# Candles (/scripting-v2/sources/candles)



The `candles` source provides normalized OHLCV records. `timeframe` is an integer number of seconds.

```python
history.source("btc@candles@binancef:timeframe=60")
history.source("btc@candles@binancef@mmt:timeframe=60")
history.source("btc@candles@bulkf:timeframe=5")
history.source("btc@candles@hyperliquidf:timeframe=5")
```

## Live Candles [#live-candles]

MMT, BULK, and Hyperliquid live candles are built locally from raw trades. Any positive whole-second timeframe is valid.

Only completed, epoch-aligned candles reach the script. If the job begins inside a bucket, Market Lab discards that partial bucket. Periods without trades do not produce invented candles.

```python
SOURCE = "btc@candles@hyperliquidf:timeframe=5"


def on_data(ctx, history):
    candle = history.source(SOURCE, 0)
    if candle is None:
        return
```

## Backtest Candles [#backtest-candles]

Backtests read stored provider candles. They use provider-supported intervals and cannot request arbitrary seconds.

* MMT starts at 60 seconds.
* BULK starts at 10 seconds.
* Hyperliquid starts at 60 seconds.
* Standalone Binance supports its historical exchange intervals.

A historical candle enters the simulation at its closing boundary, after its OHLC values would have been known.

Standalone Binance candles are backtest-only. Use MMT, BULK, or Hyperliquid for live candle streams.

```bash
mlab script backtest strategy.py \
  --from 2026-05-31 \
  --to 2026-06-03
```

See [Candle Data](/scripting-v2/data-types/candles).