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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Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 01): Trade Simulator

Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 01): Trade Simulator

The MetaTrader 5 module offered in Python provides a convenient way of opening trades in the MetaTrader 5 app using Python, but it has a huge problem, it doesn't have the strategy tester capability present in the MetaTrader 5 app, In this article series, we will build a framework for back testing your trading strategies in Python environments.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVI): Symbol collection events
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVI): Symbol collection events

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVI): Symbol collection events

In this article, we will create a new base class of all library objects adding the event functionality to all its descendants and develop the class for tracking symbol collection events based on the new base class. We will also change account and account event classes for developing the new base object functionality.
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Using JSON Data API in your MQL projects

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.
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How to build and optimize a cycle-based trading system (Detrended Price Oscillator - DPO)

How to build and optimize a cycle-based trading system (Detrended Price Oscillator - DPO)

This article explains how to design and optimise a trading system using the Detrended Price Oscillator (DPO) in MQL5. It outlines the indicator's core logic, demonstrating how it identifies short-term cycles by filtering out long-term trends. Through a series of step-by-step examples and simple strategies, readers will learn how to code it, define entry and exit signals, and conduct backtesting. Finally, the article presents practical optimization methods to enhance performance and adapt the system to changing market conditions.
Graphical Interfaces VII: The Tabs Control (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces VII: The Tabs Control (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces VII: The Tabs Control (Chapter 2)

The first chapter of seventh part introduced three classes of controls for creating tables: text label table (CLabelsTable), edit box table (CTable) and rendered table (CCanvasTable). In this article (chapter two) we are going to consider the Tabs control.
Interview with Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf)
Interview with Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf)

Interview with Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf)

Having a female member on the MQL5.community is rare. This interview was inspired by a one of a kind case. Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf) is a fifteen-year-old programmer from Izhevsk. She is currently the only girl who actively participates in the "Jobs" service and is featured on the Top Developers list.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 7): Adding Volume at Price (I)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 7): Adding Volume at Price (I)

This is one of the most powerful indicators currently existing. Anyone who trades trying to have a certain degree of confidence must have this indicator on their chart. Most often the indicator is used by those who prefer “tape reading” while trading. Also, this indicator can be utilized by those who use only Price Action while trading.
How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange
How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange

How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange

The article delves into the trading methods ensuring the security of trading operations at the stock and low-liquidity markets through the example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. It brings practical approach to the trading theory described in the article "Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market".
Statistical Carry Trade Strategy
Statistical Carry Trade Strategy

Statistical Carry Trade Strategy

An algorithm of statistical protection of open positive swap positions from unwanted price movements. This article features a variant of the carry trade protection strategy that allows to compensate for potential risk of the price movement in the direction opposite to that of the open position.
Synthetic Bars - A New Dimension to Displaying Graphical Information on Prices
Synthetic Bars - A New Dimension to Displaying Graphical Information on Prices

Synthetic Bars - A New Dimension to Displaying Graphical Information on Prices

The main drawback of traditional methods for displaying price information using bars and Japanese candlesticks is that they are bound to the time period. It was perhaps optimal at the time when these methods were created but today when the market movements are sometimes too rapid, prices displayed in a chart in this way do not contribute to a prompt response to the new movement. The proposed price chart display method does not have this drawback and provides a quite familiar layout.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Multi-Agent Self-Adaptive Model (MASA)

Neural Networks in Trading: A Multi-Agent Self-Adaptive Model (MASA)

I invite you to get acquainted with the Multi-Agent Self-Adaptive (MASA) framework, which combines reinforcement learning and adaptive strategies, providing a harmonious balance between profitability and risk management in turbulent market conditions.
The Last Crusade
The Last Crusade

The Last Crusade

Take a look at your trading terminal. What means of price presentation can you see? Bars, candlesticks, lines. We are chasing time and prices whereas we only profit from prices. Shall we only give attention to prices when analyzing the market? This article proposes an algorithm and a script for point and figure charting ("naughts and crosses") Consideration is given to various price patterns whose practical use is outlined in recommendations provided.
Creating an Indicator with Graphical Control Options
Creating an Indicator with Graphical Control Options

