MQL4 and MQL5 Programming Articles

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Study the MQL5 language for programming trading strategies in numerous published articles mostly written by you - the community members. The articles are grouped into categories to help you quicker find answers to any questions related to programming: Integration, Tester, Trading Strategies, etc.

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MQL5 Wizard: Placing Orders, Stop-Losses and Take Profits on Calculated Prices. Standard Library Extension
MQL5 Wizard: Placing Orders, Stop-Losses and Take Profits on Calculated Prices. Standard Library Extension

MQL5 Wizard: Placing Orders, Stop-Losses and Take Profits on Calculated Prices. Standard Library Extension

This article describes the MQL5 Standard Library extension, which allows to create Expert Advisors, place orders, Stop Losses and Take Profits using the MQL5 Wizard by the prices received from included modules. This approach does not apply any additional restrictions on the number of modules and does not cause conflicts in their joint work.
Creating an Expert Advisor, which Trades on a Number of Instruments
Creating an Expert Advisor, which Trades on a Number of Instruments

Creating an Expert Advisor, which Trades on a Number of Instruments

The concept of diversification of assets on financial markets is quiet old, and has always attracted beginner traders. In this article, the author proposes a maximally simple approach to a construction of a multi-currency Expert Advisor, for an initial introduction to this direction of trading strategies.
PairPlot graph based on CGraphic for analyzing correlations between data arrays (time series)
PairPlot graph based on CGraphic for analyzing correlations between data arrays (time series)

PairPlot graph based on CGraphic for analyzing correlations between data arrays (time series)

Comparing several time series during a technical analysis is a quite common task that requires appropriate tools. In this article, I suggest developing a tool for graphical analysis and detecting correlations between two or more time series.
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Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 3): Adapting a Robot to Auto Optimizer

Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 3): Adapting a Robot to Auto Optimizer

The third part serves as a bridge between the previous two parts: it describes the mechanism of interaction with the DLL considered in the first article and the objects for report downloading, which were described in the second article. We will analyze the process of wrapper creation for a class which is imported from DLL and which forms an XML file with the trading history. We will also consider a method for interacting with this wrapper.
How to analyze the trades of the Signal selected in the chart
How to analyze the trades of the Signal selected in the chart

How to analyze the trades of the Signal selected in the chart

The trade Signals service develops in leaps and bounds. Trusting our funds to a signal provider, we would like to minimize the risk of losing our deposit. So how to puzzle out in this forest of trade signals? How to find the one that would produce profits? This paper proposes to create a tool for visually analyzing the history of trades on trade signals in a symbol chart.
Practical application of neural networks in trading
Practical application of neural networks in trading

Practical application of neural networks in trading

In this article, we will consider the main aspects of integration of neural networks and the trading terminal, with the purpose of creating a fully featured trading robot.
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How to detect trends and chart patterns using MQL5

How to detect trends and chart patterns using MQL5

In this article, we will provide a method to detect price actions patterns automatically by MQL5, like trends (Uptrend, Downtrend, Sideways), Chart patterns (Double Tops, Double Bottoms).
Graphical Interfaces IV: the Multi-Window Mode and System of Priorities (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces IV: the Multi-Window Mode and System of Priorities (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces IV: the Multi-Window Mode and System of Priorities (Chapter 2)

In this chapter, we will extend the library implementation to the possibility of creating multi-window interfaces for the MQL applications. We will also develop a system of priorities for left mouse clicking on graphical objects. This is required to avoid problems when elements do not respond to the user's actions.
Trading DiNapoli levels
Trading DiNapoli levels

Trading DiNapoli levels

The article considers one of the variants for Expert Advisor practical realization to trade DiNapoli levels using MQL5 standard tools. Its performance is tested and conclusions are made.
Universal Expert Advisor: Custom Strategies and Auxiliary Trade Classes (Part 3)
Universal Expert Advisor: Custom Strategies and Auxiliary Trade Classes (Part 3)

Universal Expert Advisor: Custom Strategies and Auxiliary Trade Classes (Part 3)

