Articles with MQL5 programming examples

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Access a huge collection of articles with code examples showing how to create indicators and trading robots for the MetaTrader platform in the MQL5 language. Source codes are attached to the articles, so you can open them in MetaEditor and run them to see how the applications work.

These articles will be useful both for those who have just started exploring automated trading and for professional traders with programming experience. They feature not only examples, but also contain new ideas.

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Payments and payment methods
Payments and payment methods

Payments and payment methods

MQL5.community Services offer great opportunities for traders as well as for the developers of applications for the MetaTrader terminal. In this article, we explain how payments for MQL5 services are performed, how the earned money can be withdraw, and how the operation security is ensured.
MetaTrader 4 on Mac OS
MetaTrader 4 on Mac OS

MetaTrader 4 on Mac OS

Apple products have become very popular. MetaQuotes Software Corp. attentively follows the progress of the IT industry and has already released the special mobile applications for iOS-based devices - MetaTrader 4 for iPhone and MetaTrader 5 for iPhone.There are many topics on the MQL4.community forum, where people are seeking a solution for running MetaTrader 4 under the Mac OS operating system. In this article, you will find out how to work in MetaTrader 4 via the Apple's popular operating system.
MetaQuotes ID in MetaTrader Mobile Terminal
MetaQuotes ID in MetaTrader Mobile Terminal

MetaQuotes ID in MetaTrader Mobile Terminal

Android and iOS powered devices offer us many features we do not even know about. One of these features is push notifications allowing us to receive personal messages, regardless of our phone number or mobile network operator. MetaTrader mobile terminal already can receive such messages right from your trading robot. You should only know MetaQuotes ID of your device. More than 9 000 000 mobile terminals have already received it.
MetaTrader 4 on Linux
MetaTrader 4 on Linux

MetaTrader 4 on Linux

In this article, we demonstrate an easy way to install MetaTrader 4 on popular Linux versions — Ubuntu and Debian. These systems are widely used on server hardware as well as on traders’ personal computers.
How to Prepare a Trading Account for Migration to Virtual Hosting
How to Prepare a Trading Account for Migration to Virtual Hosting

How to Prepare a Trading Account for Migration to Virtual Hosting

MetaTrader client terminal is perfect for automating trading strategies. It has all tools necessary for trading robot developers ‒ powerful C++ based MQL4/MQL5 programming language, convenient MetaEditor development environment and multi-threaded strategy tester that supports distributed computing in MQL5 Cloud Network. In this article, you will find out how to move your client terminal to the virtual environment with all custom elements.
MQL5 Cookbook: Getting properties of an open hedge position
MQL5 Cookbook: Getting properties of an open hedge position

MQL5 Cookbook: Getting properties of an open hedge position

MetaTrader 5 is a multi-asset platform. Moreover, it supports different position management systems. Such opportunities provide significantly expanded options for the implementation and formalization of trading ideas. In this article, we discuss methods of handling and accounting of position properties in the hedging mode. The article features a derived class, as well as examples showing how to get and process the properties of a hedge position.
How to publish a product on the Market
How to publish a product on the Market

How to publish a product on the Market

Start offering your trading applications to millions of MetaTrader users from around the world though the Market. The service provides a ready-made infrastructure: access to a large audience, licensing solutions, trial versions, publication of updates and acceptance of payments. You only need to complete a quick seller registration procedure and publish your product. Start generating additional profits from your programs using the ready-made technical base provided by the service.
Migrating from MQL4 to MQL5
Migrating from MQL4 to MQL5

Migrating from MQL4 to MQL5

This article is a quick guide to MQL4 language functions, it will help you to migrate your programs from MQL4 to MQL5. For each MQL4 function (except trading functions) the description and MQL5 implementation are presented, it allows you to reduce the conversion time significantly. For convenience, the MQL4 functions are divided into groups, similar to MQL4 Reference.
Trade Operations in MQL5 - It's Easy
Trade Operations in MQL5 - It's Easy

Trade Operations in MQL5 - It's Easy

Almost all traders come to market to make money but some traders also enjoy the process itself. However, it is not only manual trading that can provide you with an exciting experience. Automated trading systems development can also be quite absorbing. Creating a trading robot can be as interesting as reading a good mystery novel.
MetaTrader 5 - More Than You Can Imagine!
MetaTrader 5 - More Than You Can Imagine!

MetaTrader 5 - More Than You Can Imagine!

