> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hawkfi.gitbook.io/whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hawkfi.gitbook.io/whitepaper/hawkfi-laboratory/move-from-backtest-to-live.md).

# Move from Backtest to Live

HawkFi Laboratory helps you test liquidity behavior, model settings, and Market Making Agent mechanics before using live capital.

A backtest shows how a setup behaved during the selected historical period. It does not predict future returns.

## Before you deploy

Keep the pool, historical window, and deposit amount consistent while comparing configurations. This makes it easier to understand what changed.

| If you tested       | Review before going live                                                                                                                         |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Market Making Agent | Net PnL, Pair HODL, Max Drawdown, win rate, markout horizons, fills, quote updates, final inventory, open-order notional, and quote update cost. |
| Liquidity Providing | Net PnL, Manual LP, Pair HODL, fees, Max Drawdown, time in range, rebalances, and TVL breakdown.                                                 |

## Move from research to live execution

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Explain why the setup fits the market

Write down the pool behavior you tested and why the selected execution model, range, or settings matched that period.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check where the result came from

Use the equity curve and replay instead of judging only the final PnL. Check whether the result was steady, depended on one late move, or came with inventory drift and drawdown you would not accept live.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Change one input at a time

If the setup needs improvement, change one decision and run the backtest again. Keep the pool, window, and deposit consistent so the comparison remains useful.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose the matching live path

* For Market Making Mode, click `Create Market Making Agent`, name the agent, add SOL, then select `Fund and deploy agent`.
* For Liquidity Mode, continue to [Explore HawkFi Models](/whitepaper/models-and-automations-library/hawkfi-models.md) or build a custom setup from [HawkFi automations](/whitepaper/models-and-automations-library/hawkfi-models/build-your-own-models.md).
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fund the live setup deliberately

Use an amount that matches the risk you are prepared to monitor. A strong historical result does not remove market, inventory, execution, or impermanent-loss risk.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Monitor live behavior

Compare the live Agent or LP position with the behavior you expected from Laboratory. Market conditions will not replay the backtest exactly.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How to know you are ready

Before going live, you should be able to explain:

1. Why the setup fits the pool and market behavior you tested.
2. Which drawdown, inventory, or range tradeoffs appeared in the backtest.
3. What you will monitor after deployment.
4. Which result would make you pause, widen, reduce, or retest the setup.

## Go deeper

* [Test a Market Making Setup](/whitepaper/hawkfi-laboratory/market-making.md)
* [Test an LP Setup](/whitepaper/hawkfi-laboratory/liquidity-providing.md)
* [Monitor and Manage Your Agent](/whitepaper/hawkfi-agents/monitor-and-manage-your-agent.md)
* [Understand Fees and Risks](/whitepaper/guides-and-support/understand-fees-and-risks.md)