Wine and Forex: What is the Relationship?
When we talk about wine and forex, we aren’t suggesting that you get cosy with glass of red and then make forex trading decisions! What we are talking about is software that is very useful for forex traders wanting to run trading software originally designed for the Windows operating system on other operating systems. Wine is a very useful tool for forex traders, allowing them to carry out their operations without any technical hitches. So, let’s break the ice with some Wine.
Wine: A Compatibility Software
Wine is free and open source compatibility software that allows computer programmes that have been developed for Microsoft Windows to run on other operating systems. Wine, originally an acronym for “Wine is Not an Emulator,” allows Windows applications to run on several POSIX- compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS and BSD. The software does not simulate internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator but translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on the fly, thus eliminating the performance and memory penalties of other methods.
As we all know, MetaTrader is the most popular software used by forex traders. This software can be used on the Mac OS or Linux systems by using Wine. However, one needs to remember that some functions in the applications may not work properly while using Wine.
Relationship between Wine and Forex
Trading platforms play a key role in forex trading. But what happens when the most popular and appropriate trading platform is not compatible with your computer system? Does this mean you cannot trade or will need to buy a new computer with the right operating system to be able to use your preferred trading platform or software? No, a simple solution exists in the form of open source software, called Wine.
The software is highly useful for installing forex trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, originally developed for Microsoft Windows, on MacOS systems and Linux based systems. Wine emulates the Windows runtime environment by translating Windows system calls into POSIX compliant system calls, thus recreating the directory structure of the Windows system and providing alternative implementations of Windows systems libraries and system services.
MetaTrader and Wine
One of the best options for forex trading is to use the MetaTrader online platform. MetaTrader 4 is a complete package that has enhanced the accessibility of forex trading to anyone and everyone, irrespective of the time and place of access. The platform offers the following advantages:
- Easy to use interface that makes forex trading very simple
- Forex robot tests and demos
- Best in market technical indicators and analysis tools
- Built-in strategy tester tool and market simulation tool
- Multiple integrated modes and several order types
Although this software has been primarily programmed for Windows and Mac, it can be used to the same extent on Linux and UNIX based systems, with the help of Wine. Although MetaTrader software is said to function seamlessly on Linux and Unix based systems, some specific software faults may occur.
So, Wine allows forex traders to carry on their activities using MetaTrader and other applications originally designed for Windows on other operating systems. The main advantage is that the software adapts to the new system, without compromising on user experience and utility. For a forex trader, being able to place orders from a Linux, Unix or MacOS based system is a blessing.
Disclaimer
If you liked this educational article please consult our Risk Disclosure Notice before starting to trade. Trading leveraged products involves a high level of risk. You may lose more than your invested capital.