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Why this distinction matters

Not every part of a strategy is equal. Some components are required for a strategy to exist.
Others are optional, but can dramatically change behavior and results. Understanding this distinction helps you:
  • write clearer trading ideas
  • avoid invalid strategies
  • know when ATI will ask questions vs infer safely

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Required components

A strategy cannot be created or backtested without these components.

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1. Market

Every strategy must specify what is being traded. Example: 
Trade BTC/USDT.
Without a market:
  • price data cannot be loaded
  • indicators cannot be calculated
  • strategy is invalid

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2. Timeframe

Every strategy must specify when logic is evaluated. Example: 
Use the 1h timeframe.
Without a timeframe:
  • candle resolution is unknown
  • signals cannot be evaluated

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3. Entry logic

A strategy must define at least one entry condition. Example: 
Go long when RSI(14) crosses above 50.
Without entry logic:
  • no trades can ever open
  • backtesting is impossible

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4. Exit logic

Every entry must have a corresponding exit. Example: 
Exit with a 5% take profit and a 1% stop loss.
A strategy without exit logic is considered invalid.

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Optional components

Optional components are not required, but strongly recommended. They refine behavior rather than define existence.

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Direction (long / short)

If not explicitly stated:
  • ATI may infer direction
  • or default to long-only
Explicit direction is always safer.

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Risk management extensions

Beyond basic stop loss:
  • position sizing
  • exposure limits
  • trade limits
These improve robustness but are not strictly required.

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Filters & schedules

Examples:
  • trading days
  • sessions
  • volatility filters
  • higher timeframe filters
If omitted:
  • strategy trades continuously
  • entry logic is always eligible

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Multi-timeframe logic

Higher timeframe filters or confirmations are optional. They:
  • reduce noise
  • add context
  • increase complexity

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What ATI fills automatically

ATI can safely infer some missing details. Typical examples:
  • reasonable default timeframe
  • implied direction
  • conservative risk assumptions
However, ATI will never guess:
  • exits
  • market symbol
  • contradictory logic

What Trinigence fills automatically

See exactly what can and cannot be inferred.

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When ATI asks for clarification

ATI will stop and ask when:
  • required components are missing
  • logic is ambiguous
  • multiple interpretations exist
  • exits are undefined
This prevents silent failures and misleading results.

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Common misunderstandings

Filters refine behavior but are not mandatory for a valid strategy.
Basic risk control is mandatory. Advanced risk rules are optional.
Exits define outcomes and are never guessed.

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Best practices

  • Always define required components explicitly
  • Add optional components gradually
  • Treat exits and risk as first-class logic
  • Use ATI questions as guidance, not friction

Strategy structure overview

See how all components fit together.

Writing trading ideas

Write clearer ideas with fewer assumptions.

Common missing details

See what users forget most often.

Strategy overview

Return to the big picture.

Backtesting metrics

See how structure affects results.
Required components define existence.
Optional components define quality.