The MetaTrader 5 client terminal has been developed from scratch and far surpasses its predecessor, of course. The new trading platform provides unlimited opportunities for trading in any financial market. Moreover, its functionality keeps expanding to offer even more useful features and convenience. So, it is now quite difficult to list all the numerous advantages of MetaTrader 5. We have tried to briefly describe them in one article, and we got surprised with the result' the article is far from brief!
MQL5.community - User Memo
MQL5.community - User Memo

MQL5.community - User Memo

You have just registered and most likely you have questions such as, "How do I insert a picture to my a message?" "How do I format my MQL5 source code?" "Where are my personal messages kept?" You may have many other questions. In this article, we have prepared some hands-on tips that will help you get accustomed in MQL5.community and take full advantage of its available features.
How to conduct a qualitative analysis of trading signals and select the best of them
How to conduct a qualitative analysis of trading signals and select the best of them

How to conduct a qualitative analysis of trading signals and select the best of them

The article deals with evaluating the performance of Signals Providers. We offer several additional parameters highlighting signal trading results from a slightly different angle than in traditional approaches. The concepts of the proper management and perfect deal are described. We also dwell on the optimal selection using the obtained results and compiling the portfolio of multiple signal sources.
Why Virtual Hosting On The MetaTrader 4 And MetaTrader 5 Is Better Than Usual VPS
Why Virtual Hosting On The MetaTrader 4 And MetaTrader 5 Is Better Than Usual VPS

Why Virtual Hosting On The MetaTrader 4 And MetaTrader 5 Is Better Than Usual VPS

The Virtual Hosting Cloud network was developed specially for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 and has all the advantages of a native solution. Get the benefit of our free 24 hours offer - test out a virtual server right now.
MQL5: Analysis and Processing of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Reports in MetaTrader 5
MQL5: Analysis and Processing of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Reports in MetaTrader 5

MQL5: Analysis and Processing of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Reports in MetaTrader 5

In this article, we will develop a tool for CFTC report analysis. We will solve the following problem: to develop an indicator, that allows using the CFTC report data directly from the data files provided by Commission without an intermediate processing and conversion. Further, it can be used for the different purposes: to plot the data as an indicator, to proceed with the data in the other indicators, in the scripts for the automated analysis, in the Expert Advisors for the use in the trading strategies.
Introduction to MQL5: How to write simple Expert Advisor and Custom Indicator
Introduction to MQL5: How to write simple Expert Advisor and Custom Indicator

Introduction to MQL5: How to write simple Expert Advisor and Custom Indicator

MetaQuotes Programming Language 5 (MQL5), included in MetaTrader 5 Client Terminal, has many new possibilities and higher performance, compared to MQL4. This article will help you to get acquainted with this new programming language. The simple examples of how to write an Expert Advisor and Custom Indicator are presented in this article. We will also consider some details of MQL5 language, that are necessary to understand these examples.
How to build and test a Binary Options strategy with the MetaTrader 4 Strategy Tester
How to build and test a Binary Options strategy with the MetaTrader 4 Strategy Tester

How to build and test a Binary Options strategy with the MetaTrader 4 Strategy Tester

Tutorial to build a Binary Options strategy an test it in Strategy-Tester of MetaTrader 4 with Binary-Options-Strategy-Tester utility from marketplace.
Create Your Own Trading Robot in 6 Steps!
Create Your Own Trading Robot in 6 Steps!

Create Your Own Trading Robot in 6 Steps!

If you don't know how trade classes are constructed, and are scared of the words "Object Oriented Programming", then this article is for you. In fact, you do not need to know the details to write your own module of trading signals. Just follow some simple rules. All the rest will be done by the MQL5 Wizard, and you will get a ready-to-use trading robot!
Price Action. Automating the Engulfing Pattern Trading Strategy
Price Action. Automating the Engulfing Pattern Trading Strategy

Price Action. Automating the Engulfing Pattern Trading Strategy

This article describes a process of creating an Expert Advisor for MetaTrader 4 based on the Engulfing pattern, as well as the pattern recognition principle, rules of setting pending orders and stop orders. The results of testing and optimization are provided for your information.
How to create Requirements Specification for ordering a trading robot
How to create Requirements Specification for ordering a trading robot

How to create Requirements Specification for ordering a trading robot

Are you trading using your own strategy? If your system rules can be formally described as software algorithms, it is better to entrust trading to an automated Expert Advisor. A robot does not need sleep or food and is not subject to human weaknesses. In this article, we show how to create Requirements Specification when ordering a trading robot in the Freelance service.
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How to Make a Trading Robot in No Time

