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How to Use Continue with NinjaTrader 8 and CrossTrade MCP

Continue is an open-source AI coding assistant available as a VS Code and JetBrains extension. It supports MCP. With CrossTrade MCP registered, Continue can inspect your NinjaTrader 8 install, draft NinjaScript that compiles, and run Strategy Analyzer backtests.

Prerequisites​

RequirementDetail
CrossTrade subscriptionElite
CrossTrade Add-Onv1.13.0 or higher
NinjaTrader 8Running
ContinueLatest version with MCP support
Scopemcp:read first; mcp:trade for compile and backtest
AccountSim101
Start read-only

Authenticate with mcp:read for the first session. Use Sim101 for any compile or backtest work.

Step 1: Add CrossTrade MCP server to Continue​

Open Continue's configuration. Add CrossTrade to the mcpServers map:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "crosstrade": {
      "url": "https://app.crosstrade.io/v1/api/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Save and reload. On the next tool call, Continue opens a browser tab for OAuth consent.

Step 2: Verify the connection​

Use read-only tools only. Call GetMcpCapabilities and McpSelfTest. Then
ListAccounts and GetConnections. Tell me the add-on version, NT8 version, and
account list.

Step 3: First read-only workflow​

Pull the last 20 closed trades on Sim101. Group by instrument and side. Report
win rate, average win, average loss, and the three biggest losers.

Step 4: NinjaScript compile loop (with mcp:trade)​

If you have a workspace open and Continue is in your editor, the compile loop is similar to Claude Code or Cursor:

  1. GetNinjaScriptHelp on every NT8 type and method.
  2. Draft into a file in the workspace.
  3. CompileNinjaScript(in_memory: true).
  4. Repair on failure.
  5. WriteNinjaScriptFile after confirmation.
  6. RunStrategyBacktest on Sim101.

See Vibe Code a NinjaScript Strategy for the full sequence.

Troubleshooting​

SymptomFix
Tools missingReload Continue's MCP servers; redo consent
401 unauthorizedReauthorize
403 Elite requiredUpgrade
408 timeoutOpen NT8; verify add-on