This tutorial will illustrate the concept of DataSource Templates and how they are used to connect to historical price data.
In simple terms, a DataSource Template allows you to connect Stator to historical price data. Stator supports various price formats, i.e. ASCII text, MetaStock and more.
The picture shown above illustrates the concept of DataSource templates quite clearly. DataSource templates act as a set of instructions/map to historical price data which you have on your local computer or network.
In the picture above, three DataSource Templates have been created (two ASCII text and one MetaStock). The three DataSource Templates point to different price data databases.
You can then link any trade in the Stator Data Layer to a DataSource Template which in turn provides Stator with all the information it needs in order to read the historical price data.
What does Stator link?
You can connect every trade within the Stator Data Layer to a historical DataSource. Stator identifies each trade as the CODE/CURRENCY/EXCHANGE.
For example, if you have three trades of BHP (ASX, AUD) in your Data Layer, it only needs to be mapped (using the DataSource template) to your historical data once.
Why do I need more than one DataSource Template?
In most circumstances, you will only need to create one DataSource Template to map to your historical data. There may be occasions where you need to create more then one DataSource template, some examples include;
1. Stock data is separate to other data, i.e. Options, Warrants.
2. Australian based stocks are in a separate database to your US price data.
2. Overseas data is in ASCII text whilst local data is in MetaStock format.
There will be numerous examples where you need to create multiple DataSource Templates.
The Default DataSource Template
Stator allows you to define a "Default" DataSource Template. The default template is used to automatically assign/link new trades to historical data when you enter a new CODE/CURRENCY/EXCHANGE which is not present in the Stator Data Layer.
