Getting started with MesoSim

MesoSim is best learned by combining the documentation site, the video tutorials and the MesoSim AI Assistant.
This page gives you a practical path through them.

Step 1 – Open the Docs & video tutorials

The full, up-to-date Getting Started workflow lives on our documentation site.

• Open the docs: https://docs.mesosim.io.
• Watch the core videos under the Video tutorial section:
  Backtests Page, Create backtests, Strategy Definition basics, MesoSim Features walkthrough, Zero To Hero, Backtesting with ChatGPT.
• Plan roughly 60–90 minutes to go through the videos once from start to finish.

Step 2 – Build your first backtests in the portal

Once you have a sense of the workflow from the videos, start experimenting directly in the portal.

• Create a first backtest using the Simple Run interface.
• Then move to New run → Templates to start from ready-made strategies instead of building everything from scratch.
• After a run finishes, inspect the Strategy Definition on the backtest details page, under the Strategy Definition tab.
• Use the Events tab and Event Viewer to see how entries, adjustments, and exits are executed over time.
• For field-by-field details of the Strategy Definition JSON, see the Strategy Definition Reference.
• For an overview of built-in templates, see the Strategy Library in the docs.

Step 3 – Use the MesoSim AI Assistant and Docs search

MesoSim includes AI helpers to accelerate learning and strategy building.

• MesoSim AI Assistant: open it from the AI menu in the top navigation. Ask it to draft or refine Strategy Definitions, debug errors or warnings, or explain specific fields, selectors, or conditions.
• Docs search: use the Docs button in the top bar (or press ⌘+K) to open doc search with Ask AI. Type your question in natural language and follow up conversationally.
• Prefer the MesoSim AI Assistant over the AI Assistant available in DocSearch as the prior has wider knowledge base
• For more tips on using AI with MesoSim, see AI Assisted development.

Golden path of strategy development

The Strategy Definition is a domain specific language for options trading. It is based on JSON with a small amount of scripting, and it is learnable with deliberate practice.

We recommend the following approach for new users:

• Specify your goal up front. For example:
  Enter an Iron Condor 14 days to expiration. Profit Target is $100, Stop Loss is 3x Profit Target.
• Start from a built-in template that is close to your goal (for example, [SPX-Short-Put] or a strategy from the Strategy Library).
• Iterate quickly: use a short backtest period (for example, a single year) so runs are fast. Turn off heavy features you do not need while exploring.
• Change one part at a time: clone a backtest, modify a single parameter or rule, then run it. Repeat this loop so you can clearly see the impact of each change.
• Use the Event Viewer and risk views to understand entries, adjustments, and exits instead of only looking at the equity curve.
• Once satisfied, save the setup as a template and test it on multiple market periods and regimes.
• As you move toward live or paper trading, re-run the strategy regularly and compare backtest results with your actual trades.
• When you get stuck, use the Docs and the MesoSim AI Assistant to clarify any field, warning, or behavior.

Common pitfalls

• Not reading and actively using the documentation or videos.
• Ignoring the MesoSim AI Assistant and AI-powered Docs search when you are stuck.
• Changing too many things at once and losing track of what helped or hurt.
• Getting blindsided by the equity curve and not looking at the Event Log or risk views.
• Using the template editor for large strategy redesigns instead of cloning runs.
• Not monitoring strategy performance over time: backtests should be re-run periodically and compared with live or paper results.