Rithmic R | API+ Developer

Futures Trading Platforms Rithmic Trader (R | Trader) and RAPI
1

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone is, or knows of, a developer who has experience with the R | API+ who would be interested in writing a basic minimum viable product. I have experience with programming - Python and a bit of C++ - and a clear definition of the software and strategy, but I am looking for someone who has a thorough understanding of the API who can get the MVP in place reasonably quickly and efficiently.

I would like to learn from the developer so I understand the software but there is also the possibility of extended work on the project.

Thanks,
Philip

1 Like
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Hi @pmw2007 and welcome to the Optimus Community.
I was wondering if you could potentially describe what you need further:

  1. Do you have a method that you are trying to move from one programming language to another?
  2. Is the method that you are trying to program is one that has been traded before or is based on a paper trading model?

Let’s start with that, and please provide any additional feedback based on my question.

Thank you,
Matt Zimberg
Optimus Futures

3

Hi Matt,

Thanks for getting back to me.

  1. Yes. I do my research in Python and the strategy is fully defined in code. Also, I have the code mostly done in the C++ Rithmic API. We’ve passed the conformance test, etc. but I did this work last summer using a freelance developer who is no longer available for freelance work.
  2. Not traded, historical backtest. Carefully done, have used out of same data for several years, etc. but indeed a backtest.

For a bit more clarity, the Rithmic code I have is essentially the framework. It’s a barebones implementation. For example, we hard code certain values/parameters. What I want to do is build out this core implementation so that I can manage dozens of these strategies trading simultaneously, use different execution strategies, etc.

The goal is to trade a few markets with a barebones implementation to work out the details, then to scale the infrastructure and the strategy. If that makes sense.

Thanks,
Philip

4

Philip, if you passed the conformance test, I suggest taking one system to production and see how it does versus the model you have built. The fact that this model has not been traded is not a problem, but you should go slowly live, and not develop an entire framework with multi strategies because you want to proceed slowly when you are love, not implement an entire hypothetical model on many markets.

We see a lot of developers who are busy making their model “perfect” prior to launch, but in my opinion, most of the work is done during live trading where you check the frequency of trades, slippage, and above all the ability to get filled on all your model numbers.

I will show this thread to a developer and see if he has an interest in helping, I will PM you.

Thanks,
Matt

5

Hi Matt,

Yes, completely agree on the issues of slippage, fill, etc. being the key.

And yes as well, I do not want to discard what I have - it’s a matter of me not being skilled enough to work with the code that I already have. In other words, it’s not a matter of going back to the lab to perfect things, it’s about having a code base that passed conformance and is more or less prepared to start testing live markets as you suggest … I just don’t really know how to manage that live implementation.

Thanks for showing this thread to a developer - what would be ideal actually is someone with specific experience in the Rithmic API who could consult/e.g. explain the nuts and bolts of the API, to a Senior Developer I know who will take over the project long term. In other words, if you have a specialist who maybe cannot take over the project or dig too much into the weeds but can use their experience to get an experienced developer up to speed quickly, that would be great (I have budget for that).

Thanks,
Philip

1 Like
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Hi Matt - no luck on this?

Thanks,
Philip

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Howdy @Mod-MattZ ! I wanted to resurrect this thread as I’m looking for something similar - ie a bare-bones python build that has:

  • Mkt Data: Last Trade + ToB for e-Mini/Micro Futures
  • Order Entry: Limit Order Entry, Cancel and Execution Handling,
  • Risk Mgmt: Risk Check (poll Rithmic or Broker for ground-truth positions)

Do you know of anywhere I could find that or a developer who might be able to assist/consult for $?

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Hi @farazj

We no longer recommend relying entirely on programmers because we’re uncertain about the consistent quality of their output and if it aligns with your specific needs. Based on our observations, those who don’t automate their own processes (lack programming skills) are often in pursuit of the “best” outcomes. However, when these are not achieved, they revert to manual programming.

You might consider using ChatGPT for basic C# tasks while also refining your hands-on coding abilities. We remain convinced that genuine understanding and control over a methodology is crucial, enabling you to adapt to shifts in the market environment.

Thanks,
Matt Z
Optimus Futures

1 Like
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Thanks Matt… I definitely agree in general, but the problem I’m having is that the Rithmic R API is woefully under-documented (fwiw, I’m a Data Scientist at Amazon with pretty decent enterprise coding experience). I can’t find a good API spec to code to, despite having reached out to the Rithmic support team, I still only have the Reference Guide.
I understand the protobuff conversion paradigm, but things like integrating risk management calls into order entry threads/workflows, and all the hundreds of other nuances of successfully coding to an API are ** extremely ** difficult because the documentation I have doesn’t cover it, and my only other recourse is to ask the R API support email every question.
With that as a background, I again agree, but am definitely still looking for any alternative you may have visibility into.

1 Like
10

If you want something well documented, here are some additional alternatives:

  1. DXfeed https://dxfeed.com/api/java-api/
    This is not an execution API, data only
  2. CQG Web API | partners.cqg.com
    Data and Execution
  3. T4 T4 API | CTS
    Data and Execution

I hope this helps and the teams above are very helpful.

Best,
Matt Z
Optimus Futures

11

Thanks Matt - this is awesome!! To impose just a bit more on your experience/knowledge: If I were looking for an API-based trading solution for CME e-Mini/Micro futures, and wanted Last-Trade/ToB Data, with limit orders, and potentially near-to or colo-level latency, would I be able to use either CQG or T4 for under, say a few hundred a month (for market data + colo or other equivalent hosting - not lumping in transaction/CME fees)?
Much appreciated !!!

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Happy to help! When choosing a hosting company for trading, consider the latency solutions they offer and pick one that matches your trading style. However, don’t chase the ultra-fast speeds that big institutions with High-Frequency Trading (HFT) and AI go for. As a retail trader, we don’t have the resources to compete with them. Instead, focus on ensuring your trading frequency, profit targets, and risk management are suitable for retail trading.

While hosting can give you faster response times, its main benefit for most retail traders is stability.

Here are a few hosting companies to look into:

  • Omne - Connected to CME Aurora in Chicago and possibly affiliated with Rithmic.
  • Speedy Trading Servers - Links to CME Cermak in Chicago.
  • MyTradeHost - Also connected to Cermak in Chicago.

Best,
Matt Z
Optimus Futures

15

Hello,

If anyone is still looking for an MVP using Python and Rithmic, I’ve created an example from which you can learn and build your own strategy. I purposely omitted adding trading and execution logic and left that as a learning exercise. The code has a placeholder function for that.

As the mod mentioned, the best option is to learn Rapi and leverage ChatGPT. However, I must admit that the API has a steep learning curve, especially if you aren’t familiar with asynchronous Python and threading.

The repo can be found here: