigger levels or etc. by using the c++ or other programming languages??

Hi,

can MDK develop automated trading system.
i use tick data real time but keep time interval in Metastock 15 mins.i want to develop ya get a system whereby it automatically scans & tell me which stock is a buy ya sell accordling to a stated formula on 15 mins time frame.