Location:  Home / Trading / API Trading Trading: API Trading For traders interested in utilizing an automated trading system or developing their own black box strategy, GAIN Capital supports fully automated trade execution via a standard FIX protocol or web-services API. The API provides users with the ability to receive a real-time rate feed, submit trade requests, set and modify stop-loss and take-profit orders, and receive automated confirmations of trade activity. For qualified users, we provide a testing environment that enables developers to "paper trade" and test their systems in real time before using the API in a production environment with actual funds. Two Business Functions, Two Technologies GAIN's API is a true standards-based XML interface that can be programmed in any network accessible language, from Perl-script to C++, Excel Macro to VB.NET managed code. The API is comprised of two separate technologies: Rate Data Interface Rate data represents the tradable prices published to the client. For this role we use a direct TCP/IP socket interface to the price publication system. To assist with programming in Visual Studio.NET and JAVA, we provide native components that handle the connection and link management. Each component creates events through delegates or call backs as appropriate. Trading Functions The trading functions are initiated by the client in the form of a request. This logic is implemented using Web Services; an XML based SOAP interface that uses HTTP as its transport. Web Services have become the de-facto B2B protocol of choice through their ease of use and cross-platform portability. For those clients looking to automate their strategy signals generated from scripting languages such as eSignal's Formula Script or TradeStation's EasyLanguage®, please click here. AutoEx API is available free-of-charge to GAIN live trading clients. We allow interested parties to register and access our API User Forum to learn more about the AutoEX product. Qualified developers have the ability to test the AutoEX API with no upfront monetary investment. Getting Started 1. Register For the API Forum Here you may view API documentation, exchange ideas, share comments and post information with other API users. 2. Request an API Demo Account From the API Forum 3. Complete the Account Application Process No deposit is required; however, we ask you to provide us with your projected initial deposit. 4. Develop Your API You can begin to program against the API and test your code using real-time data in a demo environment. 5. Fund your live trading account and begin using the API in the production environment Resources New Users: Register for the API Forum. Existing Users: Login to the API User Forum. Continue to Auto-Execution Partners > Trading Overview Why Choose GAIN? Platforms Wireless Trading Charting Research API Trading Auto-Execution Partners Managed Account Program Futures Trading