What does refresh_interval control?

The refresh_interval setting defines how often the bot polls the exchange for market price updates (candles/klines and price data).

It determines the base heartbeat of your market data engine — essentially how frequently your system checks for new price changes.

Example:

refresh_interval: 3

This means the bot requests updated market data every 3 seconds.


⚙️ How It Affects Performance

🔹 Lower Values (e.g., 2–5 seconds)

  • Faster reaction to market movements
  • Quicker signal updates
  • More responsive stop-loss / take-profit handling
  • Higher API usage
  • Increased server load

Best suited for:

  • Scalping
  • High-frequency trading
  • Volatility-based strategies

🔹 Higher Values (e.g., 10–30 seconds)

  • Slower reaction time
  • Reduced API requests
  • Lower CPU and memory usage
  • More stable on limited infrastructure

Best suited for:

  • Swing trading
  • Position trading
  • Long-term strategies

🎯 Why It’s Important

refresh_interval directly impacts:

  • Signal timing
  • Entry precision
  • Exit responsiveness
  • API rate consumption
  • Overall system stability

If set too low:

  • You risk API throttling or exchange rate limits.

If set too high:

  • You may receive delayed signals and suboptimal trade execution.

⚖️ Finding the Right Balance

The ideal value depends on:

  • Strategy type
  • Number of symbols monitored
  • Exchange rate limits
  • Server performance

The goal is to balance:

  • Speed
  • Accuracy
  • Resource efficiency
  • API safety

🚀 Summary

refresh_interval controls how frequently the bot polls the exchange for price updates.

  • Lower value → Faster reaction, higher API usage
  • Higher value → Slower reaction, lower resource usage

It is a critical setting that determines how quickly your system sees and reacts to market changes.

📎 Related Topics