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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EA Status SMS Notifications
EA Status SMS Notifications

EA Status SMS Notifications

Developing a system of SMS notifications that informs you of the status of your EA so that you are always aware of any critical situation, wherever you may be.
Statistical Estimations
Statistical Estimations

Statistical Estimations

Estimation of statistical parameters of a sequence is very important, since most of mathematical models and methods are based on different assumptions. For example, normality of distribution law or dispersion value, or other parameters. Thus, when analyzing and forecasting of time series we need a simple and convenient tool that allows quickly and clearly estimating the main statistical parameters. The article shortly describes the simplest statistical parameters of a random sequence and several methods of its visual analysis. It offers the implementation of these methods in MQL5 and the methods of visualization of the result of calculations using the Gnuplot application.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 20): Multi-Symbol Strategy Using CCI and AO

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 20): Multi-Symbol Strategy Using CCI and AO

In this article, we create a multi-symbol trading strategy using CCI and AO indicators to detect trend reversals. We cover its design, MQL5 implementation, and backtesting process. The article concludes with tips for performance improvement.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 30): Genetic algorithms

Neural networks made easy (Part 30): Genetic algorithms

Today I want to introduce you to a slightly different learning method. We can say that it is borrowed from Darwin's theory of evolution. It is probably less controllable than the previously discussed methods but it allows training non-differentiable models.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 26): Building a Pin Bar Averaging System for Multi-Position Trading

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 26): Building a Pin Bar Averaging System for Multi-Position Trading

In this article, we develop a Pin Bar Averaging system in MQL5 that detects pin bar patterns to initiate trades and employs an averaging strategy for multi-position management, enhanced by trailing stops and breakeven adjustments. We incorporate customizable parameters with a dashboard for real-time monitoring of positions and profits.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Force Index

Learn how to design a trading system by Force Index

Welcome to a new article in our series about how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicators. In this article, we will learn about a new technical indicator and how to create a trading system using the Force Index indicator.
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Automating Trading Strategies with Parabolic SAR Trend Strategy in MQL5: Crafting an Effective Expert Advisor

Automating Trading Strategies with Parabolic SAR Trend Strategy in MQL5: Crafting an Effective Expert Advisor

In this article, we will automate the trading strategies with Parabolic SAR Strategy in MQL5: Crafting an Effective Expert Advisor. The EA will make trades based on trends identified by the Parabolic SAR indicator.
Transferring an Indicator Code into an Expert Advisor Code. Conclusion
Transferring an Indicator Code into an Expert Advisor Code. Conclusion

Transferring an Indicator Code into an Expert Advisor Code. Conclusion

This is the final article, devoted to transferring an indicator code into an Expert Advisor code. Here the author transforms on a certain example a code of an Expert Advisor so, that this EA is presented in a single file without calling custom indicators.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 39): Automating BOS and ChoCH Detection in MQL5

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 39): Automating BOS and ChoCH Detection in MQL5

This article presents Fractal Reaction System, a compact MQL5 system that converts fractal pivots into actionable market-structure signals. Using closed-bar logic to avoid repainting, the EA detects Change-of-Character (ChoCH) warnings and confirms Breaks-of-Structure (BOS), draws persistent chart objects, and logs/alerts every confirmed event (desktop, mobile and sound). Read on for the algorithm design, implementation notes, testing results and the full EA code so you can compile, test and deploy the detector yourself.
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Developing a trading robot in Python (Part 3): Implementing a model-based trading algorithm

Developing a trading robot in Python (Part 3): Implementing a model-based trading algorithm

We continue the series of articles on developing a trading robot in Python and MQL5. In this article, we will create a trading algorithm in Python.
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Creating an MQL5 Expert Advisor Based on the PIRANHA Strategy by Utilizing Bollinger Bands

Creating an MQL5 Expert Advisor Based on the PIRANHA Strategy by Utilizing Bollinger Bands

In this article, we create an Expert Advisor (EA) in MQL5 based on the PIRANHA strategy, utilizing Bollinger Bands to enhance trading effectiveness. We discuss the key principles of the strategy, the coding implementation, and methods for testing and optimization. This knowledge will enable you to deploy the EA in your trading scenarios effectively
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Learn how to design a trading system by DeMarker

Learn how to design a trading system by DeMarker

Here is a new article in our series about how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicators. In this article, we will present how to create a trading system by the DeMarker indicator.
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MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 01): Regression Analysis

MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 01): Regression Analysis

Todays trader is a philomath who is almost always (either consciously or not...) looking up new ideas, trying them out, choosing to modify them or discard them; an exploratory process that should cost a fair amount of diligence. This clearly places a premium on the trader's time and the need to avoid mistakes. These series of articles will proposition that the MQL5 wizard should be a mainstay for traders. Why? Because not only does the trader save time by assembling his new ideas with the MQL5 wizard, and greatly reduce mistakes from duplicate coding; he is ultimately set-up to channel his energy on the few critical areas of his trading philosophy.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 06): Account types (I)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 06): Account types (I)

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode. Our EA in its current state can work in any situation but it is not yet ready for automation. We still have to work on a few points.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Accumulation/Distribution (AD)

Learn how to design a trading system by Accumulation/Distribution (AD)

Welcome to the new article from our series about learning how to design trading systems based on the most popular technical indicators. In this article, we will learn about a new technical indicator called Accumulation/Distribution indicator and find out how to design an MQL5 trading system based on simple AD trading strategies.
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Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 1): Indicator

Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 1): Indicator

This article details creating an MQL5 Market Regime Detection System using statistical methods like autocorrelation and volatility. It provides code for classes to classify trending, ranging, and volatile conditions and a custom indicator.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 31): Towards the future (IV)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 31): Towards the future (IV)

We continue to remove separate parts from our EA. This is the last article within this series. And the last thing to be removed is the sound system. This can be a bit confusing if you haven't followed these article series.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model(Part 2): Merging Native Indicators

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model(Part 2): Merging Native Indicators

This article focuses on taking advantage of in-built meta trader 5 indicators to screen out off-trend signals. Advancing from the previous article we will explore how to do it using MQL5 code to communicate our idea to the final program.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 04): Predicting Current Stock Market Crash

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 04): Predicting Current Stock Market Crash

In this article I am going to attempt to use our logistic model to predict the stock market crash based upon the fundamentals of the US economy, the NETFLIX and APPLE are the stocks we are going to focus on, Using the previous market crashes of 2019 and 2020 let's see how our model will perform in the current dooms and glooms.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 02): Logistic Regression

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 02): Logistic Regression

Data Classification is a crucial thing for an algo trader and a programmer. In this article, we are going to focus on one of classification logistic algorithms that can probability help us identify the Yes's or No's, the Ups and Downs, Buys and Sells.
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Visual evaluation of optimization results

Visual evaluation of optimization results

In this article, we will consider how to build graphs of all optimization passes and to select the optimal custom criterion. We will also see how to create a desired solution with little MQL5 knowledge, using the articles published on the website and forum comments.
LibMatrix: Library of Matrix Algebra (Part One)
LibMatrix: Library of Matrix Algebra (Part One)

LibMatrix: Library of Matrix Algebra (Part One)

The author familiarizes the readers with a simple library of matrix algebra and provides descriptions and peculiarities of the main functions.
DIY technical indicator
DIY technical indicator

DIY technical indicator

In this article, I will consider the algorithms allowing you to create your own technical indicator. You will learn how to obtain pretty complex and interesting results with very simple initial assumptions.
Show Must Go On, or Once Again about ZigZag
Show Must Go On, or Once Again about ZigZag

Show Must Go On, or Once Again about ZigZag

About an obvious but still substandard method of ZigZag composition, and what it results in: the Multiframe Fractal ZigZag indicator that represents ZigZags built on three larger ons, on a single working timeframe (TF). In their turn, those larger TFs may be non-standard, too, and range from M5 to MN1.
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Brute force approach to pattern search (Part II): Immersion

Brute force approach to pattern search (Part II): Immersion

In this article we will continue discussing the brute force approach. I will try to provide a better explanation of the pattern using the new improved version of my application. I will also try to find the difference in stability using different time intervals and timeframes.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 94): Moving and deleting composite graphical objects
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 94): Moving and deleting composite graphical objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 94): Moving and deleting composite graphical objects

In this article, I will start the development of various composite graphical object events. We will also partially consider moving and deleting a composite graphical object. In fact, here I am going to fine-tune the things I implemented in the previous article.
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Monte Carlo Permutation Tests in MetaTrader 5

Monte Carlo Permutation Tests in MetaTrader 5

In this article we take a look at how we can conduct permutation tests based on shuffled tick data on any expert advisor using only Metatrader 5.
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Alan Andrews and his methods of time series analysis

