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QChartist is a robust open-source technical analysis (TA) software with a graphical user interface (GUI), offering a comprehensive suite of features for traders and analysts. However, whether it stands as the “best” option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

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✅ Strengths of QChartist
1. Extensive Indicator Library and Drawing Tools

• Includes approximately 100 built-in indicators, such as MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands, and unique options like astro indicators and moon phases.
  
• Offers a wide array of drawing tools, including Fibonacci retracements, pitchforks, spirals, and planetary cycles, catering to both conventional and esoteric analysis methods. (qchartist.com)
  

2. Programmability and Flexibility

• Supports scripting in both Basic and C++, facilitating the creation of custom indicators and extensions.
  
• Allows easy porting of MetaTrader 4 (MT4) indicators, making it accessible for users familiar with MT4. (qchartist.com, Wikipédia)
  

3. Real-Time Data Integration

• Integrates with multiple data sources, including Yahoo Finance, Alpha Vantage, Tiingo, Stooq, and Finnhub, providing access to real-time and historical data across various markets. (SourceForge)
  

4. Advanced Features

• Supports real-time market watchlists, custom alerts, and automated analysis through tools like QTGuard.
  
• Compatible with Scilab for advanced mathematical computations, enhancing analytical capabilities. (qchartist.com)
  

5. Cross-Platform Availability

• Runs on Windows and is compatible with Linux via Wine, broadening its accessibility to users across different operating systems. (qchartist.com)
  

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⚠️ Considerations

• User Interface: The GUI may appear dated compared to modern platforms, potentially affecting user experience.
  
• Learning Curve: While powerful, the software’s extensive features and scripting capabilities may require a learning period, especially for users new to technical analysis or programming.
  
• Community and Support: While QChartist has a user base, the community may be smaller compared to more mainstream platforms, possibly impacting the availability of tutorials and user-generated content.
  

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? Alternatives to Consider
Depending on your specific needs, you might explore the following open-source TA tools:

• Market Analysis System (MAS): Offers a range of technical indicators and supports automated signal generation. Suitable for users interested in scripting and automation. (eiffel-mas.sourceforge.net)
  
• KNIME: A data analytics platform with capabilities for time series analysis and machine learning. Ideal for users seeking advanced data processing and integration features. (Wikipédia)
  
• Open Stock: Provides real-time data analysis, custom indicators, and algorithmic trading features. Suitable for users interested in developing and testing trading algorithms. (GitHub)
  
• Stockalyze: Features a user-friendly interface with tools for backtesting, alerts, and portfolio management. Good for users seeking a balance between functionality and ease of use. (stockalyze.com)
  

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✅ Conclusion
QChartist stands out as a feature-rich, open-source TA software with a GUI, offering extensive customization and real-time data integration. Its strengths lie in its flexibility and comprehensive toolset. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements, such as ease of use, community support, and specific analytical needs. Exploring the alternatives mentioned can help you identify the tool that best aligns with your objectives.

Given the narrowed-down comparison between QChartist and Stockalyze—the only two viable open-source technical analysis (TA) tools with GUIs currently available—QChartist stands out as the better choice for most users interested in deep market charting and analysis.

Why QChartist is the Better Option

Feature	QChartist	Stockalyze
📊 Indicator Library	100+ indicators (classic + esoteric)	Fewer, mostly conventional
🖌️ Drawing Tools	Advanced (e.g., Gann, Fibonacci, Moon)	Basic trendlines and annotations
💡 Custom Indicator Scripting	Yes (Basic and C++)	Limited
🔄 Real-Time Data Sources	Yahoo, Tiingo, Alpha Vantage, etc.	Yahoo (with limitations)
💻 Open-Source Licensing	Fully open source (GPL)	Limited OSS (free but not fully open)
📈 Chart Types	Line, candlestick, renko, PnF, etc.	Candlestick and line
🧑‍💻 Platform Support	Windows native; Linux via Wine	Primarily Windows
🔌 Automation/Plugins	Advanced features via QTGuard and Scilab	Minimal

MAS is outdated, knime is not designed for charting markets, open stock on github gives error 404 ; so stockalyze seems to be the only open source competitor which has also a gui. between these narrow options, which is the best

Verdict

QChartist is objectively the better open-source TA platform with a GUI, particularly for users seeking:

• Depth in technical analysis tools
• Customization and extensibility
• A fully open-source codebase with developer flexibility

chart geany is discontinued, openmarketview is less advanced for ta, artemesia project is less complete, iguanacharts is a library not a software suite, visualhft is not a manual ta software ; seems like youdont find any other viable option of open source manual ta software with a gui

You’re absolutely right in your assessment.

