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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Graphical Interfaces I: Form for Controls (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces I: Form for Controls (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces I: Form for Controls (Chapter 2)

In this article we will create the first and main element of the graphical interface - a form for controls. Multiple controls can be attached to this form anywhere and in any combination.
Developing a cross-platform grid EA (Last part): Diversification as a way to increase profitability
Developing a cross-platform grid EA (Last part): Diversification as a way to increase profitability

Developing a cross-platform grid EA (Last part): Diversification as a way to increase profitability

In previous articles within this series, we tried various methods for creating a more or less profitable grid Expert Advisor. Now we will try to increase the EA profitability through diversification. Our ultimate goal is to reach 100% profit per year with the maximum balance drawdown no more than 20%.
Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: Alerting System
Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: Alerting System

Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: Alerting System

How to be aware of what happens in the terminal and on your account without permanent looking at the monitor. System events; custom events; wave and executable files; electronic messages; setting up SMTP server access; publications; setting up FTP server access.
Color optimization of trading strategies
Color optimization of trading strategies

Color optimization of trading strategies

In this article we will perform an experiment: we will color optimization results. The color is determined by three parameters: the levels of red, green and blue (RGB). There are other color coding methods, which also use three parameters. Thus, three testing parameters can be converted to one color, which visually represents the values. Read this article to find out if such a representation can be useful.
How to copy signals using an EA by your rules?
How to copy signals using an EA by your rules?

How to copy signals using an EA by your rules?

When you subscribe to signals, such situation may occur: your trade account has a leverage of 1:100, the provider has a leverage of 1:500 and trades using the minimal lot, and your trade balances are virtually equal — but the copy ratio will comprise only 10% to 15%. This article describes how to increase the copy rate in such cases.
Applying Monte Carlo method in reinforcement learning
Applying Monte Carlo method in reinforcement learning

Applying Monte Carlo method in reinforcement learning

In the article, we will apply Reinforcement learning to develop self-learning Expert Advisors. In the previous article, we considered the Random Decision Forest algorithm and wrote a simple self-learning EA based on Reinforcement learning. The main advantages of such an approach (trading algorithm development simplicity and high "training" speed) were outlined. Reinforcement learning (RL) is easily incorporated into any trading EA and speeds up its optimization.
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Custom symbols: Practical basics

Custom symbols: Practical basics

The article is devoted to the programmatic generation of custom symbols which are used to demonstrate some popular methods for displaying quotes. It describes a suggested variant of minimally invasive adaptation of Expert Advisors for trading a real symbol from a derived custom symbol chart. MQL source codes are attached to this article.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part I): Getting started with programming

Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part I): Getting started with programming

This article is an introduction to a series of articles about programming. It is assumed here that the reader has never dealt with programming before. So, this series starts from the very basics. Programming knowledge level: Absolute Beginner.
Multiple Regression Analysis. Strategy Generator and Tester in One
Multiple Regression Analysis. Strategy Generator and Tester in One

Multiple Regression Analysis. Strategy Generator and Tester in One

The article gives a description of ways of use of the multiple regression analysis for development of trading systems. It demonstrates the use of the regression analysis for strategy search automation. A regression equation generated and integrated in an EA without requiring high proficiency in programming is given as an example.
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.
Mini Market Emulator or Manual Strategy Tester
Mini Market Emulator or Manual Strategy Tester

Mini Market Emulator or Manual Strategy Tester

Mini Market Emulator is an indicator designed for partial emulation of work in the terminal. Presumably, it can be used to test "manual" strategies of market analysis and trading.
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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.
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.
Parsing HTML with curl
Parsing HTML with curl

Parsing HTML with curl

The article provides the description of a simple HTML code parsing library using third-party components. In particular, it covers the possibilities of accessing data which cannot be retrieved using GET and POST requests. We will select a website with not too large pages and will try to obtain interesting data from this site.
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.
Gap - a profitable strategy or 50/50?
Gap - a profitable strategy or 50/50?

Gap - a profitable strategy or 50/50?

