What is OpenAlgo?

Overview

OpenAlgo is an open-source, self-hosted algorithmic trading platform that makes it easy to build, test, and run trading strategies across multiple Indian brokers using a single, consistent interface.

Instead of working directly with different broker APIs, OpenAlgo provides a unified trading layer that standardizes order execution, market data, and portfolio access—allowing strategies to work the same way regardless of the broker being used.


What Problem Does OpenAlgo Solve?

Most brokers expose their own APIs, each with unique:

  • Authentication methods

  • Order parameters and formats

  • Market data structures

  • Limitations and edge cases

This creates complexity for both traders and developers.

OpenAlgo removes this friction by offering:

  • One common API for all supported brokers

  • Consistent behavior across live trading and testing

  • The ability to switch brokers without rewriting strategies


Who Should Use OpenAlgo?

Traders

OpenAlgo is suitable for traders who want to:

  • Automate rule-based or discretionary strategies

  • Execute TradingView, ChartInk, or Amibroker alerts

  • Test strategies safely using sandbox testing

  • Monitor orders, positions, and profit/loss in real time

  • Maintain full control over execution and data

No coding expertise is required to get started, though advanced users can extend it further.


Developers

OpenAlgo is designed for developers who need:

  • A stable and well-documented REST and WebSocket API

  • Uniform request and response formats across brokers

  • SDKs in multiple programming languages

  • A self-hosted, extensible trading backend

  • Support for advanced use cases such as AI-driven execution


Key Capabilities

Unified Trading API

OpenAlgo exposes a standardized API that allows you to:

  • Place, modify, and cancel orders

  • Fetch positions, holdings, and funds

  • Access orderbook and tradebook

  • Retrieve real-time and historical market data

All supported brokers follow the same API structure.


Multiple Ways to Run Strategies

OpenAlgo supports different strategy workflows:

  • Hosted Python strategies running directly inside OpenAlgo

  • Visual Flow strategies built using a no-code, drag-and-drop interface

  • External signals from TradingView, Amibroker, ChartInk, Excel, or Google Sheets

  • AI agents connected through the MCP server

This flexibility allows users to choose the approach that best fits their experience level.


Sandbox Testing Environment

OpenAlgo includes a fully isolated sandbox testing environment for validating strategies before live deployment.

Sandbox testing provides:

  • Live market data

  • Configurable sandbox capital

  • Realistic margin and order behavior

  • Automatic handling of exchange square-off rules

  • Complete isolation from live trading data


Order Control and Safety

OpenAlgo offers optional order approval workflows:

  • Automatic execution for fully automated strategies

  • Manual approval for supervised or discretionary trading

  • Full audit trail of all actions

This helps reduce execution risk and improves transparency.


Security and Privacy

Security and data ownership are core principles of OpenAlgo:

  • Broker credentials are encrypted

  • Passwords are securely hashed

  • Two-factor authentication is supported

  • API access is rate-limited

  • No user data is collected or shared

All data remains on infrastructure controlled by the user.


Deployment and Usage

OpenAlgo is designed to be self-hosted:

  • Run on a local machine

  • Deploy on a VPS or cloud server

  • Suitable for personal, professional, and team use

Once installed, it can serve as a central execution engine for all trading strategies.

What OpenAlgo is NOT

Let's be clear about what OpenAlgo doesn't do:

Misconception
Reality

Get-rich-quick scheme

It's a tool - profitability depends on your strategy

Strategy provider

You need your own trading ideas

Financial advisor

You're responsible for trading decisions

Black box

100% open source - verify every line of code

Cloud service

Self-hosted - you control everything

System Requirements

Component
Minimum
Recommended

OS

Windows 10, macOS 10.15, Ubuntu 20.04

Latest versions

Python

3.12+

3.12+

RAM

2 GB

2 GB+

Storage

2 GB

10 GB+ (for historical data)

Network

Stable internet

Low latency connection

Summary

Aspect
OpenAlgo

Cost

Free (Open Source, AGPL License)

Brokers

25+ Indian brokers

Exchanges

NSE, NFO, BSE, BFO, MCX, CDS, BCD

Signal Sources

TradingView, Amibroker, ChartInk, Python, AI

Strategy Building

Flow (Visual), Python Hosting, External Webhooks

Sandbox Trading

Analyzer Mode with ₹1 Crore sandbox capital

Historical Data

Historify with DuckDB storage

Real-Time Data

WebSocket streaming for quotes and orders

Notifications

Telegram bot, WebSocket updates

Data Privacy

100% - self-hosted on your infrastructure

Skill Required

Basic trading knowledge


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