Members | Fin Studio

What Are Members

Members, also referred to as private members, are a type of declaration within the Manual Strategy Builder (MSB) that share similarities with input parameters but with a key distinction: they cannot be configured by the user. Typically, private members are constant expressions, such as numerical values, strings, or references to indicators, which are used within algorithms in the same manner as input parameters.

Defining Members

Private members serve as fixed elements within a strategy, providing values that remain constant throughout the execution of the algorithm. These members are essential for scenarios where a consistent reference is required, such as the declaration of an indicator. For instance, if an algorithm requires the use of the RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator, a private member can be created for the RSI indicator. This ensures that the RSI can be utilized across various parts of the algorithm without needing to redefine or reconfigure it each time.

Usage and Flexibility

Once a member is declared, it can be referenced multiple times within the algorithm, ensuring consistency and reducing redundancy. Additionally, the parameters of these members can be linked to input parameters, providing a dynamic aspect where the constant member can still be influenced indirectly by user-configurable settings.

Organization and Management

Like input parameters, members are organized within the "Members" node of the project tree. The order in which members are declared can be adjusted by dragging and dropping them to the desired position within the list. This feature helps in maintaining an organized structure and prioritizing frequently used members. Moreover, copying a member is straightforward; by dragging the member to a new position while holding the Ctrl key, users can quickly duplicate members for use in different parts of the strategy.

Conclusion

Private members are a vital component of the MSB, offering a stable and reusable set of references that enhance the efficiency and clarity of algorithm design. By providing a means to define constant values and references, members ensure that complex strategies can be built with a high degree of precision and organization. This functionality, combined with the ability to link members to input parameters, makes private members a powerful tool for traders looking to create sophisticated and reliable trading strategies within FinStudio.