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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Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies
Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies

Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies

In this article we will continue dealing with the OLAP technology applied to trading. We will expand the functionality presented in the first two articles. This time we will consider the operational analysis of quotes. We will put forward and test the hypotheses on trading strategies based on aggregated historical data. The article presents Expert Advisors for studying bar patterns and adaptive trading.
Sorting methods and their visualization using MQL5
Sorting methods and their visualization using MQL5

Sorting methods and their visualization using MQL5

The Graphic.mqh library has been designed to work with graphics in MQL5. The article provides an example of its practical application and explains the idea of sorting. The general concept of sorting is described here since each type of sorting already has at least one separate article, while some of sorting types are objects of detailed studies.
Transferring an Indicator Code into an Expert Advisor Code. General Structural Schemes of an Expert Advisor and Indicator Functions
Transferring an Indicator Code into an Expert Advisor Code. General Structural Schemes of an Expert Advisor and Indicator Functions

Transferring an Indicator Code into an Expert Advisor Code. General Structural Schemes of an Expert Advisor and Indicator Functions

This article dwells on the ways of transferring an indicator code into an Expert Advisor Code and on writing Expert Advisors with no calling to custom indicators, and with the whole program code for the calculation of necessary indicator values inside the Expert Advisor. This article gives a general scheme of Expert Advisor changing and the idea of building an indicator function based on a custom indicator. The article is intended for readers, already having experience of programming in MQL4 language.
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Exploring options for creating multicolored candlesticks

Exploring options for creating multicolored candlesticks

In this article I will address the possibilities of creating customized indicators with candlesticks, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class

In this article, I will rework the concept of building graphical objects from the previous article and prepare the base class of all graphical objects of the library powered by the Standard Library CCanvas class.
Liquid Chart
Liquid Chart

Liquid Chart

Would you like to see an hourly chart with bars opening from the second and the fifth minute of the hour? What does a redrawn chart look like when the opening time of bars is changing every minute? What advantages does trading on such charts have? You will find answers to these questions in this article.
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Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm (Part II): Implementation in Python and integration with MQL5

Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm (Part II): Implementation in Python and integration with MQL5

There is a Python package available for developing integrations with MQL, which enables a plethora of opportunities such as data exploration, creation and use of machine learning models. The built in Python integration in MQL5 enables the creation of various solutions, from simple linear regression to deep learning models. Let's take a look at how to set up and prepare a development environment and how to use use some of the machine learning libraries.
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Finding seasonal patterns in the forex market using the CatBoost algorithm

Finding seasonal patterns in the forex market using the CatBoost algorithm

The article considers the creation of machine learning models with time filters and discusses the effectiveness of this approach. The human factor can be eliminated now by simply instructing the model to trade at a certain hour of a certain day of the week. Pattern search can be provided by a separate algorithm.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 43): Candlestick Probability and Breakouts

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 43): Candlestick Probability and Breakouts

Enhance your market analysis with the MQL5-native Candlestick Probability EA, a lightweight tool that transforms raw price bars into real-time, instrument-specific probability insights. It classifies Pinbars, Engulfing, and Doji patterns at bar close, uses ATR-aware filtering, and optional breakout confirmation. The EA calculates raw and volume-weighted follow-through percentages, helping you understand each pattern's typical outcome on specific symbols and timeframes. On-chart markers, a compact dashboard, and interactive toggles allow easy validation and focus. Export detailed CSV logs for offline testing. Use it to develop probability profiles, optimize strategies, and turn pattern recognition into a measurable edge.
Create your own Market Watch using the Standard Library Classes
Create your own Market Watch using the Standard Library Classes

Create your own Market Watch using the Standard Library Classes

The new MetaTrader 5 client terminal and the MQL5 Language provides new opportunities for presenting visual information to the trader. In this article, we propose a universal and extensible set of classes, which handles all the work of organizing displaying of the arbitrary text information on the chart. The example of Market Watch indicator is presented.
Program Folder of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal
Program Folder of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal

Program Folder of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal

The article describes the contents of the program folder of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal. The article will be useful for those who have already started to grasp into the details of the client terminal operation.
LifeHack for Traders: Indicators of Balance, Drawdown, Load and Ticks during Testing
LifeHack for Traders: Indicators of Balance, Drawdown, Load and Ticks during Testing

LifeHack for Traders: Indicators of Balance, Drawdown, Load and Ticks during Testing

How to make the testing process more visual? The answer is simple: you need to use one or more indicators in the Strategy Tester, including a tick indicator, an indicator of balance and equity, an indicator of drawdown and deposit load. This solution will help you visually track the nature of ticks, balance and equity changes, as well as drawdown and deposit load.
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Multiple indicators on one chart (Part 01): Understanding the concepts