How to Make a Trading Robot in No Time

Trading on financial markets involves many risks including the most critical one - the risk of making a wrong trading decision. The dream of every trader is to find a trading robot, which is always in good shape and not subject to human weaknesses - fear, greed and impatience.
MQL as a Markup Tool for the Graphical Interface of MQL Programs (Part 3). Form Designer
MQL as a Markup Tool for the Graphical Interface of MQL Programs (Part 3). Form Designer

MQL as a Markup Tool for the Graphical Interface of MQL Programs (Part 3). Form Designer

In this paper, we are completing the description of our concept of building the window interface of MQL programs, using the structures of MQL. Specialized graphical editor will allow to interactively set up the layout that consists of the basic classes of the GUI elements and then export it into the MQL description to use it in your MQL project. The paper presents the internal design of the editor and a user guide. Source codes are attached.
Testing trading strategies on real ticks
Testing trading strategies on real ticks

Testing trading strategies on real ticks

The article provides the results of testing a simple trading strategy in three modes: "1 minute OHLC", "Every tick" and "Every tick based on real ticks" using actual historical data.
Angles in Trading. Further Study Required
Angles in Trading. Further Study Required

Angles in Trading. Further Study Required

In this article, we discuss the method of trading analysis by measuring angles in the MetaTrader 4 terminal. The article provides a general plan of using angles for trend movement analysis, as well as non-standard ways to the practical application of angle analysis in trading. The article also provides conclusions that can be useful for trading.
Price Action. Automating the Inside Bar Trading Strategy
Price Action. Automating the Inside Bar Trading Strategy

Price Action. Automating the Inside Bar Trading Strategy

The article describes the development of a MetaTrader 4 Expert Advisor based on the Inside Bar strategy, including Inside Bar detection principles, as well as pending and stop order setting rules. Test and optimization results are provided as well.
Securing MQL5 code: Password Protection, Key Generators, Time-limits, Remote Licenses and Advanced EA License Key Encryption Techniques
Securing MQL5 code: Password Protection, Key Generators, Time-limits, Remote Licenses and Advanced EA License Key Encryption Techniques

Securing MQL5 code: Password Protection, Key Generators, Time-limits, Remote Licenses and Advanced EA License Key Encryption Techniques

Most developers need to have their code secured. This article will present a few different ways to protect MQL5 software - it presents methods to provide licensing capabilities to MQL5 Scripts, Expert Advisors and Indicators. It covers password protection, key generators, account license, time-limit evaluation and remote protection using MQL5-RPC calls.
Common Errors in MQL4 Programs and How to Avoid Them
Common Errors in MQL4 Programs and How to Avoid Them

Common Errors in MQL4 Programs and How to Avoid Them

To avoid critical completion of programs, the previous version compiler handled many errors in the runtime environment. For example, division by zero or array out of range are critical errors and usually lead to program crash. The new compiler can detect actual or potential sources of errors and improve code quality. In this article, we discuss possible errors that can be detected during compilation of old programs and see how to fix them.
The checks a trading robot must pass before publication in the Market
The checks a trading robot must pass before publication in the Market

The checks a trading robot must pass before publication in the Market

Before any product is published in the Market, it must undergo compulsory preliminary checks in order to ensure a uniform quality standard. This article considers the most frequent errors made by developers in their technical indicators and trading robots. An also shows how to self-test a product before sending it to the Market.
MQL5: Create Your Own Indicator
MQL5: Create Your Own Indicator

MQL5: Create Your Own Indicator

What is an indicator? It is a set of calculated values that we want to be displayed on the screen in a convenient way. Sets of values are represented in programs as arrays. Thus, creation of an indicator means writing an algorithm that handles some arrays (price arrays) and records results of handling to other arrays (indicator values). By describing creation of True Strength Index, the author shows how to write indicators in MQL5.
MQL5 Programming Basics: Time
MQL5 Programming Basics: Time

MQL5 Programming Basics: Time

The article focuses on standard MQL5 functions for working with time, as well as programming techniques and practically useful functions for working with time that are required when creating Expert Advisors and indicators. Particular attention is paid to the general theory of time measurement. This article should be of interest primarily to novice MQL5 programmers.
MQL5 Programming Basics: Arrays
MQL5 Programming Basics: Arrays