Creating an Indicator with Graphical Control Options

Those who are familiar with market sentiments, know the MACD indicator (its full name is Moving Average Convergence/Divergence) - the powerful tool for analyzing the price movement, used by traders from the very first moments of appearance of the computer analysis methods. In this article we'll consider possible modifications of MACD and implement them in one indicator with the possibility to graphically switch between the modifications.
Getting Rid of Self-Made DLLs
Getting Rid of Self-Made DLLs

Getting Rid of Self-Made DLLs

If MQL5 language functional is not enough for fulfilling tasks, an MQL5 programmer has to use additional tools. He\she has to pass to another programming language and create an intermediate DLL. MQL5 has the possibility to present various data types and transfer them to API but, unfortunately, MQL5 cannot solve the issue concerning data extraction from the accepted pointer. In this article we will dot all the "i"s and show simple mechanisms of exchanging and working with complex data types.
Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset
Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset

Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset

This article describes the use of methods of the theory of probability and mathematical statistics in the analysis of trading systems.
Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results
Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results

Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results

In this article, we consider the creation of an interactive graphical interface for an MQL program, which is designed for the processing of account history and trading reports using OLAP techniques. To obtain a visual result, we will use maximizable and scalable windows, an adaptive layout of rubber controls and a new control for displaying diagrams. To provide the visualization functionality, we will implement a GUI with the selection of variables along coordinate axes, as well as with the selection of aggregate functions, diagram types and sorting options.
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part III): Correction-based grid with martingale
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part III): Correction-based grid with martingale

Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part III): Correction-based grid with martingale

In this article, we will make an attempt to develop the best possible grid-based EA. As usual, this will be a cross-platform EA capable of working both with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. The first EA was good enough, except that it could not make a profit over a long period of time. The second EA could work at intervals of more than several years. Unfortunately, it was unable to yield more than 50% of profit per year with a maximum drawdown of less than 50%.
Graphical Interfaces X: Time control, List of checkboxes control and table sorting (build 6)
Graphical Interfaces X: Time control, List of checkboxes control and table sorting (build 6)

Graphical Interfaces X: Time control, List of checkboxes control and table sorting (build 6)

Development of the library for creating graphical interfaces continues. The Time and List of checkboxes controls will be covered this time. In addition, the CTable class now provides the ability to sort data in ascending or descending order.
Interview with Alexey Masterov (ATC 2012)
Interview with Alexey Masterov (ATC 2012)

Interview with Alexey Masterov (ATC 2012)

We do our best to introduce all the leading Championship Participants to our audience in reasonable time. To achieve that, we closely monitor the most promising contestants in our TOP-10 and arrange interviews with them. However, the sharp rise of Alexey Masterov (reinhard) up to the third place has become a real surprise!
The Magic of Filtration
The Magic of Filtration

The Magic of Filtration

Most of the automated trading systems developers use some form of trading signals filtration. In this article, we explore the creation and implementation of bandpass and discrete filters for Expert Advisors, to improve the characteristics of the automated trading system.
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Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part II): Making a Simple Grid EA

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.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 1): Building a Swing Structure Indicator in MQL5

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 1): Building a Swing Structure Indicator in MQL5

A practical guide to building a Larry Williams–style market structure indicator in MQL5, covering buffer setup, swing-point detection, plot configuration, and how traders can apply the indicator in technical market analysis.
LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one
LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one

LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one

Before the first single test, every trader faces the same question — "Which of the four modes to use?" Each of the provided modes has its advantages and features, so we will do it the easy way - run all four modes at once with a single button! The article shows how to use the Win API and a little magic to see all four testing chart at the same time.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 12): Dropout

Neural networks made easy (Part 12): Dropout

As the next step in studying neural networks, I suggest considering the methods of increasing convergence during neural network training. There are several such methods. In this article we will consider one of them entitled Dropout.
Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5
Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5

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.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 1): A Beginner's Guide into Algorithmic Trading

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.
Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5
Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5

Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5

The article implements an MQL application with a graphical interface for extended visualization of the optimization process. The graphical interface applies the last version of EasyAndFast library. Many users may ask why they need graphical interfaces in MQL applications. This article demonstrates one of multiple cases where they can be useful for traders.
MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders
MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders

MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders

Any trader's trading activity involves various mechanisms and interrelationships including relations among orders. This article suggests a solution of OCO orders processing. Standard library classes are extensively involved, as well as new data types are created herein.
Horizontal diagrams on MеtaTrader 5 charts
Horizontal diagrams on MеtaTrader 5 charts

Horizontal diagrams on MеtaTrader 5 charts

Horizontal diagrams are not a common occurrence on the terminal charts but they can still be of use in a number of tasks, for example when developing indicators displaying volume or price distribution for a certain period, when creating various market depth versions, etc. The article considers constructing and managing horizontal diagrams as arrays of graphical primitives.
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How to develop any type of Trailing Stop and connect it to an EA

How to develop any type of Trailing Stop and connect it to an EA

In this article, we will look at classes for convenient creation of various trailings, as well as learn how to connect a trailing stop to any EA.
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

A logical continuation of the earlier discussed topic would be the development of multifunctional mathematical models for trading tasks. In this article, I will describe the entire process related to the development of the first mathematical model describing fractals, from scratch. This model should become an important building block and be multifunctional and universal. It will build up our theoretical basis for further development of this idea.
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters

MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters

In this article, we will create a pattern that uses a single set of parameters for optimization of a trading system, while allowing for unlimited number of parameters. The list of symbols will be created in a standard text file (*.txt). Input parameters for each symbol will also be stored in files. This way we will be able to circumvent the restriction of the terminal on the number of input parameters of an Expert Advisor.
Graphic Expert Advisor: AutoGraf
Graphic Expert Advisor: AutoGraf

Graphic Expert Advisor: AutoGraf

The article shows the workability of graphics in creation of a convenient interface to manage trading.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 76): Form object and predefined color themes
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 76): Form object and predefined color themes

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 76): Form object and predefined color themes

In this article, I will describe the concept of building various library GUI design themes, create the Form object, which is a descendant of the graphical element class object, and prepare data for creating shadows of the library graphical objects, as well as for further development of the functionality.
Price Forecasting Using Neural Networks
Price Forecasting Using Neural Networks

Price Forecasting Using Neural Networks

Many traders speak about neural networks, but what they are and what they really can is known to few people. This article sheds some light on the world of artificial intelligence. It describes, how to prepare correctly the data for the network. Here you will also find an example of forecasting using means of the program Matlab.
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Learn how to design a trading system by VIDYA

Learn how to design a trading system by VIDYA

Welcome to a new article from our series about learning how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicators, in this article we will learn about a new technical tool and learn how to design a trading system by Variable Index Dynamic Average (VIDYA).
Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification
Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification

Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification

Traders don't always have ability and desire to seat at the trading terminal for hours. Especially, if trading system is more or less formalized and can automatically identify some of the market states. This article describes how to generate a report of trade results (using Expert Advisor, Indicator or Script) as HTML-file and upload it via FTP to WWW-server. We will also consider sending notification of trade events as SMS to mobile phone.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 8): Building an Expert Advisor with Butterfly Harmonic Patterns

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 8): Building an Expert Advisor with Butterfly Harmonic Patterns

In this article, we build an MQL5 Expert Advisor to detect Butterfly harmonic patterns. We identify pivot points and validate Fibonacci levels to confirm the pattern. We then visualize the pattern on the chart and automatically execute trades when confirmed.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops

This article discusses an implementation of stop levels in an expert advisor in order to make it compatible with the two platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)
Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)

Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)

This is the final chapter of the second part of the series about graphical interfaces. Here, we are going to consider the creation of the main menu. The development of this control and setting up handlers of the library classes for correct reaction to the user's actions will be demonstrated here. We will also discuss how to attach context menus to the items of the main menu. Adding to that, we will mention blocking currently inactive elements.