Multiple indicators on one chart (Part 01): Understanding the concepts

Today we will learn how to add multiple indicators running simultaneously on one chart, but without occupying a separate area on it. Many traders feel more confident if they monitor multiple indicators at a time (for example, RSI, STOCASTIC, MACD, ADX and some others), or in some cases even at different assets which an index is made of.
Graphical Interfaces X: Text selection in the Multiline Text box (build 13)
Graphical Interfaces X: Text selection in the Multiline Text box (build 13)

Graphical Interfaces X: Text selection in the Multiline Text box (build 13)

This article will implement the ability to select text using various key combinations and deletion of the selected text, similar to the way it is done in any other text editor. In addition, we will continue to optimize the code and prepare the classes to move on to the final process of the second stage of the library's evolution, where all controls will be rendered as separate images (canvases).
Using MetaTrader 5 as a Signal Provider for MetaTrader 4
Using MetaTrader 5 as a Signal Provider for MetaTrader 4

Using MetaTrader 5 as a Signal Provider for MetaTrader 4

Analyse and examples of techniques how trading analysis can be performed on MetaTrader 5 platform, but executed by MetaTrader 4. Article will show you how to create simple signal provider in your MetaTrader 5, and connect to it with multiple clients, even running MetaTrader 4. Also you will find out how you can follow participants of Automated Trading Championship in your real MetaTrader 4 account.
Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels
Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels

Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels

Thomas DeMark Sequential is good at showing balance changes in the price movement. This is especially evident if we combine its signals with a level indicator, for example, Murray levels. The article is intended mostly for beginners and those who still cannot find their "Grail". I will also display some features of building levels that I have not seen on other forums. So, the article will probably be useful for advanced traders as well... Suggestions and reasonable criticism are welcome...
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Neural networks made easy (Part 10): Multi-Head Attention

Neural networks made easy (Part 10): Multi-Head Attention

We have previously considered the mechanism of self-attention in neural networks. In practice, modern neural network architectures use several parallel self-attention threads to find various dependencies between the elements of a sequence. Let us consider the implementation of such an approach and evaluate its impact on the overall network performance.
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Can Heiken-Ashi Combined With Moving Averages Provide Good Signals Together?

Can Heiken-Ashi Combined With Moving Averages Provide Good Signals Together?

Combinations of strategies may offer better opportunities. We can combine indicators or patterns together, or even better, indicators with patterns, so that we get an extra confirmation factor. Moving averages help us confirm and ride the trend. They are the most known technical indicators and this is because of their simplicity and their proven track record of adding value to analyses.
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Framework for a Trading System Based on the Triple Screen Strategy
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Framework for a Trading System Based on the Triple Screen Strategy

MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Framework for a Trading System Based on the Triple Screen Strategy

In this article, we will develop a framework for a trading system based on the Triple Screen strategy in MQL5. The Expert Advisor will not be developed from scratch. Instead, we will simply modify the program from the previous article "MQL5 Cookbook: Using Indicators to Set Trading Conditions in Expert Advisors" which already substantially serves our purpose. So the article will also demonstrate how you can easily modify patterns of ready-made programs.
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Making charts more interesting: Adding a background

Making charts more interesting: Adding a background

Many workstations contain some representative image which shows something about the user. These images make the working environment more beautiful and exciting. Let's see how to make the charts more interesting by adding a background.
Graphical Interfaces II: the Menu Item Element (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces II: the Menu Item Element (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces II: the Menu Item Element (Chapter 1)

In the second part of the series, we will show in detail the development of such interface elements as main menu and context menu. We will also mention drawing elements and create a special class for it. We will discuss in depth such question as managing program events including custom ones.
Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4
Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4

Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4

Experienced traders are well aware of the fact that most time-consuming things in trading are not opening and tracking positions but selecting symbols and looking for entry points. In this article, we will develop an EA simplifying the search for entry points on trading instruments provided by your broker.
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Slider and the Dual Slider Controls (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Slider and the Dual Slider Controls (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces VI: the Slider and the Dual Slider Controls (Chapter 2)

In the previous article, we have enriched our library with four controls frequently used in graphical interfaces: checkbox, edit, edit with checkbox and check combobox. The second chapter of the sixth part will be dedicated to the slider and the dual slider controls.
Synchronization of Expert Advisors, Scripts and Indicators
Synchronization of Expert Advisors, Scripts and Indicators

Synchronization of Expert Advisors, Scripts and Indicators

The article considers the necessity and general principles of developing a bundled program that would contain both an Expert Advisor, a script and an indicator.
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors

Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors

The second article of the series about deep neural networks will consider the transformation and choice of predictors during the process of preparing data for training a model.
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CBox Class
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CBox Class

Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CBox Class

This article presents an alternative method of GUI creation based on layouts and containers, using one layout manager — the CBox class. The CBox class is an auxiliary control that acts as a container for essential controls in a GUI panel. It can make designing graphical panels easier, and in some cases, reduce coding time.
Universal Expert Advisor: CUnIndicator and Use of Pending Orders (Part 9)
Universal Expert Advisor: CUnIndicator and Use of Pending Orders (Part 9)

Universal Expert Advisor: CUnIndicator and Use of Pending Orders (Part 9)

