Donchian Channel Trend Tracker by KellyLikesCrypto

### Overview

This indicator is written in Pine Script® (version 6) and is designed to overlay on a price chart. It combines the classic Donchian Channel—a tool popular among trend-following traders—with additional trend-tracking features. By identifying when the channel’s highs and lows are making new extreme values, the indicator helps signal potential trend shifts. It is especially suited for scalpers using 1-hour charts, as it provides clear, actionable signals for rapid entry and exit decisions.

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### Key Components & Inputs

1. **User Inputs:**
- **Length:** The period over which the indicator calculates the highest high and the lowest low (default is 27 bars). This value can be adjusted to smooth or tighten the channel based on the trader’s preference.
- **Offset:** A parameter allowing the plotted lines to be shifted left or right on the chart, providing flexibility in aligning the indicator with price action.

2. **Donchian Channel Calculations:**
- **Lower Bound (`lower`):** Calculated using `ta.lowest(length)`, it identifies the lowest low over the defined period.
- **Upper Bound (`upper`):** Determined by `ta.highest(length)`, capturing the highest high during the same period.
- **Basis:** The midline of the channel, computed as the average of the upper and lower bounds. This line can serve as an equilibrium or reference point in the trend analysis.

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### Visual Representation

- **Plotting the Channels:**
- The **basis** is plotted in a standout orange color (#FF6D00) to make the central trend reference easily visible.
- The **upper** and **lower** bounds are plotted in blue (#2962FF), creating clear boundaries for the price action.
- The area between these two lines is filled with a semi-transparent blue, enhancing the visual context of the channel and helping traders quickly assess whether price is near an extreme or within a normal range.

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### Trend Identification Logic

Beyond plotting the basic Donchian Channel, the indicator introduces additional logic to track short-term trend changes:

1. **Higher Highs and Higher Lows:**
- **Higher High (`higherHigh`):** This condition checks if the current upper bound is greater than the previous bar’s upper bound, signaling a potential upward push.
- **Higher Low (`higherLow`):** Similarly, it checks if the current lower bound exceeds the previous bar’s lower bound, reinforcing an upward trend if the support level is rising.

2. **Lower Highs and Lower Lows:**
- **Lower High (`lowerHigh`):** This evaluates if the current upper bound is less than that of the previous bar, indicating a possible downward shift.
- **Lower Low (`lowerLow`):** It verifies if the current lower bound is lower than the previous bar’s, further confirming a bearish tendency.

The use of the `nz()` function ensures that on the very first bar—where no previous data exists—the code handles the values gracefully without causing errors.

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### Visual Markers for Trend Signals

To make trend signals immediately apparent:
- **Markers are Plotted on the Chart:**
- **Green Labels ("HH" and "HL"):** These are placed on the chart when the indicator detects higher highs or higher lows, suggesting bullish momentum.
- **Red Labels ("LH" and "LL"):** These markers are shown when lower highs or lower lows are detected, indicating bearish pressure.

Each label is plotted either above or below the corresponding bar, ensuring that the chart remains uncluttered and that the trend signals are clear.

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### Scalping Strategy on 1-Hour Charts

This indicator is specifically tailored for scalping strategies on 1-hour charts. Scalping involves capturing small, rapid profits from short-term price movements, and the clear trend signals provided by this tool can help traders pinpoint optimal entry and exit points. Here’s how it integrates into a scalping strategy:

- **Quick Trend Identification:** The green markers (HH and HL) suggest bullish conditions ideal for quick long entries, while the red markers (LH and LL) signal bearish conditions suitable for short entries.
- **Timing and Precision:** On a 1-hour chart, the indicator’s sensitivity to higher highs and lower lows allows traders to make rapid decisions aligned with the prevailing trend.
- **Complementary Analysis:** While the indicator provides fast signals, it is recommended to use it alongside additional tools (like oscillators or volume analysis) and strict risk management practices, ensuring that scalpers can confirm entries and exits efficiently.

By leveraging the indicator’s visual cues within a broader scalping framework, traders can enhance their ability to capture quick moves, thus optimizing their overall strategy on 1-hour timeframes.

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### Conclusion

The “Donchian Channel Trend Tracker by KellyLikesCrypto” is a powerful tool for visualizing price extremes and trend direction. By combining the classical Donchian Channel with additional trend-tracking markers, it offers traders a clear and immediate way to assess whether the market is gaining bullish momentum or beginning to turn bearish. Its customizable parameters and clear visual signals make it particularly effective for a scalping strategy on 1-hour charts, where rapid decision-making is crucial.

This detailed breakdown should provide a comprehensive understanding of how each component of the indicator works together and how it can be effectively integrated into a short-term scalping strategy.