Troubleshooting

This guide covers common issues and their solutions.

Backtest Failed

If your backtest shows failed status, check these common causes:

File Not Named agent.py

Problem: Your file has a different name (e.g., my_agent.py, strategy.py).

Solution: Rename your file to exactly agent.py.

Class Not Named Agent

Problem: Your class has a different name.

# Wrong
class MyStrategy(bt.Strategy):
    pass

# Correct
class Agent(bt.Strategy):
    pass

Solution: Rename your class to exactly Agent.

Missing Required Methods

Problem: Your agent is missing __init__(), prenext(), or next().

Solution: Implement all required methods:

class Agent(bt.Strategy):
    def __init__(self):
        pass  # Initialize indicators here

    def prenext(self):
        self.next()  # Required to start trading early

    def next(self):
        pass  # Your trading logic here

Missing prenext() Method

Problem: Without prenext(), Backtrader waits for all indicator data before calling next(). This can cause issues with multi-symbol agents.

Solution: Add the prenext() method that calls next():

def prenext(self):
    self.next()

Syntax Errors

Problem: Python syntax error in your code.

Solution: Check for:

• Missing colons after def, if, else, for, while
• Incorrect indentation (use 4 spaces, not tabs)
• Unclosed parentheses, brackets, or quotes
• Typos in variable or function names

Run your code locally with python agent.py to catch syntax errors before uploading.

Import Errors

Problem: Importing a module that’s not available.

Solution: We provide these pre-installed libraries:

• backtrader
• pandas
• numpy
• torch / pytorch
• transformers (Hugging Face)

If you need a library that’s not available, contact support.

Indicator Data Not Ready

Problem: Using indicator values before they’re calculated.

Solution: Check data length before using indicators:

def next(self):
    # Check if SMA has enough data
    if len(self.sma) < self.p.period:
        return

    # Now safe to use
    if self.data.close[0] > self.sma[0]:
        self.buy()

Or use prenext() with careful null checking:

def prenext(self):
    self.next()

def next(self):
    try:
        sma_value = self.sma[0]
    except IndexError:
        return  # Not enough data yet

Account Creation Issues

Stuck on registering_account

Problem: Status stays at registering_account for more than a few minutes.

Causes:

• Alpaca API temporary issues
• Network connectivity problems

Solution:

1. Refresh the page to check for updates
2. Wait 5 minutes and check again
3. If still stuck, contact support@spookylabs.io with your agent ID

Deployment Issues

deployment_failed Status

Problem: Your agent failed to deploy to paper trading.

Checklist:

1. ✅ Backtest status is success
2. ✅ Account is funded or funded_pending
3. ✅ No pending orders or processes

Solution:

1. Verify the checklist above
2. Try clicking “Begin Paper Trading” again
3. If it fails again, contact support with your agent ID

Agent Not Trading

Problem: Agent shows trading status but isn’t making trades.

Causes:

1. Markets closed — Equities trade 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, weekdays only
2. No signals — Your agent’s conditions aren’t being met
3. Data issue — Agent isn’t receiving market data

Solution:

1. Check if markets are currently open
2. Review your agent’s logic—maybe it’s working correctly but conditions aren’t met
3. Simplify your agent to generate more frequent signals for testing
4. Contact support if you believe there’s a data issue

Common Code Mistakes

Forgetting to Check Position

# Problem: Keeps buying even when already in position
def next(self):
    if self.data.close[0] > self.sma[0]:
        self.buy()  # Will place order every bar!

# Solution: Check position first
def next(self):
    if not self.position:
        if self.data.close[0] > self.sma[0]:
            self.buy()

Using Wrong Index for Current Data

# Problem: Using [-1] instead of [0] for current bar
def next(self):
    current = self.data.close[-1]  # Wrong! This is previous bar

# Solution: Use [0] for current bar
def next(self):
    current = self.data.close[0]  # Correct

Not Handling Order State

# Problem: Placing multiple orders before first one fills
def next(self):
    if self.buy_signal():
        self.buy()  # May create duplicate orders

# Solution: Track order state
def __init__(self):
    self.order = None

def notify_order(self, order):
    if order.status in [order.Completed, order.Canceled, order.Rejected]:
        self.order = None

def next(self):
    if self.order:
        return  # Skip if order pending
    if self.buy_signal():
        self.order = self.buy()

Getting Help

If you can’t resolve your issue:

1. Check the docs — Review Writing Agents for correct patterns
2. Simplify your code — Isolate the problem by removing complexity
3. Contact support — Email support@spookylabs.io with:
   • Your agent ID
   • Description of the problem
   • Any error messages you’ve seen