The article describes the work with indicators through the universal CUnIndicator class. In addition, new methods of working with pending orders are considered. Please note: from this point on, the structure of the CStrategy project has undergone substantial changes. Now all its files are located in a single directory for the convenience of users.
Alert and Comment for External Indicators. Multi-Currency Analysis Through External Scanning
Alert and Comment for External Indicators. Multi-Currency Analysis Through External Scanning

Alert and Comment for External Indicators. Multi-Currency Analysis Through External Scanning

Alert for multi-currency and multiple time frame analysis of external indicators. The article deals with a method of getting event information in respect of events in external indicators, without having to attach indicators to a chart or open charts themselves. We will call it external scanning.
Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Time Series
Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Time Series

Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Time Series

This article introduces a class designed to give a quick preliminary estimate of characteristics of various time series. As this takes place, statistical parameters and autocorrelation function are estimated, a spectral estimation of time series is carried out and a histogram is built.
Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part I
Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part I

Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part I

We begin testing the patterns and trying the methods described in the articles about trading currency pair baskets. Let's see how oversold/overbought level breakthrough patterns are applied in practice.
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Checkbox Control, the Edit Control and their Mixed Types (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Checkbox Control, the Edit Control and their Mixed Types (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces VI: the Checkbox Control, the Edit Control and their Mixed Types (Chapter 1)

This article is the beginning of the sixth part of the series dedicated to the development of the library for creating graphical interfaces in the MetaTrader terminals. In the first chapter, we are going to discuss the checkbox control, the edit control and their mixed types.
Object-Oriented Approach to Building Multi-Timeframe and Multi-Currency Panels
Object-Oriented Approach to Building Multi-Timeframe and Multi-Currency Panels

Object-Oriented Approach to Building Multi-Timeframe and Multi-Currency Panels

This article describes how object-oriented programming can be used for creating multi-timeframe and multi-currency panels for MetaTrader 5. The main goal is to build a universal panel, which can be used for displaying many different kinds of data, such as prices, price changes, indicator values or custom buy/sell conditions without the need to modify the code of the panel itself.
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Learn how to design a trading system by MFI

Learn how to design a trading system by MFI

The new article from our series about designing a trading system based on the most popular technical indicators considers a new technical indicator - the Money Flow Index (MFI). We will learn it in detail and develop a simple trading system by means of MQL5 to execute it in MetaTrader 5.
Testing of Expert Advisors in the MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: An Outward Glance
Testing of Expert Advisors in the MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: An Outward Glance

Testing of Expert Advisors in the MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: An Outward Glance

What happens after you have clicked on the "Start" button? The article answers this and many other questions.
Forex Trading ABC
Forex Trading ABC

Forex Trading ABC

Working on financial markets represents, first of all, trade operations. We all, starting from the very childhood, have an intuitive idea of what is to buy and to sell. But Forex trading is still something special. This article deals with the ideas necessary to explain some terms. We will also consider the MQL 4 functions that correspond with those terms.
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Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part I): Making a Simple Hedge EA

Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part I): Making a Simple Hedge EA

We will be creating a simple hedge EA as a base for our more advanced Grid-Hedge EA, which will be a mixture of classic grid and classic hedge strategies. By the end of this article, you will know how to create a simple hedge strategy, and you will also get to know what people say about whether this strategy is truly 100% profitable.
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Risk and capital management using Expert Advisors

Risk and capital management using Expert Advisors

This article is about what you can not see in a backtest report, what you should expect using automated trading software, how to manage your money if you are using expert advisors, and how to cover a significant loss to remain in the trading activity when you are using automated procedures.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 9): Building an Expert Advisor for the Asian Breakout Strategy

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 9): Building an Expert Advisor for the Asian Breakout Strategy

In this article, we build an Expert Advisor in MQL5 for the Asian Breakout Strategy by calculating the session's high and low and applying trend filtering with a moving average. We implement dynamic object styling, user-defined time inputs, and robust risk management. Finally, we demonstrate backtesting and optimization techniques to refine the program.
MQL as a Markup Tool for the Graphical Interface of MQL Programs. Part 2
MQL as a Markup Tool for the Graphical Interface of MQL Programs. Part 2

MQL as a Markup Tool for the Graphical Interface of MQL Programs. Part 2

This paper continues checking the new conception to describe the window interface of MQL programs, using the structures of MQL. Automatically creating GUI based on the MQL markup provides additional functionality for caching and dynamically generating the elements and controlling the styles and new schemes for processing the events. Attached is an enhanced version of the standard library of controls.
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Trade Events in MetaTrader 5

Trade Events in MetaTrader 5

A monitoring of the current state of a trade account implies controlling open positions and orders. Before a trade signal becomes a deal, it should be sent from the client terminal as a request to the trade server, where it will be placed in the order queue awaiting to be processed. Accepting of a request by the trade server, deleting it as it expires or conducting a deal on its basis - all those actions are followed by trade events; and the trade server informs the terminal about them.