In Pine Script version 5, understanding data types is crucial for creating robust and efficient scripts. One of the fundamental data types in Pine Script is the integer
type, often referred to as int
. This article will delve into the int
type, showcasing its utility with a practical example.
What is the int
Type?
The int
type in Pine Script represents integers, which are whole numbers without any fractional parts. These numbers can be positive, negative, or zero. Integer literals in Pine Script are written using decimal notation, making them straightforward to read and write. Examples of integer literals include:
1
-1
750
Using int
in Pine Script
Many built-in variables in Pine Script return values of the int
type. These include:
bar_index
: The index of the current bar, starting from0
.time
: The opening time of the current bar in milliseconds since Unix epoch.timenow
: The current time in milliseconds since Unix epoch.dayofmonth
: The day of the month for the current bar.strategy.wintrades
: The number of winning trades in the strategy.
These variables are integral to performing various operations in Pine Script, from time-based conditions to indexing and counting.
Example: Utilizing int
in a Script
Let’s create a simple script that demonstrates the use of the int
type in Pine Script version 5. This script will highlight bars where the dayofmonth
is even, showcasing the use of an int
type variable in a condition.
//@version=5 indicator("Highlight Even Days", overlay=true) // Utilizing an int type variable dayOfMonthEven = dayofmonth % 2 == 0 // Highlighting bars where day of month is even bgcolor(dayOfMonthEven ? color.new(color.green, 90) : na)
In this script:
- We declare an indicator using
indicator("Highlight Even Days", overlay=true)
to ensure our script runs on the chart’s main panel. - The variable
dayOfMonthEven
checks if the day of the month (dayofmonth
) is even by using the modulus operator (%
). This operation returns anint
type value, showcasing the direct application ofint
types in conditions. - The
bgcolor
function changes the background color of bars wheredayOfMonthEven
istrue
, using a green color with transparency set bycolor.new(color.green, 90)
.
Key Features and Takeaways
- Integer Representation:
int
type variables represent whole numbers in Pine Script, crucial for indexing, time-based operations, and counting. - Built-in Variables: Pine Script includes several built-in variables like
bar_index
,time
,timenow
, anddayofmonth
that returnint
type values, useful for various scripting needs. - Practical Application: The example demonstrates how
int
types can be used to create conditions and visually modify chart elements based on those conditions.