Getting Started guide

Start with AI. Learn by iterating.

Describe a trade idea, draft a strategy, run a backtest, and use the results to decide what to test next. Work inside MesoSim with the Integrated MesoSim AI Assistant, or research from Codex or Claude.

auto_awesome MesoSim includes its own AI tools, so no Codex or Claude subscription is required to use the site. However, we strongly recommend either app for agent-driven options research.
Inside MesoSim
AI included
Starter prompt
Build an SPX Put Broken Wing Butterfly at 10 / 15 / 18 deltas at 60 DTE. Hold it for 30 days. Set Profit Target to $200, Stop Loss to $400
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Start in JobEditor
Ask for a draft, a refinement, or a clearer version of the current idea when you want to move faster.
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Execute the backtest
Run the strategy once you are comfortable with the current structure so you can learn from real output instead of guessing.
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Ask AI on the finished run
Use it for run analysis, event summaries, and next-iteration ideas after the backtest completes.
AI Agent + API

Research from Codex or Claude

Develop strategies, run backtests, and analyze results in a conversation. Connecting your agent requires MesoSim API access, included with the Advanced plan. You can also follow the built-in AI workflow below without either app.

1

Connect your AI Agent

Follow the setup guide to install the MesoSim plugin in Codex Desktop or Claude Desktop, connect your MesoSim API key, and check the connection.

2

Run your first backtest

Use the starter prompt above or describe your own idea, including the dates you want to test. Ask the agent to show you the Strategy Definition for review, then run and monitor the backtest.

3

Review and refine

Ask the agent to explain drawdowns, inspect trades, and compare runs. Change one thing at a time. You can open the same backtest in MesoSim to explore its charts and analytics.

Research with AI inside MesoSim

The Integrated MesoSim AI Assistant helps you develop strategies, analyze runs, and learn the platform. No separate AI subscription or API setup is needed.

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Start here in MesoSim
Develop with AI

Start here when you want to develop a new strategy or modify a built-in template with the help of AI.

Ask something like
Create a 30 DTE Put Vertical Spread on RUT with 15 delta shorts, 10 delta longs and hold it for 10 days.
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Analyze
Ask AI on a run

Open a finished backtest when you want the assistant to explain outcomes, summarize event behavior, or propose the next experiment.

Ask something like
Which position had the largest drawdown in this run, and what is the highest-signal change I should test next?
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Knowledge retrieval
AI Assistant

Use this when you want quick help with generic MesoSim questions, capabilities or product behavior.

Ask something like
How does MesoSim handle profit targets and stop losses?

Can I exit a position based on the position delta?
Use AI where it helps
What the assistant is good at
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Draft new strategies from plain English
Describe the trade you want to test without starting from raw schema fields.
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Refine the current JobEditor JSON
Keep the structure, adjust exits, repair errors, or ask for a more precise revision.
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Explain selectors, fields, and strategy conditions
Use it to bridge from intent to correct schema, not as a substitute for final review.
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Analyze completed runs and point to the next experiment
Ask about drawdowns, Sharpe, event behavior, or the single highest-signal change to test next.
Use docs second
Open docs when you need exact reference
  • Exact schema and field semantics
  • Built-in strategy ideas and reference material
  • Long-form walkthroughs and videos
  • Fast lookups with the Docs button and ⌘+K
Guardrails
Always verify
  • Read the generated Strategy Definition before you run it.
  • Use Event Viewer, the equity curve, and risk views instead of trusting the first draft.
  • Change one thing at a time between runs so the next result is interpretable.
Access and limits
  • You must be signed in and have an active plan to use the Integrated MesoSim AI Assistant.
  • Integrated MesoSim AI Assistant usage quotas with reasonable use apply.
  • Run-specific Integrated MesoSim AI Assistant questions only work on your own backtests.
  • Backtests, also the ones the assistant runs, use your plan's weekly SimTime. Standard includes 2 SimHours a week and Advanced 5 SimHours, with up to 4 backtests running at once. The trial includes 3 SimHours of backtesting, up to 2 at once. Usage credits add SimHours beyond the weekly allowance.
  • Codex and Claude are optional external tools. Connecting them requires MesoSim API access on Advanced.
  • For the free-to-use ChatGPT Hosted MesoSim AI Assistant, please use the ChatGPT Hosted MesoSim AI Assistant.

Reference

Prefer to start from a template or edit a Strategy Definition yourself? Use the strategy library, exact references, and video tutorials below.