In this article, we will continue analyzing the algorithms of the CStrategy trading engine. The third part of the series contains the detailed analysis of examples of how to develop specific trading strategies using this approach. Special attention is paid to auxiliary algorithms — Expert Advisor logging system and data access using a conventional indexer (Close[1], Open[0] etc.)
MQL5 Cookbook: Sound Notifications for MetaTrader 5 Trade Events
MQL5 Cookbook: Sound Notifications for MetaTrader 5 Trade Events

MQL5 Cookbook: Sound Notifications for MetaTrader 5 Trade Events

In this article, we will consider such issues as including sound files in the file of the Expert Advisor, and thus adding sound notifications to trade events. The fact that the files will be included means that the sound files will be located inside the Expert Advisor. So when giving the compiled version of the Expert Advisor (*.ex5) to another user, you will not have to also provide the sound files and explain where they need to be saved.
Trading Tactics on Forex
Trading Tactics on Forex

Trading Tactics on Forex

The article will help a beginning trader to develop trading tactics on FOREX.
Better Programmer (Part 02): Stop doing these 5 things to become a successful MQL5 programmer
Better Programmer (Part 02): Stop doing these 5 things to become a successful MQL5 programmer

Better Programmer (Part 02): Stop doing these 5 things to become a successful MQL5 programmer

This is the must read article for anyone wanting to improve their programming career. This article series is aimed at making you the best programmer you can possibly be, no matter how experienced you are. The discussed ideas work for MQL5 programming newbies as well as professionals.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 01): Concepts and structures

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 01): Concepts and structures

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode.
Optimization management (Part I): Creating a GUI
Optimization management (Part I): Creating a GUI

Optimization management (Part I): Creating a GUI

This article describes the process of creating an extension for the MetaTrader terminal. The solution discussed helps to automate the optimization process by running optimizations in other terminals. A few more articles will be written concerning this topic. The extension has been developed using the C# language and design patterns, which additionally demonstrates the ability to expand the terminal capabilities by developing custom modules, as well as the ability to create custom graphical user interfaces using the functionality of a preferred programming language.
The NRTR indicator and trading modules based on NRTR for the MQL5 Wizard
The NRTR indicator and trading modules based on NRTR for the MQL5 Wizard

The NRTR indicator and trading modules based on NRTR for the MQL5 Wizard

In this article we are going to analyze the NRTR indicator and create a trading system based on this indicator. We are going to develop a module of trading signals that can be used in creating strategies based on a combination of NRTR with additional trend confirmation indicators.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVIII): Interactivity of account and any other library objects
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVIII): Interactivity of account and any other library objects

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVIII): Interactivity of account and any other library objects

The article arranges the work of an account object on a new base object of all library objects, improves the CBaseObj base object and tests setting tracked parameters, as well as receiving events for any library objects.
Graphical Interfaces III: Simple and Multi-Functional Buttons (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces III: Simple and Multi-Functional Buttons (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces III: Simple and Multi-Functional Buttons (Chapter 1)

Let us consider the button control. We will discuss examples of several classes for creating a simple button, buttons with extended functionality (icon button and split button) and interconnected buttons (button groups and radio button). Added to that, we will introduce some additions to existing classes for controls to broaden their capability.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 39): Library-based indicators - preparing data and timeseries events
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 39): Library-based indicators - preparing data and timeseries events

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 39): Library-based indicators - preparing data and timeseries events

The article deals with applying DoEasy library for creating multi-symbol multi-period indicators. We are going to prepare the library classes to work within indicators and test creating timeseries to be used as data sources in indicators. We will also implement creating and sending timeseries events.
MQL5.com Freelance: Developers' Source of Income (Infographic)
MQL5.com Freelance: Developers' Source of Income (Infographic)

MQL5.com Freelance: Developers' Source of Income (Infographic)

On the occasion of the MQL5 Freelance Service fourth birthday, we have prepared an info-graphic demonstrating the service results for the entire time of its existence. The figures speak for themselves: more than 10 000 orders worth about $600,000 in total have been executed to date, while 3 000 customers and 300 developers have already used the service.
Using indicators for optimizing Expert Advisors in real time
Using indicators for optimizing Expert Advisors in real time