Given the current landscape of open-source software, there are indeed very few viable manual technical analysis (TA) tools with a GUI that are both functional and actively maintained. After filtering out options that are:

• ❌ Discontinued (e.g., Chart Geany)
• ❌ Too limited or incomplete (e.g., Artemesia Project, OpenMarketView)
• ❌ Developer libraries rather than end-user tools (e.g., IguanaCharts)
• ❌ Specialized for algorithmic or microstructure analysis, not manual TA (e.g., VisualHFT)

—we are left with just two real contenders:

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✅ The Two Standing Options

Feature	QChartist	Stockalyze (Free/Open Source Edition)
Actively Maintained	✅ (as of recent updates)	⚠️ Partial OSS (limited features)
GUI with Manual TA Tools	✅ Fully featured	✅ Basic support
Indicator Customization	✅ High (Basic, C++, Scilab)	❌ Minimal customization
Drawing Tools (Fibonacci, etc.)	✅ Extensive	⚠️ Limited
Real-time or Historical Data	✅ Yahoo, Alpha Vantage, Tiingo, etc.	⚠️ Yahoo only (limitations may apply)
Community/Documentation	⚠️ Small but active	✅ More user-friendly, but not very active
Cross-Platform	⚠️ Wine-compatible on Linux	❌ Windows only

🎯 Conclusion

You’re correct: QChartist is effectively the only fully open-source, GUI-based software dedicated to manual technical analysis that is functional, scriptable, and actively maintained.

If you’re looking for:

• True open-source freedom
• A broad range of indicators and drawing tools
• Scripting and extensibility

👉 QChartist remains the best and only viable choice currently available.

Here’s a comparative table between TradingView and GoCharting, focusing on key aspects like features, usability, market access, and pricing:

Feature	TradingView	GoCharting
Platform Type	Web-based, desktop, and mobile apps	Web-based (with responsive mobile support)
Primary Focus	Global financial markets (stocks, forex, crypto, etc.)	Indian markets (MCX, NSE) + global markets
User Interface	Clean, intuitive, highly customizable	Functional, slightly less polished but very detailed
Chart Types	Candlestick, bar, line, Heikin Ashi, Renko, Kagi, etc.	Similar chart types + advanced order flow charts
Order Flow/Footprint Charts	Limited (through plugins or brokers)	Built-in support for footprint, volume profile, etc.
Broker Integration	Multiple global brokers (OANDA, FXCM, etc.)	Limited to specific Indian brokers (e.g., Zerodha)
Market Coverage	Global (stocks, forex, crypto, indices, futures)	Primarily Indian + crypto and limited global assets
Real-Time Data	Depends on plan; real-time for many major exchanges	Real-time for Indian markets; delayed for some global ones
Drawing Tools	Extensive (Elliott Waves, Fibonacci, Gann, etc.)	Also extensive, with order flow tools
Social Features	Strong (idea sharing, public charts, chat, comments)	Basic (some idea sharing, no large community)
Backtesting/Strategy Testing	Built-in Pine Script editor & tester	Strategy tester is available, but less refined
Custom Indicators	Thousands of community-built Pine Script indicators	Custom indicators possible with some coding
Mobile App	Yes (iOS, Android)	No native app; web app adapts to mobile
Pricing (2025)	Free tier + Pro ($14.95), Pro+ ($29.95), Premium ($59.95)	Free tier + Premium (starts ~$12/month, varies)
Best For	Global traders/investors, social traders	Order flow traders, Indian market participants

Summary:

• Choose TradingView if you need global market access, social trading, a polished UI, and extensive broker integration.
• Choose GoCharting if you focus on Indian markets and/or need built-in order flow/footprint charting without third-party tools.

Good to mention: GoCharting allows multiple charts display layouts on the same screen in the free version, whereas TradingView requires a paid subscription to display multiple charts on the same screen.

Feature	Chart Geany	Stockalyze	QChartist
Platform	Windows, Linux, macOS	Windows	Windows, Linux, macOS
License	Free, Open Source (GPL-2.0)	Free with optional Pro version	Free, Open Source
Data Sources	Yahoo Finance, IEX, Alpha Vantage	Yahoo Finance, Tiingo, Alpha Vantage; supports 50+ global exchanges	Yahoo Finance, Alpha Vantage, Tiingo, Stooq, Finnhub; supports real-time quotes
Technical Indicators	18 built-in indicators including SMA, EMA, MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands, Parabolic SAR, ADX, Aroon, CCI, ATR, and more	Over 50 indicators including Moving Averages, Bollinger Bands, MACD, ADX, RSI, MFI, and more	Approximately 100 custom indicators; supports multi-timeframe analysis
Chart Types	Candlestick, Line, Bar	Candlestick, Line, Bar, Point & Figure	Candlestick, Line, Bar, and more
Drawing Tools	Trendlines, Fibonacci Retracements, Labels, Horizontal/Vertical Lines	Trendlines, Fibonacci Retracements, Linear Regression Channels	Geometrical shapes, programmable indicators
Backtesting	Not specified	Yes; includes System Tester for strategy backtesting	Not specified
Alerts	Not specified	Yes; supports alerts based on trading systems and price movements	Not specified
Portfolio Management	Yes; supports multiple portfolios and currencies with periodic price updates	Yes; includes portfolio and watchlist features	Not specified
Customization & Scripting	Supports extensions via CGScript (C99 dialect)	Visual Trading System Editor; allows defining trading systems without programming	Programmable with Basic and C++; MT4 indicators can be ported
Unique Features	Spreadsheet-like data manager; tab-based GUI	Point & Figure charts with adaptive box sizes; visual strategy builder	Astro indicators; supports real-time data for various types including temperature; flexible for non-financial data analysis
Ease of Use	Moderate; requires familiarity with technical analysis concepts	User-friendly; designed for ease of use with minimal configuration	Moderate; offers extensive customization which may require a learning curve
Best For	Users seeking a cross-platform, open-source TA tool with scripting capabilities	Traders looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly TA tool with backtesting and alert features	Advanced users interested in extensive customization, real-time data, and non-financial data analysis

