Sierra Chart — Lightweight C++ Platform for Futures & Order Flow
Sierra Chart is a professional trading and charting platform known for extreme reliability, minimal resource usage, and deep market data capabilities. Strategy development uses ACSIL (Advanced Custom Study Interface and Language) — full C/C++ compiled to DLLs. Highly regarded by futures and order flow traders.
Language: C/C++ (ACSIL) | Platform: Windows | Price: $26-56/mo
ACSIL (Advanced Custom Study Interface and Language)
Full C/C++ — compile custom studies as DLLs that run at native speed. Maximum performance and flexibility, but C++ is a steep barrier for most traders.
- Access to all platform internals via documented API
- Use any C++ library (STL, Boost, etc.)
- Visual Studio or any C++ compiler
- Also supports Spreadsheet Studies for non-programmers and Simple Alerts for basic strategies without coding
Difficulty: Advanced — requires real C++ knowledge. Spreadsheet Studies offer a simpler alternative.
Strategy Tester Features
- Trade Simulation Mode — built-in simulated trading environment
- Historical market replay with full tick data — excellent for forward-testing strategies
- Tick-by-tick data via Denali feed going back years for futures
- Depth of market (DOM) data available during replay
- Timeframes: Tick, second, minute (any interval), daily, weekly, monthly, custom (Renko, range, volume bars, delta bars, etc.)
- Basic performance reporting — trade statistics available but not as comprehensive as MultiCharts or AmiBroker
- Limited built-in optimization — must implement parameter sweeping manually or use external tools
- No genetic algorithm or walk-forward optimization
Supported Instruments
- Futures (primary strength) — CME, ICE, Eurex, etc.
- Forex, US Stocks, Crypto, CFDs, Options (limited)
Pricing
| Package | Cost |
|---|---|
| Base Standard (Denali data) | $26/mo |
| Base Advanced (Denali data) | $36/mo |
| Integrated Standard (external brokers) | $36/mo |
| Integrated Advanced (external brokers) | $56/mo |
Real-time and historical data from Denali feed included with Base packages. 14-day free trial. No one-time license option. Check sierrachart.com for current pricing.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and stable — runs for weeks without restart
- Excellent tick data quality via Denali feed at low cost
- Full C/C++ power — no language limitations
- Outstanding order flow tools (DOM, footprint charts, volume profile, market profile)
- Historical tick replay with full depth of market
- Very low latency for live trading
- Minimal resource usage
- Active and responsive development team
- Highly customizable chart types
Cons
- C++ is a steep barrier for most traders
- Backtesting engine is basic compared to dedicated platforms
- No built-in optimization (no genetic algo, no walk-forward)
- Limited performance reporting
- UI is functional but austere — steep learning curve
- No portfolio backtesting
- Windows-only (Linux via Wine reportedly works)
- No web/cloud version
- Small community — fewer shared strategies
- Documentation is comprehensive but dense
Who Should Use Sierra Chart?
Sierra Chart is the platform of choice for futures and order flow traders who value data quality, stability, and low resource usage above all else. If you live in footprint charts, volume profile, and DOM analysis, nothing else comes close at this price point.
If you need proper backtesting with optimization, use AmiBroker or MultiCharts. For free backtesting, try MetaTrader. For Python-based development, see Backtrader.