Using indicators for optimizing Expert Advisors in real time

Efficiency of any trading robot depends on the correct selection of its parameters (optimization). However, parameters that are considered optimal for one time interval may not retain their effectiveness in another period of trading history. Besides, EAs showing profit during tests turn out to be loss-making in real time. The issue of continuous optimization comes to the fore here. When facing plenty of routine work, humans always look for ways to automate it. In this article, I propose a non-standard approach to solving this issue.
Break Through The Strategy Tester Limit On Testing Hedge EA
Break Through The Strategy Tester Limit On Testing Hedge EA

Break Through The Strategy Tester Limit On Testing Hedge EA

An idea of testing the hedge Expert Advisors using the strategy tester.
The power of ZigZag (part I). Developing the base class of the indicator
The power of ZigZag (part I). Developing the base class of the indicator

The power of ZigZag (part I). Developing the base class of the indicator

Many researchers do not pay enough attention to determining the price behavior. At the same time, complex methods are used, which very often are simply “black boxes”, such as machine learning or neural networks. The most important question arising in that case is what data to submit for training a particular model.
Universal Expert Advisor: Accessing Symbol Properties (Part 8)
Universal Expert Advisor: Accessing Symbol Properties (Part 8)

Universal Expert Advisor: Accessing Symbol Properties (Part 8)

The eighth part of the article features the description of the CSymbol class, which is a special object that provides access to any trading instrument. When used inside an Expert Advisor, the class provides a wide set of symbol properties, while allowing to simplify Expert Advisor programming and to expand its functionality.
Better Programmer (Part 01): You must stop doing these 5 things to become a successful MQL5 programmer
Better Programmer (Part 01): You must stop doing these 5 things to become a successful MQL5 programmer

Better Programmer (Part 01): You must stop doing these 5 things to become a successful MQL5 programmer

There are a lot of bad habits that newbies and even advanced programmers are doing that are keeping them from becoming the best they can be to their coding career. We are going to discuss and address them in this article. This article is a must read for everyone who wants to become successful developer in MQL5.
Regular expressions for traders
Regular expressions for traders

Regular expressions for traders

A regular expression is a special language for handling texts by applying a specified rule, also called a regex or regexp for short. In this article, we are going to show how to handle a trade report with the RegularExpressions library for MQL5, and will also demonstrate the optimization results after using it.
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 1): Developing the application structure
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 1): Developing the application structure

Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 1): Developing the application structure

In this article, we will discuss the idea of creating a multicurrency monitor of trading signals and will develop a future application structure along with its prototype, as well as create its framework for further operation. The article presents a step-by-step creation of a flexible multicurrency application which will enable the generation of trading signals and which will assist traders in finding the desired signals.
Quick Manual Trading Toolkit: Basic Functionality
Quick Manual Trading Toolkit: Basic Functionality

Quick Manual Trading Toolkit: Basic Functionality

Today, many traders switch to automated trading systems which can require additional setup or can be fully automated and ready to use. However, there is a considerable part of traders who prefer trading manually, in the old fashioned way. In this article, we will create toolkit for quick manual trading, using hotkeys, and for performing typical trading actions in one click.
Random Walk and the Trend Indicator
Random Walk and the Trend Indicator

Random Walk and the Trend Indicator

Random Walk looks very similar to the real market data, but it has some significant features. In this article we will consider the properties of Random Walk, simulated using the coin-tossing game. To study the properties of the data, the trendiness indicator is developed.
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How to master Machine Learning

How to master Machine Learning

Check out this selection of useful materials which can assist traders in improving their algorithmic trading knowledge. The era of simple algorithms is passing, and it is becoming harder to succeed without the use of Machine Learning techniques and Neural Networks.
Integrating MetaTrader 4  Client Terminal with MS SQL Server
Integrating MetaTrader 4  Client Terminal with MS SQL Server

