I am developing auto stock trading system. I tested etrade API during
Thanksgiving long weekend.
1.I downloaded erade java SKD from etrade web site.
2. I tried to use the SDK. SDK document said that I needed to get access key
from etrade to access etrade account.
3. If I want to get a access key for my account, it will take 1~2 weeks. It
will take 2 days for getting a sanbox account access key. I login my etrade
account, submitted a request to get access key for a sandbox account.
4. I got the key two days later.
5. I am excited, and write test code to learn how to use the SDK. The SDK
does not come with test sample code, it only come with documents. I copied
the sample code(for login account) from SDK document, The code just did not
run. I googled a lot.I checked etrade developer forum, couple people
complain they could get code to run, and a guy offer $300 for a working
sample code. I carefuly read their documents, after I downloaded 7 jar
files, and tweaking the code, I successfully run the code.
Etrade API provide 2 options for login. a).submit a request to let etrade
setup my account to support use call-back for login. That will need to wait
1~2 for their response. b) manual login.
6. I hate to sumbit request, I use manual login option.I logined etrade
account and manually copy the [verification code] after login. I passed the
[verification code] to my running test program. My test prgram finally are
ready to act.
7. I submitted a stock quote for aapl. etrade returned a quote for goog.
8. I re-checked the document, it said user might got a quote that was not
user asked for in sandbox account. That sucks.
9. To access my account by API, I am required to downloaded and signed two
contracts, total 16 pages, and mail them to etrade. I will get a key for my
etrade account in 1~2 weeks after they got my mail. I mailed out the
contracts today.
I just wonder why etrade create a lot of hurdles for userers to use their
SKD.Two possible reasons
1. Their engineer are incompetent
2. They have a hidden agenda.They created complication for their advantages
-- maybe they can treat a order submit by a users and By API differently...
For Comparison purpose. I tried out IB broker SDK. I download their SDK from
ib web site.The SDK comes with test sample.
In about 30 minutes, I can run the sample code, I could get my account
information(I did not need to download any extra jar files, did not need to
sign any contracts on paper), submit buy orders, and query market data.
I am disappoint by etrade SDK. I expected I can login etrade account use
etrade sdk alone(without need to download extra jar files, to sign contracts
,...)
