CodePilot Quick Start Guide
This guide explains how to use CodePilot correctly to build:
- Automated trading robots (cBots)
- Custom indicators
- Risk and trade management tools
- Charting and visual trading tools
CodePilot works best when used iteratively. Following this guide reduces build errors and wasted credits.
Core Rule
Warning
Always build in small steps.
Start with a working baseline, then add one feature at a time.
Most build problems come from requesting too many features in a single step.
Build Workflow
Use this loop for every trading tool:
- Request a baseline build
- Compile and test in cTrader Algo
- Verify behaviour
- Request one change
- Repeat
Note
Do not skip steps. Each step assumes the previous one is working.
1: Baseline Build
Your first request should ask for a core or baseline version only.
A baseline build should include:
- Correct indicator or cBot structure
- Required parameters
- Minimal logic
- No advanced features
Example Prompts
Indicator
Build a baseline cTrader indicator with a moving average plotted on the chart.
No alerts and no trading logic.
cBot
Build a baseline cTrader cBot with parameters and OnBar logic.
Do not place any trades yet.
2: Build in cTrader Algo
When CodePilot returns a full source file:
- Copy the entire file
- Paste it into cTrader Algo
- Build immediately
Do not continue until:
- ✅ The code compiles without errors
- ✅ The indicator or cBot loads correctly
Danger
If the code does not build, stop here and fix it before continuing.
3: Test Existing Features
Before asking for anything new:
- Attach the indicator to a chart, or
- Run the cBot in backtest or demo
Confirm:
- Parameters behave as expected
- Visual output is correct
- No runtime errors occur
4: Add One Feature at a Time
Once the current version works, request one change only.
Good Examples
- Add an alert
- Add a stop loss rule
- Add a second indicator
- Add a chart drawing element
Bad Examples
- Add alerts, risk management, filters, UI panels, and optimisations
Example Incremental Prompt
Add a configurable alert when the moving average crosses price.
Do not change any other logic.
5: Repeat the Loop
After each change:
- Copy the full file
- Build in cTrader Algo
- Test again
Success
This incremental approach is how professional trading tools are built.
Using Workflows
(Strongly Recommended)
CodePilot includes guided workflows to improve accuracy.
Use a workflow when:
- Building a new indicator or cBot
- Modifying existing code
- Converting from MT4, MT5, or Pine Script
- Adding risk or trade management
Use free typing when:
- Asking conceptual questions
- Exploring ideas
- Understanding behaviour
Info
Workflows define intent before code is generated, reducing ambiguity and errors.
Ai Model Selection
You can choose from a selection of the world’s leading AI models, ranging from lightweight to advanced. This guide explains how to select the most appropriate model for your task.
Important Behaviour to Understand
- CodePilot returns full source files, not snippets.
- Each response assumes the current version is correct.
- CodePilot cannot see local build errors unless you paste them back.
If something breaks:
- Paste the compiler error, or
- Paste the full current source file
- Ask for a fix only, not new features
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Requesting many features at once
- Not compiling between changes
- Editing code manually without telling CodePilot
- Mixing indicator logic with trade execution
- Skipping baseline builds
Adding Additional Features
Confirm that:
- ✅ The code builds successfully
- ✅ Existing features work
- ✅ You know exactly what you want to add next
If yes, continue.
If no, stop and fix first.
Fixing Build Errors
CodePilot can also be used to fix build errors in generated code. This guide explains how to report errors correctly so issues can be resolved and your code compiles cleanly.
Final Advice
Quote
CodePilot is a development partner, not a magic button.
Follow the workflow. Build iteratively.