MQL4 and MQL5 Programming Articles
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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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.
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.
Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part II): Making a Simple Grid EA
In this article, we explored the classic grid strategy, detailing its automation using an Expert Advisor in MQL5 and analyzing initial backtest results. We highlighted the strategy's need for high holding capacity and outlined plans for optimizing key parameters like distance, takeProfit, and lot sizes in future installments. The series aims to enhance trading strategy efficiency and adaptability to different market conditions.
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.
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.
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.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 7): Building a Grid Trading EA with Dynamic Lot Scaling
In this article, we build a grid trading expert advisor in MQL5 that uses dynamic lot scaling. We cover the strategy design, code implementation, and backtesting process. Finally, we share key insights and best practices for optimizing the automated trading system.
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.
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.
Using JSON Data API in your MQL projects
Imagine that you can use data that is not found in MetaTrader, you only get data from indicators by price analysis and technical analysis. Now imagine that you can access data that will take your trading power steps higher. You can multiply the power of the MetaTrader software if you mix the output of other software, macro analysis methods, and ultra-advanced tools through the API data. In this article, we will teach you how to use APIs and introduce useful and valuable API data services.
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.
MQL5 Cookbook: Processing of the TradeTransaction Event
This article considers capabilities of the MQL5 language from the point of view of the event-driven programming. The greatest advantage of this approach is that the program can receive information about phased implementation of a trade operation. The article also contains an example of receiving and processing information about ongoing trade operation using the TradeTransaction event handler. In my opinion, such an approach can be used for copying deals from one terminal to another.
How to create a custom indicator (Heiken Ashi) using MQL5
In this article, we will learn how to create a custom indicator using MQL5 based on our preferences, to be used in MetaTrader 5 to help us read charts or to be used in automated Expert Advisors.
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.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library
There exists some components in the MQL5 Standard Library that may prove to be useful in the MQL4 version of cross-platform expert advisors. This article deals with a method of making certain components of the MQL5 Standard Library compatible with the MQL4 compiler.
Creating an Interactive Graphical User Interface in MQL5 (Part 1): Making the Panel
This article explores the fundamental steps in crafting and implementing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) panel using MetaQuotes Language 5 (MQL5). Custom utility panels enhance user interaction in trading by simplifying common tasks and visualizing essential trading information. By creating custom panels, traders can streamline their workflow and save time during trading operations.
Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 02): Getting started with the code
Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode. In the previous article, we discussed the first steps that anyone needs to understand before proceeding to creating an Expert Advisor that trades automatically. We considered the concepts and the structure.
Data Science and Machine Learning — Neural Network (Part 01): Feed Forward Neural Network demystified
Many people love them but a few understand the whole operations behind Neural Networks. In this article I will try to explain everything that goes behind closed doors of a feed-forward multi-layer perception in plain English.
Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market
This article describes the theory of exchange pricing and clearing specifics of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. This is a comprehensive article for beginners who want to get their first exchange experience on derivatives trading, as well as for experienced forex traders who are considering trading on a centralized exchange platform.
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.
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.
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 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.
Implementation of Indicators as Classes by Examples of Zigzag and ATR
Debate about an optimal way of calculating indicators is endless. Where should we calculate the indicator values - in the indicator itself or embed the entire logic in a Expert Advisor that uses it? The article describes one of the variants of moving the source code of a custom indicator iCustom right in the code of an Expert Advisor or script with optimization of calculations and modeling the prev_calculated value.
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.
MQL5 Cookbook: Writing the History of Deals to a File and Creating Balance Charts for Each Symbol in Excel
When communicating in various forums, I often used examples of my test results displayed as screenshots of Microsoft Excel charts. I have many times been asked to explain how such charts can be created. Finally, I now have some time to explain it all in this article.
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.
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.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 1): A Beginner's Guide into Algorithmic Trading
Dive into the fascinating realm of algorithmic trading with our beginner-friendly guide to MQL5 programming. Discover the essentials of MQL5, the language powering MetaTrader 5, as we demystify the world of automated trading. From understanding the basics to taking your first steps in coding, this article is your key to unlocking the potential of algorithmic trading even without a programming background. Join us on a journey where simplicity meets sophistication in the exciting universe of MQL5.
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling Typical Chart Events
This article considers typical chart events and includes examples of their processing. We will focus on mouse events, keystrokes, creation/modification/removal of a graphical object, mouse click on a chart and on a graphical object, moving a graphical object with a mouse, finish editing of text in a text field, as well as on chart modification events. A sample of an MQL5 program is provided for each type of event considered.
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.
CatBoost machine learning algorithm from Yandex with no Python or R knowledge required
The article provides the code and the description of the main stages of the machine learning process using a specific example. To obtain the model, you do not need Python or R knowledge. Furthermore, basic MQL5 knowledge is enough — this is exactly my level. Therefore, I hope that the article will serve as a good tutorial for a broad audience, assisting those interested in evaluating machine learning capabilities and in implementing them in their programs.
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.
Universal Expert Advisor: Trading in a Group and Managing a Portfolio of Strategies (Part 4)
In the last part of the series of articles about the CStrategy trading engine, we will consider simultaneous operation of multiple trading algorithms, will learn to load strategies from XML files, and will present a simple panel for selecting Expert Advisors from a single executable module, and managing their trading modes.
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.
Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding auto search for patterns and displaying detected symbols
In this article, we continue expanding the features of the utility for collecting and navigating through symbols. This time, we will create new tabs displaying only the symbols that satisfy some of the necessary parameters and find out how to easily add custom tabs with the necessary sorting rules.
Neural networks made easy (Part 11): A take on GPT
Perhaps one of the most advanced models among currently existing language neural networks is GPT-3, the maximal variant of which contains 175 billion parameters. Of course, we are not going to create such a monster on our home PCs. However, we can view which architectural solutions can be used in our work and how we can benefit from them.
An Analysis of Why Expert Advisors Fail
This article presents an analysis of currency data to better understand why expert advisors can have good performance in some regions of time and poor performance in other regions of time.
Implementing a Bollinger Bands Trading Strategy with MQL5: A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to implementing an automated trading algorithm in MQL5 based on the Bollinger Bands trading strategy. A detailed tutorial based on creating an Expert Advisor that can be useful for traders.
Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5
The article addresses probability distributions (normal, log-normal, binomial, logistic, exponential, Cauchy distribution, Student's t-distribution, Laplace distribution, Poisson distribution, Hyperbolic Secant distribution, Beta and Gamma distribution) of random variables used in Applied Statistics. It also features classes for handling these distributions.