Summary

You do not need to be an expert coder or even a good coder to become a competent algorithmic trader; basic coding knowledge tailored to your specific trading needs is sufficient.

Abstract

The article asserts that an "Old Fart Stock Trader" does not need to be proficient in coding to engage in algorithmic trading. It emphasizes that the requirement to know programming languages extensively is a common misconception that can deter potential algorithmic traders. The author argues that one only needs to understand enough coding to execute their specific trading strategies, as opposed to mastering complex programming concepts. The article encourages individuals to overcome intimidation and start learning practical coding skills relevant to stock trading. It recommends beginning with C#, as it offers a stock charting package, and suggests a free course to get started. The author, who claims to have learned coding despite being older, aims to guide interested individuals through the process on Medium.

Opinions

The author believes that the notion of needing to be a skilled coder to engage in algorithmic trading is incorrect and discouraging.
It is suggested that the complexity of programming languages is often exaggerated and that one can communicate effectively with their computer using only the necessary coding knowledge.
The author uses analogies from English grammar to illustrate that just as one can communicate without knowing obscure grammatical terms, one can trade without in-depth coding knowledge.
There is an emphasis on self-paced learning and the autonomy of working for oneself, which eliminates the pressure of traditional programming jobs.
The author recommends a specific learning resource, a free 10.5-hour video course on C#, as a starting point for those interested in algorithmic trading.
The article promotes the idea that age is not a barrier to learning coding for trading purposes, with the author suggesting they are older but still managed to learn coding.
The author invites readers to follow them on Medium for more insights into becoming an algorithmic trader.
A cost-effective AI service, ZAI.chat, is recommended for those interested in exploring AI capabilities similar to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4) at a lower price.

Does an Old Fart Stock Trader Have To Be an Expert Coder to Be an Algorithmic Trader?

The answer is NO. Here’s why.

Fact is you don’t even have to be a good coder to become a competent algorithmic trader. You are not preparing for interview questions because you’re applying for a job at Microsoft. You are instructing your computer to produce one specific result, you work at your own pace, and you answer to nobody but yourself.

The mistaken belief that you have to “learn” a computer programming language before you can even start thinking about algo trading has been holding you back. Easy enough to fall for this mistaken belief, I suppose. This is what everybody tells you.

You only need to know enough code to get that specific job done. Nothing more.

Do not let yourself get intimidated out of upping your game because of what people have told you.

Do you know what a diazeugma is? A feghoot? A dirimens copulatio? Probably not. They are English language grammar related terms that you don’t know and don’t care about because you get through every day communicating with the people around you just fine and dandy, thank you.

Same with making a chart, running a scan, or programming a trading algorithm on your computer. You do not have to know how to use a unary pointer indirection operator, or even what it is, to loop through a list of stock prices.

Writing code is unfamiliar, but it’s not hard, and it’s certainly not impossible. I did it, and I’m probably older than you are.

A good place to start is with Fundamentals of Programming: Understanding C#. It’s a free 10.5 hour video course by Jesse Dietrichson at Udemy.

I suggest you start with C# because it comes with a stock charting package.

If becoming an algorithmic trader appeals to you then can follow me here on Medium. There’s lots more to come.