This is a total newbie question, so I apologize if the answer in advance. I've written a little script that I tested. Now I want to run it in demo to see how to trades, but I assume that I'm missing some step and can't just trade the script. I tried that and got the message "Can't open [name of script].fac rt".

Is there some step I'm missing to turn the script into a strategy that Zorro can trade? Does it need to be compiled? (If so, how do I do that?)

Also, I noticed that my saved scripts don't appear in the Zorro Strategy folder in Windows, but are in the same Strategy folder in the script editor...

Many thanks!

Writing a trade script is described in workshop 4. For trading it click the Trade button.

If you have problems to save your scripts in the Strategy folder, you might need to turn off UAC as described under 'getting started'.

Thanks for the info re UAC.

Yes, I've read all the workshops several times, but I haven't seen anything regarding the message "Can't open [name of script].fac rt". Does this message have any significance?

So, once I write a script it's ready to trade, despite the above message?

For example, I noticed that if I click Trade for Workshop 4_2, I also get the same message: "Can't open Workshop 4_2 .fac rt". But I see that Zorro is connected to my broker. Does this mean the strategy is ready to trade despite the message?

Thanks!

There is no .fac file in workshop 4_2, so I don't know what you did and can not much help with that. But before you can trade a script anyway, you must understand it and must not be helpless when you make a mistake and get an error message.

First start with the simple scripts as in workshop 4. Learn how to test them, then trade them on a demo account. Then continue with the further workshops and more complex scripts. .fac files are introduced in workshop 6, it makes no sense to use them before.

Sorry, I meant Workshop 6_2. I just ran a test of Workshop 6_2 and got this message:

Workshop6_2 compiling...............
Walk-Forward Test: Workshop6_2 portfolio 2002..2013
Can't open Workshop6_2.fac rt
Profit 308$ MI 5$ DD 185$ Capital 53$
Trades 1007 Win 22% Avg +4.0p Bars 58
CAGR 22% PF 1.13 SR 0.48 UI 31.1% Error 33%

Note third line "Can't open Workshop6_2.fac rt" This is the same message that comes up when I trade Workshop 6_2.

The .fac file is the OptimalF factors file. If your script has set(FACTORS) in it, then it will look for the .fac file.

However, if you are starting from a Workshop, then it may not yet exist. You have to let Zorro create the .fac file by pressing Train. After it finishes Training, it will also create the .fac file that is then used in Test mode.

Ahh, got it. Many thanks for the help, much appreciated!!