# StratCraft FAQ > Frequently asked questions about StratCraft, the AI-powered quantitative trading platform (formerly QuantNexus). Every answer leads with a direct conclusion, lists the specifics, and closes with a one-line summary. Official site: https://stratcraft.ai Help Center: https://stratcraft.ai/help-center/ ## Platform ### What is StratCraft? StratCraft is an institutional-grade algorithmic trading infrastructure for desktop users. It pairs AI-driven strategy generation with a high-performance C++23 execution core, so a single trader can manage thousands of signals at the scale and speed of a professional quant firm. - AI generates strategies from plain-language descriptions instead of hand-written code - The C++23 core runs backtests and live execution locally, with zero cloud dependency - Formerly known as QuantNexus **In short:** StratCraft turns a plain-language trading idea into a locally-executed, quant-firm-scale strategy system. ### How does the AI strategy generation work? You describe your trading logic in natural language and StratCraft turns it into working, validated code. There is no manual boilerplate to write. - Integrates with 7+ LLM providers, including GPT-4, Claude 3.5, and local models - Generates optimized C++ plugins from your description - Validates each strategy through historical backtests before you rely on it **In short:** Describe the logic in plain language; StratCraft writes, optimizes, and backtests the code for you. ### Do I need to know C++ to use StratCraft? No. The execution core is written in C++23 for speed, but you never have to touch it. You interact through natural language, Python, or the visual interface. - C++ is the engine under the hood, not something users edit - Backtests and live execution run 500-1000x faster than traditional frameworks - Python and visual workflows remain available for users who prefer them **In short:** No C++ required; it is the high-speed engine, while you work in plain language, Python, or the visual interface. ### How is it different from TradingView or Pine Script? StratCraft is a strategy discovery factory, not a charting tool. Where TradingView centers on charts and single-asset scripts, StratCraft composes statistical signals across thousands of variants. - Runs locally on compiled code, not browser-based scripts - Moves beyond single indicators into statistical signal composition - Scales to thousands of variants rather than one asset at a time **In short:** TradingView charts and scripts single assets; StratCraft discovers and composes signals at scale on compiled local code. ### Is it a cloud-based platform? No. StratCraft runs entirely on your local machine, which gives you full data sovereignty. - Strategies, trade data, and proprietary IP never leave your infrastructure - No cloud dependency for backtesting or execution - Your trading edge stays private to your environment **In short:** StratCraft is local-first, so your data and your edge never leave your own machine. ### What is the "Signal Factory" model? The Signal Factory treats strategy generation as a manufacturing process rather than a search for one perfect strategy. It runs many signals in parallel and rotates them by performance. - Runs hundreds to thousands of signals in parallel - Weights them statistically and rotates automatically based on live performance - Mirrors the multi-signal paradigm used by firms like Renaissance Technologies **In short:** Instead of one "perfect" strategy, the Signal Factory mass-produces, weights, and rotates many signals by performance. ### Is StratCraft open source? Partly. The execution core and commercial features are proprietary, but the integration layer is open. - Open-source SDKs are provided - Strategies export to standard Python and C++ - The model is hybrid: proprietary performance core with open integration for your logic **In short:** The core is proprietary; the SDKs and export paths are open, so your strategy logic stays portable. ### Where does StratCraft fit in the evolution of trading platforms? StratCraft represents Generation 3.5, the AI-automated layer that sits above institutional platforms. AI writes the code while humans define the logic. - Gen 1: single-script indicators (the MT4 era) - Gen 2: Python strategy frameworks - Gen 3: cloud-scale institutional orchestration - Gen 3.5: AI writes the code, humans define the logic, enabling strategy discovery at exponential throughput **In short:** StratCraft is the Gen 3.5 AI-automated layer where AI writes the code and the human owns the logic. ## Pricing and Billing ### What is a credit, and what does one buy me? A credit covers one AI-assisted action that runs on platform LLM keys. - Examples: drafting a rule, asking the AI Command Center to refactor a strategy, running a Studio task - Actions that run on your own LLM keys never consume platform credits **In short:** One credit equals one AI action on platform keys; using your own keys costs no credits. ### Is there a free tier? Yes. Basic is free forever, with no credit card required. - Includes all four cockpits: Backtest, Trader, Libero, and Studio - Includes the Regime Detector and the Indicator Entry / Exit generators - Bring your own LLM keys to get started **In short:** Basic is free forever with the full cockpit set; you just bring your own LLM keys. ### What if I subscribe and change my mind? We offer a 7-day risk-free guarantee with a full refund if you have barely used the plan. - Request a full refund within 7 days if you have used less than 15% of your first-month credit quota - The Stripe processing fee is absorbed by us - Available one time per account **In short:** Within 7 days and under 15% quota used, you get a full refund, once per account. ### Can I switch between monthly and yearly later? Yes. Stripe automatically prorates any mid-cycle plan change. - You see the exact upcoming charge or credit on the invoice preview - The proration is confirmed before you commit to the change **In short:** Switch anytime; proration is calculated automatically and shown before you confirm. ### How do I use my own LLM keys? Add them in Settings then API Keys, and actions on those keys stop consuming platform credits. - Supports Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, and other providers - Actions that run on your own keys do not consume platform credits, on any plan **In short:** Add your keys under Settings then API Keys, and AI actions on them are free of platform credits on every plan. ### When are credits added after payment? Stripe confirms the payment instantly, but the credits arrive by an asynchronous webhook, usually within a few seconds. - Payment confirmation and credit delivery are two separate steps - The new balance appears on your dashboard once the webhook completes **In short:** Payment confirms immediately; credits post a few seconds later once the webhook finishes.