cTrader launches its CLI to add AI to automated trading

Spotware, the developer of the cTrader trading platform, has launched cTrader CLI, a command-line application that allows traders to manage their accounts, cBots, and algorithmic strategies without using the platform's graphical interface. The tool also enables integration with various artificial intelligence applications to control operations using natural language commands.

This new feature targets algorithmic traders and advanced users looking to automate repetitive tasks, conduct backtests, or operate trading robots in the background on their own computers or servers.

A new interface for automated trading
cTrader CLI operates directly from the command line, providing access to various cTrader features without requiring the graphical application to remain open.

Traders can, among other things:
view account and instrument data;
access market data and transaction history;
manage orders and positions;
start, stop, and configure cBots;
run backtests;
optimise strategy parameters;
monitor active robots;
set price alerts;
analyse test results.

A single cBot can be executed across multiple accounts, instruments, or timeframes, facilitating the management of automated strategies on a large scale.

The CLI can be used with cTrader for Windows, via a Windows terminal, or through a Docker image on Linux. A robot launched as an external process can continue running even when the main cTrader application is closed.

AI applications can control cTrader
One of the key features of cTrader CLI is its ability to act as an interface between cTrader and artificial intelligence applications.

Spotware highlights compatibility with tools such as Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Windsurf, and Gemini CLI. These tools can interpret natural language instructions and then use CLI commands to execute various operations on the platform. For instance, a trader can instruct an AI agent to analyze account data, review trading history, retrieve market data, run a backtest, or launch a cBot. The goal is to minimize manual intervention and enable the automation of repetitive tasks.

However, the use of artificial intelligence remains optional; the cTrader CLI can also be used directly by the trader or via their own custom programs and scripts.

cBot Backtesting and Optimization
This new tool is particularly valuable for developing automated strategies.

Traders can run backtests across various timeframes and with different parameters, then compare the results to identify the configurations best suited to their strategy. Historical data can be sourced from cTrader servers, local files, or custom datasets.

Test results can be generated in HTML or JSON format, allowing other programs or AI agents to analyze them automatically.

The CLI thus enables automated workflows where AI analyzes backtest results, compares multiple configurations, and helps the trader determine which parameters to test next.

It is important to note, however, that using AI does not guarantee a strategy's profitability. Backtest results depend on factors such as the data used, the timeframe analyzed, parameters, transaction costs, and the strategy's code.

A Solution for Traders with Multiple Accounts
The cTrader CLI runs on the trader's own infrastructure, making it possible to manage multiple accounts or robots simultaneously.

This architecture allows the main cTrader application to remain available for chart analysis and development while automated tasks run in the background.

Using a Docker image also enables the cTrader CLI to run on Linux infrastructure, such as a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a cloud environment.

This approach is particularly beneficial for traders who use multiple cBots or wish to automate the same operations on a regular basis.

cTrader CLI and MCP: Two Complementary Approaches
The launch of cTrader CLI follows the introduction of cTrader AI Agent Connect, unveiled by Spotware in May 2026.

This initial solution relies on MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers, enabling compatible AI agents to communicate directly with cTrader. Notably, it supports tools such as Claude Code, ChatGPT Codex, Cursor, and Gemini CLI.

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