MQL5 Programming Basics: Arrays

Arrays are an integral part of almost any programming language along with variables and functions. The article should be of interest primarily to novice MQL5 programmers, while experienced programmers will have a good opportunity to summarize and systematize their knowledge.
Quick Start: Short Guide for Beginners
Quick Start: Short Guide for Beginners

Quick Start: Short Guide for Beginners

Hello dear reader! In this article, I will try to explain and show you how you can easily and quickly get the hang of the principles of creating Expert Advisors, working with indicators, etc. It is beginner-oriented and will not feature any difficult or abstruse examples.
Step on New Rails: Custom Indicators in MQL5
Step on New Rails: Custom Indicators in MQL5

Step on New Rails: Custom Indicators in MQL5

I will not list all of the new possibilities and features of the new terminal and language. They are numerous, and some novelties are worth the discussion in a separate article. Also there is no code here, written with object-oriented programming, it is a too serous topic to be simply mentioned in a context as additional advantages for developers. In this article we will consider the indicators, their structure, drawing, types and their programming details, as compared to MQL4. I hope that this article will be useful both for beginners and experienced developers, maybe some of them will find something new.
Using MetaTrader 5 Indicators with ENCOG Machine Learning Framework for Timeseries Prediction
Using MetaTrader 5 Indicators with ENCOG Machine Learning Framework for Timeseries Prediction

Using MetaTrader 5 Indicators with ENCOG Machine Learning Framework for Timeseries Prediction

This article presents connecting MetaTrader 5 to ENCOG - Advanced Neural Network and Machine Learning Framework. It contains description and implementation of a simple neural network indicator based on a standard technical indicators and an Expert Advisor based on a neural indicator. All source code, compiled binaries, DLLs and an exemplary trained network are attached to the article.
Trading Ideas Based on Prices Direction and Movement Speed
Trading Ideas Based on Prices Direction and Movement Speed

Trading Ideas Based on Prices Direction and Movement Speed

The article provides a review of an idea based on the analysis of prices' movement direction and their speed. We have performed its formalization in the MQL4 language presented as an expert advisor to explore viability of the strategy being under consideration. We also determine the best parameters via check, examination and optimization of an example given in the article.
Tips for an Effective Product Presentation on the Market
Tips for an Effective Product Presentation on the Market

Tips for an Effective Product Presentation on the Market

Selling programs to traders effectively does not only require writing an efficient and useful product and then publishing it on the Market. It is vital to provide a comprehensive, detailed description and good illustrations. A quality logo and correct screenshots are equally as important as the "true coding". Bear in mind a simple formula: no downloads = no sales.
Portfolio trading in MetaTrader 4
Portfolio trading in MetaTrader 4

Portfolio trading in MetaTrader 4

The article reveals the portfolio trading principles and their application to Forex market. A few simple mathematical portfolio arrangement models are considered. The article contains examples of practical implementation of the portfolio trading in MetaTrader 4: portfolio indicator and Expert Advisor for semi-automated trading. The elements of trading strategies, as well as their advantages and pitfalls are described.
Implementing indicator calculations into an Expert Advisor code
Implementing indicator calculations into an Expert Advisor code

Implementing indicator calculations into an Expert Advisor code

The reasons for moving an indicator code to an Expert Advisor may vary. How to assess the pros and cons of this approach? The article describes implementing an indicator code into an EA. Several experiments are conducted to assess the speed of the EA's operation.
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How to create a graphical panel of any complexity level

How to create a graphical panel of any complexity level

The article features a detailed explanation of how to create a panel on the basis of the CAppDialog class and how to add controls to the panel. It provides the description of the panel structure and a scheme, which shows the inheritance of objects. From this article, you will also learn how events are handled and how they are delivered to dependent controls. Additional examples show how to edit panel parameters, such as the size and the background color.
An Example of a Trading System Based on a Heiken-Ashi Indicator
An Example of a Trading System Based on a Heiken-Ashi Indicator

An Example of a Trading System Based on a Heiken-Ashi Indicator

In this article we look into the question of using a Heiken-Ashi indicator in trading. Based on this indicator, a simple trading system is considered and an MQL5 Expert Advisor is written. Trading operations are implemented on the bases of classes of the Standard class library. The testing results of the reviewed trading strategy, are based on the history, and obtained using the built-in MetaTrader 5 strategy tester, are provided in the article.
Expert Advisor Sample
Expert Advisor Sample

Expert Advisor Sample

The principles of MQL4-programs development are shown on sample of creating a simple Expert Advisor system based on the standard MACD indicator.