[TA-Lib] #2: Installing TA-Lib for Technical Analysis

In the previous post, we examined the theory and application of technical analysis, and how TA-Lib serves as an essential tool for technical analysis.

In this post, we will take a step further and explore how to install TA-Lib using Python. TA-Lib is a formidable library in the realm of financial market analysis, and to integrate it with Python, it is imperative to install TA-Lib first and then install the corresponding Python wrapper. Through this process, you will be able to utilize TA-Lib's diverse functionalities conveniently within the Python environment.

Installing TA-Lib

TA-Lib's official homepage has been changed to a Github repository. More details can be found here. It is mentioned that as part of the plans for 2023, SourceForge SVN is expected to be decommissioned, and the ta-lib.org and tadoc.org websites are set to be integrated with Github.

Mac OS X

Mac users can effortlessly install TA-Lib using Homebrew:

$ brew install ta-lib

Windows

Precautions during Windows Installation

When installing TA-Lib on Windows, it is important to note that the installation methods differ between 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The 64-bit installation requires some additional steps, so please follow the instructions below closely.

32-bit

32-bit Windows users can download ta-lib-0.4.0-msvc.zip and extract it to C:\ta-lib to complete the installation.

64-bit

64-bit Windows users can follow the procedure below:

1. Download ta-lib-0.4.0-msvc.zip and extract it to C:\ta-lib.
2. Download and install Visual Studio Community (2015 or later versions), ensuring that the [Visual C++] feature is selected.
3. Launch [VS2015 x64 Native Tools Command Prompt] from the Windows start menu.
4. Navigate to C:\ta-lib\c\make\cdr\win32\msvc and build the library:

nmake

Linux

Linux users can install TA-Lib by entering the following commands in the terminal:

1. Download ta-lib-0.4.0-src.tar.gz.
2. Extract the downloaded file:

$ tar -xzf ta-lib-0.4.0-src.tar.gz
$ cd ta-lib/
$ ./configure --prefix=/usr
$ make
$ sudo make install

Please note that sometimes building TA-Lib with make -jX might fail. In that case, rerun make -jX, followed by sudo make install.

Integrating TA-Lib with Python

To use TA-Lib within Python, you must install the TA-Lib Python wrapper. Follow the steps below:

Installing the TA-Lib Python Wrapper

The installation is simple. You can install the TA-Lib wrapper using the pip command. Just enter the following command in the terminal or command prompt:

pip install TA-Lib

Installation Methods and Requirements

• The TA-Lib library must be installed.
• Python version 3 or higher must be installed.
• Administrative privileges may be required.

Basic Usage Example

To use TA-Lib in Python, you must first import the library. Below is a brief example that allows you to verify the proper integration of TA-Lib with Python:

import talib

# Calculating a moving average
close = np.array([100.0, 102.0, 104.0, 103.0, 100.0, 98.0])
output = talib.SMA(close, timeperiod=3)
print(output)  # [ nan nan 102. 103. 102.33333333 100.33333333]

This example demonstrates the correct integration of the TA-Lib library with Python by performing a simple moving average calculation.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Unable to Find TA-Lib Library

Issue: The following warning message appears:

setup.py:79: UserWarning: Cannot find ta-lib library, installation may fail.

This typically occurs when setup.py fails to locate the default TA-Lib library.

Solution: If you have installed the TA-Lib library in a non-default path, you can specify the library and header file locations using environment variables.

$ export TA_LIBRARY_PATH=$PREFIX/lib
$ export TA_INCLUDE_PATH=$PREFIX/include
$ pip install ta-lib

2. Build Error

Issue: The following build error arises:

talib/_ta_lib.c:601:10: fatal error: ta-lib/ta_defs.h: No such file or directory

This error generally happens when TA-Lib library is not found. It may occur on Windows when installing a 32-bit TA-Lib library but attempting to use it with 64-bit Python.

3. Python Header File Error

Issue: The following error is encountered:

talib/common.c:8:22: fatal error: pyconfig.h: No such file or directory

This means that Python header files are required.

Solution: You need to install the Python header files.

$ sudo apt-get install python3-dev

4. TA-Lib Build Error

Issue: The following error occurs when executing the make command:

../libtool: line 1717: cd: .libs/libta_lib.lax/libta_abstract.a: No such file or directory

This is usually due to spaces being included in the TA-Lib library path.

Solution: Move or reinstall the library to a path without spaces.

5. Code Signature Error on macOS

Issue: The following error occurs on macOS:

code signature in <141BC883-189B-322C-AE90-CBF6B5206F67>
'python3.9/site-packages/talib/_ta_lib.cpython-39-darwin.so' not valid for
use in process: Trying to load an unsigned library)

Solution: You can resolve the issue using xcrun codesign.

6. Permission Issue

Issue: A "permission denied" error occurs.

Solution: You may need user permissions for the location where the TA-Lib C library is installed, or you may need to install the library in a location accessible to the user.

In this article, we thoroughly examined the installation process for TA-Lib and how to integrate it with Python. We've detailed various installation methods, precautions, and solutions to common problems across different operating systems. TA-Lib serves as a powerful tool for financial market analysis, simplifying the calculation and analysis of various technical indicators.

Should you encounter any issues during the integration process, you may refer to this article or consult TA-Lib's official GitHub repository and the Python wrapper's repository.

In the next post, we will explore the fundamental theory of moving averages and how to implement them using TA-Lib. Moving averages are essential for analyzing market trends, and leveraging TA-Lib makes this analysis more efficient. Stay tuned for a comprehensive discussion in the next article.

FAQs

1. I am struggling to install TA-Lib on Windows. How can I proceed?
   • Installing TA-Lib on Windows requires specific instructions for 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Please ensure to follow the guidelines corresponding to your Windows version.
2. What are the prerequisites for using TA-Lib with Python?
   • To use TA-Lib with Python, you must have the TA-Lib library installed, and Python version 3 or higher is required.
3. Where can I find TA-Lib's Python wrapper?
   • TA-Lib's Python wrapper can be found at the Python wrapper's repository.
4. I encountered a "permission denied" error during the installation of TA-Lib. How can I resolve this?
   • A "permission denied" error may stem from a permissions issue. You might need user permissions for the location where the TA-Lib C library is installed, or you may need to install the library in an accessible location.
5. Are there any special considerations for using TA-Lib on macOS?
   • Using TA-Lib on macOS may lead to a code signature error. In such cases, you can solve the problem using xcrun codesign.