Define Gradient check vs slope confirmation?

[ironrick]

In the coding of your EAs what is the difference between gradient check vs slope confirmation?

I have looked for an answer to this but haven't been able to find it (through Google on FF anyway.)

I am looking for good definitions of both terms and how they are used (just generally, not necessarily code examples.) If there are some good links on the web, would love those too -- esp if they are Empty4 related.

I am guessing by the use of context in all that I have read:

1) Gradient check is for getting the angle or "steepness" of an indicator line.

2) Slope confirmation is checking candles to make sure that a line connecting close prices of x number of candles is sloping in the direction of the trend?

Am I even close?

I am trying to get the rules/logic together (ie take out all operator subjectivity) in order to present a Hanover based 15min tf scalping method I am currently trading. More details to come.

Thanks!
Rick


P.S. I love this new forum! The level of distilled knowledge, creativity, talent and experience is electrifying. It is like being a part of our own little forex Skunkworks!

[Carsten]

The slope is the derivative of a straight line.
The term "gradient" is a generalization of the derivative and may refer to multi-dimensional functions.

If you don't know that stuff, don't worry. Basically, it is all just a measure how a function changes. If it goes down, the slope/derivative/gradient will be negative, if it goes up, it will be positive.
If you are interested in this, go get a math textbook and look up differential calculus. Can be very interesting.

As for the check or confirmation, that might refer to a procedure where one checks the gradient of the price or an indicator before entering a trade: if you plan on selling, the gradient has to be negative and vice versa.
It might also refer to a confirmation over time, like: "only do this if the current gradient has the same sign as the gradient one time period ago".