Integrating MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal with MS SQL Server

The article gives an example of integrating MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal with MS SQL Server using a dll. Attached are both source codes in С++ and in MQL4, and a ready-made and compiled Visual C++ 6.0 SP5 project.
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Cluster analysis (Part I): Mastering the slope of indicator lines

Cluster analysis (Part I): Mastering the slope of indicator lines

Cluster analysis is one of the most important elements of artificial intelligence. In this article, I attempt applying the cluster analysis of the indicator slope to get threshold values for determining whether a market is flat or following a trend.
Use MQL5.community channels and group chats
Use MQL5.community channels and group chats

Use MQL5.community channels and group chats

The MQL5.com website brings together traders from all over the world. Users publish articles, share free codes, sell products in the Market, perform Freelance orders and copy trading signals. You can communicate with them on the Forum, in trader chats and in MetaTrader channels.
Data Exchange between Indicators: It's Easy
Data Exchange between Indicators: It's Easy

Data Exchange between Indicators: It's Easy

We want to create such an environment, which would provide access to data of indicators attached to a chart, and would have the following properties: absence of data copying; minimal modification of the code of available methods, if we need to use them; MQL code is preferable (of course, we have to use DLL, but we will use just a dozen of strings of C++ code). The article describes an easy method to develop a program environment for the MetaTrader terminal, that would provide means for accessing indicator buffers from other MQL programs.
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How to use MQL5 to detect candlesticks patterns

How to use MQL5 to detect candlesticks patterns

A new article to learn how to detect candlesticks patterns on prices automatically by MQL5.
Enhancing the StrategyTester to Optimize Indicators Solely on the Example of Flat and Trend Markets
Enhancing the StrategyTester to Optimize Indicators Solely on the Example of Flat and Trend Markets

Enhancing the StrategyTester to Optimize Indicators Solely on the Example of Flat and Trend Markets

It is essential to detect whether a market is flat or not for many strategies. Using the well known ADX we demonstrate how we can use the Strategy Tester not only to optimize this indicator for our specific purpose, but as well we can decide whether this indicator will meet our needs and get to know the average range of the flat and trend markets which might be quite important to determine stops and targets of the markets.
TradeObjects: Automation of trading based on MetaTrader graphical objects
TradeObjects: Automation of trading based on MetaTrader graphical objects

TradeObjects: Automation of trading based on MetaTrader graphical objects

The article deals with a simple approach to creating an automated trading system based on the chart linear markup and offers a ready-made Expert Advisor using the standard properties of the MetaTrader 4 and 5 objects and supporting the main trading operations.
Limitations and Verifications in Expert Advisors
Limitations and Verifications in Expert Advisors

Limitations and Verifications in Expert Advisors

Is it allowed to trade this symbol on Monday? Is there enough money to open position? How big is the loss if Stop Loss triggers? How to limit the number of pending orders? Was the trade operation executed at the current bar or at the previous one? If a trade robot cannot perform this kind of verifications, then any trade strategy can turn into a losing one. This article shows the examples of verifications that are useful in any Expert Advisor.
Advanced Analysis of a Trading Account
Advanced Analysis of a Trading Account

Advanced Analysis of a Trading Account

The article deals with the automatic system for analyzing any trading account in MetaTrader 4 terminal. Technical aspects of a generated report and interpretation of the obtained results are considered. Conclusions on improving trading factors are drawn after the detailed review of the report. MQLab™ Graphic Report script is used for analysis.
Practical Implementation of Digital Filters in MQL5 for Beginners
Practical Implementation of Digital Filters in MQL5 for Beginners

Practical Implementation of Digital Filters in MQL5 for Beginners

The idea of digital signal filtering has been widely discussed on forum topics about building trading systems. And it would be imprudent not to create a standard code of digital filters in MQL5. In this article the author describes the transformation of simple SMA indicator's code from his article "Custom Indicators in MQL5 for Newbies" into code of more complicated and universal digital filter. This article is a logical sequel to the previous article. It also tells how to replace text in code and how to correct programming errors.