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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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.
Learn how to design a trading system by Envelopes
Learn how to design a trading system by Envelopes

Learn how to design a trading system by Envelopes

In this article, I will share with you one of the methods of how to trade bands. This time we will consider Envelopes and will see how easy it is to create some strategies based on the Envelopes.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
The power of ZigZag (part II). Examples of receiving, processing and displaying data
The power of ZigZag (part II). Examples of receiving, processing and displaying data

The power of ZigZag (part II). Examples of receiving, processing and displaying data

In the first part of the article, I have described a modified ZigZag indicator and a class for receiving data of that type of indicators. Here, I will show how to develop indicators based on these tools and write an EA for tests that features making deals according to signals formed by ZigZag indicator. As an addition, the article will introduce a new version of the EasyAndFast library for developing graphical user interfaces.
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.
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.
A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence. Part II
A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence. Part II

A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence. Part II

The article provides a critical examination of regular divergence and efficiency of various indicators. In addition, it contains filtering options for an increased analysis accuracy and features description of non-standard solutions. As a result, we will create a new tool for solving the technical task.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
MQL5 Wizard: How to Create a Risk and Money Management Module
MQL5 Wizard: How to Create a Risk and Money Management Module

MQL5 Wizard: How to Create a Risk and Money Management Module

The generator of trading strategies of the MQL5 Wizard greatly simplifies testing of trading ideas. The article describes how to develop a custom risk and money management module and enable it in the MQL5 Wizard. As an example we've considered a money management algorithm, in which the size of the trade volume is determined by the results of the previous deal. The structure and format of description of the created class for the MQL5 Wizard are also discussed in the article.
Custom presentation of trading history and creation of report diagrams
Custom presentation of trading history and creation of report diagrams

Custom presentation of trading history and creation of report diagrams

The article describes custom methods for assessing the trading history. Two classes have been written for downloading and analyzing history. The first of them collects the trading history and represents it as a summary table. The second one deals with statistics: it calculates a number of variables and builds charts for a more efficient evaluation of trading results.
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Useful and exotic techniques for automated trading

Useful and exotic techniques for automated trading

In this article I will demonstrate some very interesting and useful techniques for automated trading. Some of them may be familiar to you. I will try to cover the most interesting methods and will explain why they are worth using. Furthermore, I will show what these techniques are apt to in practice. We will create Expert Advisors and test all the described techniques using historic quotes.
Random Forests Predict Trends
Random Forests Predict Trends

Random Forests Predict Trends

This article considers using the Rattle package for automatic search of patterns for predicting long and short positions of currency pairs on Forex. This article can be useful both for novice and experienced traders.
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.
Extracting structured data from HTML pages using CSS selectors
Extracting structured data from HTML pages using CSS selectors

Extracting structured data from HTML pages using CSS selectors

The article provides a description of a universal method for analyzing and converting data from HTML documents based on CSS selectors. Trading reports, tester reports, your favorite economic calendars, public signals, account monitoring and additional online quote sources will become available straight from MQL.
Genetic Algorithms vs. Simple Search in the MetaTrader 4 Optimizer
Genetic Algorithms vs. Simple Search in the MetaTrader 4 Optimizer

Genetic Algorithms vs. Simple Search in the MetaTrader 4 Optimizer

The article compares the time and results of Expert Advisors' optimization using genetic algorithms and those obtained by simple search.
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.
Creating Expert Advisors Using Expert Advisor Visual Wizard
Creating Expert Advisors Using Expert Advisor Visual Wizard

Creating Expert Advisors Using Expert Advisor Visual Wizard

Expert Advisor Visual Wizard for MetaTrader 5 provides a highly intuitive graphical environment with a comprehensive set of predefined trading blocks that let you design Expert Advisors in minutes. The click, drag and drop approach of Expert Advisor Visual Wizard allows you to create visual representations of forex trading strategies and signals as you would with pencil and paper. These trading diagrams are analyzed automatically by Molanis’ MQL5 code generator that transforms them into ready to use Expert Advisors. The interactive graphical environment simplifies the design process and eliminates the need to write MQL5 code.
Universal Expert Advisor: Pending Orders and Hedging Support (Part 5)
Universal Expert Advisor: Pending Orders and Hedging Support (Part 5)