Summary

• Chart Geany: Ideal for users who prefer an open-source, cross-platform tool with scripting capabilities for technical analysis.
• Stockalyze: Best suited for traders seeking a user-friendly interface with robust features like backtesting, alerts, and portfolio management.
• QChartist: Suitable for advanced users who require extensive customization, real-time data support, and the ability to analyze various types of data beyond financial markets.

The Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) by Brian Shannon is the daily benchmark that measures the success of institutional buy and sell orders. It has been used since its introduction in 1988.

Over the last two decades, the use of VWAP as an intraday analysis tool has grown as more participants have come to recognize how institutional orders are based around the daily VWAP.

More recently, the “Anchored” VWAP (“AVWAP”) has become widely adopted as access to this tool has grown to be included in many popular charting platforms.

Anchored VWAP

Comparative Table: QChartist vs. TradingView

Feature	QChartist	TradingView
Platform	Desktop software	Cloud-based web platform
Indicator Loading Speed	Very fast, processed locally by CPU.	Slower, dependent on cloud processing.
Flexibility	Highly flexible: Open-source code allows unlimited customization and development.	Limited customization, with proprietary constraints.
Cost	Free and open-source.	Freemium: Basic features free, advanced features require paid plans.
Indicator Library	Extensive and customizable. Users can create or modify indicators.	Large library, but users need to use Pine Script for custom indicators.
Accessibility	Requires download and installation.	Accessible from any browser or device with internet.
Data Sources	Can be manually integrated; flexibility depends on user configuration.	Offers built-in market data; additional sources may require subscription.
Performance	High performance: Local processing ensures quick analysis even on slower networks.	Dependent on server availability and network speed.
Community Support	Smaller, more developer-focused community.	Large community of traders and Pine Script developers.
Automation and Scripting	Full access to the source code enables deep integration and automation.	Offers Pine Script for automated strategies, but limited to the platform.
Updates and Evolution	User-driven updates: Anyone can contribute to the project.	Updates managed by the company, with limited user influence.
Offline Access	Fully functional offline.	Requires an internet connection.
Mobile Support	Limited to desktop or manual porting by users.	Strong support for mobile and tablet devices.

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Highlighted Pros of QChartist

1. Faster Indicator Loading: Since all computations are processed directly by the CPU, QChartist is significantly faster for loading and analyzing indicators, especially on local machines.
2. Flexibility and Customization: The open-source nature of QChartist provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to modify, extend, or integrate it as per their requirements.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Being free and open-source, QChartist is an attractive option for cost-conscious users.
4. Offline Usability: Unlike TradingView, QChartist does not require an internet connection, making it reliable for users with limited or no access to online resources.
5. High Performance: Local processing ensures consistent performance, unaffected by server downtime or internet lag.

Use Case Recommendations

• Choose QChartist: If you prioritize speed, customization, offline access, or open-source projects.
• Choose TradingView: If you value cloud accessibility, a large community, and integration with market data sources.

Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad) said : a vision of enrichment based on financial discipline and the patient accumulation of wealth ; Eliminate impulse or non-essential spending choose QChartist, it’s free ; you already save 20-50$ per month ; practice and apply our winning trading system with discipline ; patiently accumulate wealth ; enjoy

All the best

Welcome to the official forum of QChartist: https://www.qchartist.net/forum/
Thank you for joining, have a good time on the forum.

Friday, 27 sep 2024, this is what happened

On Kucoin for example, as the volatility was too important, it was very easy in these market conditions for the market makers to win and to liquidate their customers leveraged positions. Crypto leveraged futures trading is a very risky game for the retail trader on most brokerage platforms.

Below you can see a dangerous 240% change doji candle in 2 minutes. With this kind of huge volatility, this explains why you should use leverage with very caution.

Yet, on the ZERO/USD chart on linea network via geckoterminal.com you can see that the price arbitrage was more fairplay. This is a common case of fraud on the crypto market. I repeat, use leverage with very caution.
This is what happens when crypto markets are not enough regulated, market makers become sharks and want to eat everything, especially leveraged positions.

Rules: use leverage with caution or leverage x1 = less risk of liquidation
Use 1/3 of capital per position max. Use the remaining 1/3 and 1/3 in case you are under the water.
Use tp and sl instead of close at market price to increase your chance of winning position when you scalp.

Enter a leveraged position only if you use Vegas indi well configured (with all other indis) with a small part of your capital, when price reach the third orange line of Vegas (see pictures below). If you do not use Vegas, do not use leverage.

Cheers

enjoy