Do I need to update a FlowBots product every time a new version is released?

It is not mandatory to update a FlowBots product every time a new version is released. There is one exception: starting with Replikanto 1.7.0.0, when FlowBots stops supporting a Replikanto version, that version stops copying trades and asks you to update (see what to do when your Replikanto version is no longer supported). However, keeping the software up to date ensures you have the most recent features, bug fixes, and improvements. This article explains where to find updates, how to install them (including the one-click Update now button available starting with Replikanto 1.7.0.0), and what to keep in mind when you update.

Where to Find Updates

The latest versions of FlowBots products can be found on the downloads page of the FlowBots website. You can also upgrade, install, or download the latest version whenever needed.

How to Update

Replikanto 1.7.0.0 and newer: Update now

When a new version is available for your license, the update notification in NinjaTrader has an Update now button:

1. Click Update now. Replikanto downloads the new version, checks that FlowBots signed it and installs it.
2. Wait for the message Restart NinjaTrader to finish the update.
3. Click Close NinjaTrader, then open NinjaTrader again. NinjaTrader does not reopen by itself.

No download or import is needed. More details, including what to do if the automatic update fails, are in Does Replikanto update automatically or does the user need to do something to update it?

Other FlowBots products, Replikanto 1.6.1.7 or older, or as a fallback

Use these steps for the other FlowBots products, to update Replikanto 1.6.1.7 or older (the move to 1.7.0.0 is a one-time manual install), or if Update now is not shown or fails:

1. Download: Get the latest version of the product from the FlowBots website as a .zip file.
2. Import: In NinjaTrader, go to Tools > Import > NinjaScript Add-On and select the downloaded .zip file.
3. Confirm: If prompted that a newer version is already installed, click "Yes" to proceed with the update.
4. Restart: Restart NinjaTrader to finalize the update and ensure the new code is running.

Important Notes

• Updates are never installed without your action. When new features are introduced, bugs are fixed, or improvements are made, you may be notified via email or a notification window in NinjaTrader. For Replikanto 1.7.0.0 and newer, that notification has an Update now button that downloads, verifies and installs the release in one click; you then restart NinjaTrader. Other FlowBots products, and Replikanto 1.6.1.7 or older, are updated with the download and import steps above.
• Reinstalling not required after purchase: If you have the latest version installed, you don't need to reinstall after purchasing the product; simply restart NinjaTrader.
• Downgrading: If needed, you can downgrade by installing a previous version's .zip file using the same import process.
• Always restart NinjaTrader: It is important to restart NinjaTrader after any installation or update to ensure that the most recent code is running.
• Update timing: Updates can be performed outside of market hours when the financial market is closed to avoid interfering with ongoing operations.
• Do not update with open positions: Never update products while you have open positions in the market. Wait until all positions are closed before initiating an update. With Update now, the download and install do not affect the running session: the new version loads only when NinjaTrader restarts, so restart once you are flat.
• Copying to other computers: If you copy trades to remote followers (local network or internet), update the leader and the remote followers together and keep them on the same Replikanto version. Each computer updates separately.

It's always a good idea to keep your software updated to avoid any potential issues and take advantage of the latest features.