Universal Expert Advisor: Pending Orders and Hedging Support (Part 5)

This article provides further description of the CStrategy trading engine. By popular demand of users, we have added pending order support functions to the trading engine. Also, the latest version of the MetaTrader 5 now supports accounts with the hedging option. The same support has been added to CStrategy. The article provides a detailed description of algorithms for the use of pending orders, as well as of CStrategy operation principles on accounts with the hedging option enabled.
Using WinInet in MQL5.  Part 2:  POST Requests and Files
Using WinInet in MQL5.  Part 2:  POST Requests and Files

Using WinInet in MQL5. Part 2: POST Requests and Files

In this article, we continue studying the principles of working with Internet using HTTP requests and exchange of information with server. It describes new functions of the CMqlNet class, methods of sending information from forms and sending of files using POST requests as well as authorization on websites under your login using Cookies.
Learn how to design a trading system by CCI
Learn how to design a trading system by CCI

Learn how to design a trading system by CCI

In this new article from our series for learning how to design trading systems, I will present the Commodities Channel Index (CCI), explain its specifics, and share with you how to create a trading system based on this indicator.
Deep Neural Networks (Part VI). Ensemble of neural network classifiers: bagging
Deep Neural Networks (Part VI). Ensemble of neural network classifiers: bagging

Deep Neural Networks (Part VI). Ensemble of neural network classifiers: bagging

The article discusses the methods for building and training ensembles of neural networks with bagging structure. It also determines the peculiarities of hyperparameter optimization for individual neural network classifiers that make up the ensemble. The quality of the optimized neural network obtained in the previous article of the series is compared with the quality of the created ensemble of neural networks. Possibilities of further improving the quality of the ensemble's classification are considered.
MQL5 Cookbook: Using Indicators to Set Trading Conditions in Expert Advisors
MQL5 Cookbook: Using Indicators to Set Trading Conditions in Expert Advisors

MQL5 Cookbook: Using Indicators to Set Trading Conditions in Expert Advisors

In this article, we will continue to modify the Expert Advisor we have been working on throughout the preceding articles of the MQL5 Cookbook series. This time, the Expert Advisor will be enhanced with indicators whose values will be used to check position opening conditions. To spice it up, we will create a drop-down list in the external parameters to be able to select one out of three trading indicators.
LifeHack for trader: "Quiet" optimization or Plotting trade distributions
LifeHack for trader: "Quiet" optimization or Plotting trade distributions

LifeHack for trader: "Quiet" optimization or Plotting trade distributions

Analysis of the trade history and plotting distribution charts of trading results in HTML depending on position entry time. The charts are displayed in three sections - by hours, by days of the week and by months.
How to Write a Good Description for a Market Product
How to Write a Good Description for a Market Product

How to Write a Good Description for a Market Product

MQL5 Market has many products for sale but some of their descriptions leave much to be desired. Many texts are obviously in need of improvement, as common traders are not able to comprehend them. This article will help you to put your product in a favorable light. Use our recommendations to write an eye-catching description that will easily show your customers what exactly you are selling.
Analyzing trading results using HTML reports
Analyzing trading results using HTML reports

Analyzing trading results using HTML reports

The MetaTrader 5 platform features functionality for saving trading reports, as well as Expert Advisor testing and optimization reports. Trading and testing reports can be saved in two formats: XLSX and HTML, while the optimization report can be saved in XML. In this article we consider the HTML testing report, the XML optimization report and the HTML trading history report.
Graphical Interfaces I: Animating the Graphical Interface (Chapter 3)
Graphical Interfaces I: Animating the Graphical Interface (Chapter 3)

Graphical Interfaces I: Animating the Graphical Interface (Chapter 3)

In the previous article, we started developing a form class for controls. In this article, we are going to continue doing that by filling this class with methods for moving a form over the chart area. We will then integrate this interface component into the core of the library. Also, we will ensure that the color of a form control changes when the mouse cursor is hovering over it.
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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.
Using OpenCL to test candlestick patterns
Using OpenCL to test candlestick patterns

Using OpenCL to test candlestick patterns

The article describes the algorithm for implementing the OpenCL candlestick patterns tester in the "1 minute OHLC" mode. We will also compare its speed with the built-in strategy tester launched in the fast and slow optimization modes.