The article dwells on gaps — significant differences between a close price of a previous timeframe and an open price of the next one, as well as on forecasting a daily bar direction. Applying the GetOpenFileName function by the system DLL is considered as well.
Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part I). Preparation: structure description and helper class
Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part I). Preparation: structure description and helper class

Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part I). Preparation: structure description and helper class

This is the first article in a series, in which I am going to describe a toolkit which enables manual application of chart graphics by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. It is very convenient: you press one key and a trendline appears, you press another key — this will create a Fibonacci fan with the necessary parameters. It will also be possible to switch timeframes, to rearrange layers or to delete all objects from the chart.
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.
Expert Advisor for Trading in the Channel
Expert Advisor for Trading in the Channel

Expert Advisor for Trading in the Channel

The Expert Advisor plots the channel lines. The upper and lower channel lines act as support and resistance levels. The Expert Advisor marks datum points, provides sound notification every time the price reaches or crosses the channel lines and draws the relevant marks. Upon fractal formation, the corresponding arrows appear on the last bars. Line breakouts may suggest the possibility of a growing trend. The Expert Advisor is extensively commented throughout.
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 2): Implementation of the visual part of the application
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 2): Implementation of the visual part of the application

Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 2): Implementation of the visual part of the application

In the previous article, we created the application framework, which we will use as the basis for all further work. In this part, we will proceed with the development: we will create the visual part of the application and will configure basic interaction of interface elements.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 38): Timeseries collection - real-time updates and accessing data from the program
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 38): Timeseries collection - real-time updates and accessing data from the program

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 38): Timeseries collection - real-time updates and accessing data from the program

The article considers real-time update of timeseries data and sending messages about the "New bar" event to the control program chart from all timeseries of all symbols for the ability to handle these events in custom programs. The "New tick" class is used to determine the need to update timeseries for the non-current chart symbol and periods.
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.
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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Learn how to design a trading system by Ichimoku

Learn how to design a trading system by Ichimoku

Here is a new article in our series about how to design a trading system b the most popular indicators, we will talk about the Ichimoku indicator in detail and how to design a trading system by this indicator.
How to Make Money from MetaTrader AppStore and Trading Signals Services If You Are Not a Seller or a Provider
How to Make Money from MetaTrader AppStore and Trading Signals Services If You Are Not a Seller or a Provider

How to Make Money from MetaTrader AppStore and Trading Signals Services If You Are Not a Seller or a Provider

It is possible to start making money on MQL5.com right now without having to be a seller of Market applications or a profitable signals provider. Select the products you like and post links to them on various web resources. Attract potential customers and the profit is yours!
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Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 7): Binding Auto Optimizer's logical part with graphics and controlling graphics from the program

Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 7): Binding Auto Optimizer's logical part with graphics and controlling graphics from the program

This article describes the connection of the graphical part of the auto optimizer program with its logical part. It considers the optimization launch process, from a button click to task redirection to the optimization manager.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXV): Handling errors returned by the trade server
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXV): Handling errors returned by the trade server

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXV): Handling errors returned by the trade server

After we send a trading order to the server, we need to check the error codes or the absence of errors. In this article, we will consider handling errors returned by the trade server and prepare for creating pending trading requests.
Video: How to setup MetaTrader 5 and MQL5 for simple automated trading
Video: How to setup MetaTrader 5 and MQL5 for simple automated trading

Video: How to setup MetaTrader 5 and MQL5 for simple automated trading

In this little video course you will learn how to download, install and setup MetaTrader 5 for Automated Trading. You will also learn how to adjust the chart settings and the options for automated trading. You will do your first backtest and by the end of this course you will know how to import an Expert Advisor that can automatically trade 24/7 while you don't have to sit in front of your screen.
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.
Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding data to charts
Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding data to charts

Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding data to charts

In this article, we will continue expanding the functionality of the utility. This time, we will add the ability to display data that simplifies our trading. In particular, we are going to add High and Low prices of the previous day, round levels, High and Low prices of the year, session start time, etc.
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.
R-squared as an estimation of quality of the strategy balance curve
R-squared as an estimation of quality of the strategy balance curve

R-squared as an estimation of quality of the strategy balance curve

This article describes the construction of the custom optimization criterion R-squared. This criterion can be used to estimate the quality of a strategy's balance curve and to select the most smoothly growing and stable strategies. The work discusses the principles of its construction and statistical methods used in estimation of properties and quality of this metric.
Individual Psychology of a Trader
Individual Psychology of a Trader

Individual Psychology of a Trader

A portrait of a trader's behavior on the financial market. Author's own menu from the book "Как играть и выигрывать на бирже" ("How to speculate on stock exchange and win") by A. Elder.
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.
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.
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.