Connecting Python Trading Systems to Brokers for Live Order Execution
Summary
The discussion answers where Python strategies can send live orders across markets, distinguishing execution connectivity from Python’s role in research or backtesting. It names Interactive Brokers’ APIs and tools, including IBPy, IB Gateway, and Trader Workstation, as one route for sending orders. It also mentions third-party platforms that connect Python workflows to brokers, a Python backtester with live integration, and the possibility of calling brokerage REST APIs through custom wrappers.
The answers are a collection of options rather than a current, systematic comparison. They do not establish which exchanges, instruments, account types, or regions each route supports today, nor do they cover API reliability, order handling, fees, or operational safeguards. Some suggestions are explicitly presented by their authors or platform providers, so claims about convenience and compatibility should be treated as self-reported. A trader would need to verify current broker documentation and test the chosen connection before relying on it for live execution.
Key ideas
- Python order execution depends on a broker or platform interface, such as a broker API or REST service.
- The discussion identifies Interactive Brokers connectivity through its gateway and workstation tools.
- Third-party platforms and Python backtesters may also provide live broker integration.
- Custom wrappers can translate Python commands into a brokerage’s API requests.
- The listed options are historical suggestions and require verification of current support and capabilities.
Tags
Full text
# Python everywhere but where do they execute orders? # Python everywhere but where do they execute orders? About every introduction I've read about automatic trading writes about how well python is suited for the task. But looking around, I've been able to find just one brooker, Oanda, which has a python api for placing orders. However Oanda is nearly only forex. Where should I look if I wanted to place orders with stocks, options, futures in north america and european exchanges. With python and standalone (No browser Quantopian) ## Answer by Clebson Derivan (score 3, accepted) https://quant.stackexchange.com/a/27753 IBPy + IB Gateway + TWS and you can send order to any interactive brokers, how to setup ## Answer by IBridgePy IBridgePy (score 1) https://quant.stackexchange.com/a/36498 Interactive Brokers hosted a webinar on Nov. 10 2016 about Implement Algo Trading coded in Python using Interactive Brokers API. The presenter gave a good explanation on live trading using IBridgePy, which is a flexible and easy-to-use Python platform. The webinar was published by IB at youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hogXB07OJ_I IBridgePy 's website is www.IBridgePy.com One of greatest thing is that IBridgePy can run Quantopian's codes without any changes! The tutorial of migrating from Quantopian to IBridgePy is here. http://www.ibridgepy.com/tutorials/#Migrating_from_Quantopian_to_IBridgePy Disclaimer: Posted by IBridgPy ## Answer by Marko Bakić (score 0) https://quant.stackexchange.com/a/28194 You'll be able to send orders to many more brokerages if you learn HTML request protocol and how to use RESTful APIs. For example I have written python API wrappers (scripts that convert python commands into the brokerage's protocol) that allow full trading functionality in both TradeKing and Robinhood. ## Answer by mementum (score 0) https://quant.stackexchange.com/a/29612 https://github.com/mementum/backtrader Offers you a backtester in Python and if you want to go LIVE: integration with IB On the repository page you will find a list of similar projects using Python. Some offer also live trading Disclaimer: I am the author ## Answer by NeverResting (score -1) https://quant.stackexchange.com/a/28209 Python can be used in QuantConnect and Quantopian (which connect to IB, Robinhood, and many other platforms).
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