Pine Script Alerts: alert() vs alertcondition() and When to Use Each
The difference between alert() and alertcondition() trips up almost everyone. Here's exactly when to use each, with working examples for both strategies and indicators.
Two alert functions, two jobs
Pine Script v6 has two ways to fire alerts, and using the wrong one is one of the most common compile errors we see. alert() is a function call you put inside your logic — it can build a dynamic message and runs when its line executes. alertcondition() is a global declaration that creates an alert option in TradingView's dialog.
The rule of thumb: strategies use alert() inside entry blocks; indicators use alertcondition() in global scope.
- alert(message, freq) — call it inside if blocks, dynamic messages allowed
- alertcondition(condition, title, message) — must be global, static message
- alertcondition() inside an if block = compile error
- Strategies can use either; indicators should prefer alertcondition()
Strategy alert example
Inside a strategy, put alert() right after the entry so the message can include live data like the ticker and price:
if longCondition and barstate.isconfirmed
strategy.entry("Long", strategy.long)
alert("Long signal on " + syminfo.ticker + " @ " + str.tostring(close), alert.freq_once_per_bar_close)Indicator alert example
In an indicator, declare alertcondition() in global scope — never inside an if:
//@version=6
indicator("RSI Alert", overlay=false)
rsi = ta.rsi(close, 14)
crossUp = ta.crossover(rsi, 30)
plot(rsi)
alertcondition(crossUp, title="RSI Oversold Cross", message="RSI crossed above 30 on {{ticker}}")Tip
TradePilot wires alerts correctly every time — alert() inside strategy entries, alertcondition() global for indicators. No more 'cannot use alertcondition in local scope' errors.
TradePilot Team
Traders and engineers building the fastest way to go from idea to live Pine Script strategy, right inside TradingView.
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