Alan Andrews and his methods of time series analysis

Alan Andrews is one of the most famous "educators" of the modern world in the field of trading. His "pitchfork" is included in almost all modern quote analysis programs. But most traders do not use even a fraction of the opportunities that this tool provides. Besides, Andrews' original training course includes a description not only of the pitchfork (although it remains the main tool), but also of some other useful constructions. The article provides an insight into the marvelous chart analysis methods that Andrews taught in his original course. Beware, there will be a lot of images.
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Working with ONNX models in float16 and float8 formats

Working with ONNX models in float16 and float8 formats

Data formats used to represent machine learning models play a crucial role in their effectiveness. In recent years, several new types of data have emerged, specifically designed for working with deep learning models. In this article, we will focus on two new data formats that have become widely adopted in modern models.
Using Discriminant Analysis to Develop Trading Systems
Using Discriminant Analysis to Develop Trading Systems

Using Discriminant Analysis to Develop Trading Systems

When developing a trading system, there usually arises a problem of selecting the best combination of indicators and their signals. Discriminant analysis is one of the methods to find such combinations. The article gives an example of developing an EA for market data collection and illustrates the use of the discriminant analysis for building prognostic models for the FOREX market in Statistica software.
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Experiments with neural networks (Part 6): Perceptron as a self-sufficient tool for price forecast

Experiments with neural networks (Part 6): Perceptron as a self-sufficient tool for price forecast

The article provides an example of using a perceptron as a self-sufficient price prediction tool by showcasing general concepts and the simplest ready-made Expert Advisor followed by the results of its optimization.
Growing Neural Gas: Implementation in MQL5
Growing Neural Gas: Implementation in MQL5

Growing Neural Gas: Implementation in MQL5

The article shows an example of how to develop an MQL5-program implementing the adaptive algorithm of clustering called Growing neural gas (GNG). The article is intended for the users who have studied the language documentation and have certain programming skills and basic knowledge in the area of neuroinformatics.
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MQL5 Cookbook — Services

MQL5 Cookbook — Services

The article describes the versatile capabilities of services — MQL5 programs that do not require binding graphs. I will also highlight the differences of services from other MQL5 programs and emphasize the nuances of the developer's work with services. As examples, the reader is offered various tasks covering a wide range of functionality that can be implemented as a service.
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MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 06): Fourier Transform

MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 06): Fourier Transform

The Fourier transform introduced by Joseph Fourier is a means of deconstructing complex data wave points into simple constituent waves. This feature could be resourceful to traders and this article takes a look at that.
MQL5 Cloud Network: Are You Still Calculating?
MQL5 Cloud Network: Are You Still Calculating?

MQL5 Cloud Network: Are You Still Calculating?

It will soon be a year and a half since the MQL5 Cloud Network has been launched. This leading edge event ushered in a new era of algorithmic trading - now with a couple of clicks, traders can have hundreds and thousands of computing cores at their disposal for the optimization of their trading strategies.
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How to choose an Expert Advisor: Twenty strong criteria to reject a trading bot

How to choose an Expert Advisor: Twenty strong criteria to reject a trading bot

This article tries to answer the question: how can we choose the right expert advisors? Which are the best for our portfolio, and how can we filter the large trading bots list available on the market? This article will present twenty clear and strong criteria to reject an expert advisor. Each criterion will be presented and well explained to help you make a more sustained decision and build a more profitable expert advisor collection for your profits.
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Understanding functions in MQL5 with applications

Understanding functions in MQL5 with applications

Functions are critical things in any programming language, it helps developers apply the concept of (DRY) which means do not repeat yourself, and many other benefits. In this article, you will find much more information about functions and how we can create our own functions in MQL5 with simple applications that can be used or called in any system you have to enrich your trading system without complicating things.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 03): New functions

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 03): New functions

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode. In the previous article, we started to develop an order system that we will use in our automated EA. However, we have created only one of the necessary functions.
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Population optimization algorithms: Particle swarm (PSO)

Population optimization algorithms: Particle swarm (PSO)

In this article, I will consider the popular Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Previously, we discussed such important characteristics of optimization algorithms as convergence, convergence rate, stability, scalability, as well as developed a test stand and considered the simplest RNG algorithm.
Universal regression model for market price prediction (Part 2): Natural, technological and social transient functions
Universal regression model for market price prediction (Part 2): Natural, technological and social transient functions

Universal regression model for market price prediction (Part 2): Natural, technological and social transient functions

This article is a logical continuation of the previous one. It highlights the facts that confirm the conclusions made in the first article. These facts were revealed within ten years after its publication. They are centered around three detected dynamic transient functions describing the patterns in market price changes.