Dry Run

Bot execution mode where no real orders are placed; the default behavior of all predtools bots unless the --live flag is passed.

Definition

Dry run is an execution mode in which a bot runs its full logic — signal generation, decision-making, order construction — but does not actually submit orders to the exchange. It is the safest way to verify that a bot behaves correctly in production conditions before real capital is at risk.

In practice

Every predtools bot defaults to dry-run mode. Passing --live is the only way to enable real order submission:

# Dry run (default) — no real orders
node poly5m/poly5m-v1.js --asset BTC

# Live mode — real orders placed
node poly5m/poly5m-v1.js --asset BTC --live

In dry-run mode, the bot logs all intended trades, PnL changes, and decisions to a -simu.log file, and sends Telegram alerts marked as simulated. This allows a full end-to-end review of bot behavior, including edge detection, sizing logic, and resolution handling, without any financial exposure. Always run at least one full session in dry-run before switching to live.

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