Multiple aggregations in strategy

Whoa! Slow down. These two things are like water and oil:

1. I’m in the process of learning how to code
2. while at the same time, building a multi-timeframe strategy

The average person might spend 3-5 years of writing basic common chart studies before they are ready to attempt working with multiple aggregation periods. Likewise, one might expect 3-5 years of writing basic common chart studies before they are ready to attempt building chart strategies.

But to combine these two? That takes a very long time indeed. (just because you can, doesn't mean you should) But so long as you love to learn by bashing your skull against the keyboard then I say "Go For It!". That's how you learn, by making mistakes and fixing them. So how about we let you fix this one?

First item on the list. How many arguments does the function named "Average()" accept? Need some help?

https://toslc.thinkorswim.com/center/reference/thinkScript/Functions/Tech-Analysis/Average

Now, how many arguments did you try to include in your statements?

def SMA1 = Average(smaPrice, smaLength, (period == agg1));

I count three. Busted right there. The language reference clearly tells us there are only two arguments for that function. First argument is the price and second argument is the length.

So you have to write that statement with only two arguments:

def SMA1 = Average(close, smaLength);

But that still doesn't get you to the aggregation period you assigned to the variable named "agg1". Which just so happens to be the very lowest aggregation period you can assign to a chart. So... that was pointless. Ok, let's do that again.

So you have to write that statement with only two arguments:

def SMA2 = Average(close, smaLength);

There, for now we'll assume the chart is set to 1 min time frame and all we want is a 20 period simple moving average of the close from the 2 min time frame. How do we get there from here?

Need a hint?

https://toslc.thinkorswim.com/center/reference/thinkScript/tutorials/Advanced/Chapter-11---Referencing-Secondary-Aggregation

Write, so then we have the following:

def SMA2 = Average(close(period = agg2), smaLength);

Wonderful. We have solved the very first issue that was preventing you from completing this. Are you ready for the next problem to solve? That statement references the current value of the 2 min bar's 20 period simple moving average. What happens if that bar changes direction between the first 1 min bar and the second 1 min bar? Busted and broken. Imagine how bad it gets when you reference the 5 min data? Five 1 min candles, each one able to present and then vanish a valid signal. MADNESS!!!

When constructing chart strategies for back testing, ones that use data from higher time frames, you must construct them using the previous higher time frame data. Otherwise your signals can repaint. All you get from chart strategies that reference the current data of the higher time frames is pure garbage. Signals that can never by repeated in a live market. Because it creates a leak into the future. Oh man... you have no idea how far up the creek you are right now.

Best thing I can recommend is that you turn around and go the opposite direction. Go fishing, watch a movie, have a beer.... However if you happen to be one of those crazy wackjobs that loves to bash their skull against the keyboard (that's me). Well then you can get all the details on how to get out of the rabbit hole and on to the straight and narrow path right here:

https://www.hahn-tech.com/thinkorswim-strategy-guide-mtf/