nt8-sdk/.kilocode/rules/ninjascript_guardrails.md

NinjaScript Guardrails - Operational Checklist

Last Updated: 2026-04-05

Use this checklist whenever touching NinjaScript-facing files.

Pre-Edit Checks (Required)

• Confirm file is in task scope and allowed by .kilocode/rules/file_boundaries.md.
• Verify exact API signatures against official NT8 docs: https://developer.ninjatrader.com/docs/desktop.
• Confirm C# 5.0 compatibility using .kilocode/rules/csharp_50_syntax.md.

Lifecycle and Safety Rules (Required)

• Use OnStateChange correctly: State.SetDefaults, State.Configure, State.DataLoaded.
• Keep runtime logic out of SetDefaults and Configure.
• Guard OnBarUpdate for series and readiness (BarsInProgress, CurrentBar/CurrentBars).
• In managed order flow, set stop/target before entry on the same bar.
• Do not mix managed and unmanaged order models unless explicitly required.

API Integrity Rules (Required)

• Do not guess method signatures, enum members, attributes, or overloads.
• Do not use unsupported attributes (example: [Optimizable]).
• Do not invent placeholder types/enums unless explicitly confirmed by task/domain requirements.

Compile Validation Sequence

• Run .\verify-build.bat.
• Run required deploy step when NinjaScript source must be synced to NT8.
• Compile in NT8 NinjaScript Editor (authoritative NinjaScript compile gate).

Compile Failure Learning Loop

If any compile issue occurs:

• Capture error fingerprint (code, file, line, root cause).
• Apply the smallest safe fix and re-run validation sequence.
• Record durable learning in:
  • docs/00-governance/common_failures.md (symptom + fix)
  • docs/00-governance/compile_guardrails.md (preventive rule)
  • docs/00-governance/patterns_and_antipatterns.md (good vs bad pattern)