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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Developing a Replay System (Part 48): Understanding the concept of a service

Developing a Replay System (Part 48): Understanding the concept of a service

How about learning something new? In this article, you will learn how to convert scripts into services and why it is useful to do so.
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Population optimization algorithms: Nelder–Mead, or simplex search (NM) method

Population optimization algorithms: Nelder–Mead, or simplex search (NM) method

The article presents a complete exploration of the Nelder-Mead method, explaining how the simplex (function parameter space) is modified and rearranged at each iteration to achieve an optimal solution, and describes how the method can be improved.
Grouped File Operations
Grouped File Operations

Grouped File Operations

It is sometimes necessary to perform identical operations with a group of files. If you have a list of files included into a group, then it is no problem. However, if you need to make this list yourself, then a question arises: "How can I do this?" The article proposes doing this using functions FindFirstFile() and FindNextFile() included in kernel32.dll.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 60): Online Decision Transformer (ODT)

Neural networks made easy (Part 60): Online Decision Transformer (ODT)

The last two articles were devoted to the Decision Transformer method, which models action sequences in the context of an autoregressive model of desired rewards. In this article, we will look at another optimization algorithm for this method.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 15): Price Action Harmonic Cypher Pattern with Visualization

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 15): Price Action Harmonic Cypher Pattern with Visualization

In this article, we explore the automation of the Cypher harmonic pattern in MQL5, detailing its detection and visualization on MetaTrader 5 charts. We implement an Expert Advisor that identifies swing points, validates Fibonacci-based patterns, and executes trades with clear graphical annotations. The article concludes with guidance on backtesting and optimizing the program for effective trading.
Interview with Andrei Moraru (ATC 2011)
Interview with Andrei Moraru (ATC 2011)

Interview with Andrei Moraru (ATC 2011)

Ukrainian programmer Andrei Moraru (enivid) is an active participant of the Automated Trading Championship beginning from 2007. Andrei had already come in our view at that time and now we have decided to find out if there occured any changes in his attitude towards trading and selection of trading strategies for the past four years, and also to know about his new Expert Advisor.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 14): A Beginner's Guide to Building Custom Indicators (III)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 14): A Beginner's Guide to Building Custom Indicators (III)

Learn to build a Harmonic Pattern indicator in MQL5 using chart objects. Discover how to detect swing points, apply Fibonacci retracements, and automate pattern recognition.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 13): RSI Sentinel Tool

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 13): RSI Sentinel Tool

Price action can be effectively analyzed by identifying divergences, with technical indicators such as the RSI providing crucial confirmation signals. In the article below, we explain how automated RSI divergence analysis can identify trend continuations and reversals, thereby offering valuable insights into market sentiment.
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News Trading Made Easy (Part 3): Performing Trades

News Trading Made Easy (Part 3): Performing Trades

In this article, our news trading expert will begin opening trades based on the economic calendar stored in our database. In addition, we will improve the expert's graphics to display more relevant information about upcoming economic calendar events.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development Part (4): Analytics Forecaster EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development Part (4): Analytics Forecaster EA

We are moving beyond simply viewing analyzed metrics on charts to a broader perspective that includes Telegram integration. This enhancement allows important results to be delivered directly to your mobile device via the Telegram app. Join us as we explore this journey together in this article.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 21): SplitContainer control. Panel separator

DoEasy. Controls (Part 21): SplitContainer control. Panel separator

In this article, I will create the class of an auxiliary panel separator object for the SplitContainer control.
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Integrating Hidden Markov Models in MetaTrader 5

Integrating Hidden Markov Models in MetaTrader 5

In this article we demonstrate how Hidden Markov Models trained using Python can be integrated into MetaTrader 5 applications. Hidden Markov Models are a powerful statistical tool used for modeling time series data, where the system being modeled is characterized by unobservable (hidden) states. A fundamental premise of HMMs is that the probability of being in a given state at a particular time depends on the process's state at the previous time slot.
Idleness is the Stimulus to Progress. Semiautomatic Marking a Template
Idleness is the Stimulus to Progress. Semiautomatic Marking a Template

Idleness is the Stimulus to Progress. Semiautomatic Marking a Template

Among the dozens of examples of how to work with charts, there is a method of manual marking a template. Trend lines, channels, support/resistance levels, etc. are imposed in a chart. Surely, there are some special programs for this kind of work. Everyone decides on his/her own which method to use. In this article, I offer you for your consideration the methods of manual marking with subsequent automating some elements of the repeated routine actions.
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Monitoring trading with push notifications — example of a MetaTrader 5 service

Monitoring trading with push notifications — example of a MetaTrader 5 service

In this article, we will look at creating a service app for sending notifications to a smartphone about trading results. We will learn how to handle lists of Standard Library objects to organize a selection of objects by required properties.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 39): Go-Explore, a different approach to exploration

Neural networks made easy (Part 39): Go-Explore, a different approach to exploration

We continue studying the environment in reinforcement learning models. And in this article we will look at another algorithm – Go-Explore, which allows you to effectively explore the environment at the model training stage.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 59): A New Future

Developing a Replay System (Part 59): A New Future

Having a proper understanding of different ideas allows us to do more with less effort. In this article, we'll look at why it's necessary to configure a template before the service can interact with the chart. Also, what if we improve the mouse pointer so we can do more things with it?
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News Trading Made Easy (Part 6): Performing Trades (III)

News Trading Made Easy (Part 6): Performing Trades (III)

In this article news filtration for individual news events based on their IDs will be implemented. In addition, previous SQL queries will be improved to provide additional information or reduce the query's runtime. Furthermore, the code built in the previous articles will be made functional.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 08): Perceptrons

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 08): Perceptrons

Perceptrons, single hidden layer networks, can be a good segue for anyone familiar with basic automated trading and is looking to dip into neural networks. We take a step by step look at how this could be realized in a signal class assembly that is part of the MQL5 Wizard classes for expert advisors.
Simultaneous Displaying of the Signals of Several Indicators from the Four Timeframes
Simultaneous Displaying of the Signals of Several Indicators from the Four Timeframes

Simultaneous Displaying of the Signals of Several Indicators from the Four Timeframes

While manual trading you have to keep an eye on the values of several indicators. It is a little bit different from mechanical trading. If you have two or three indicators and you have chosen a one timeframe for trading, it is not a complicated task. But what will you do if you have five or six indicators and your trading strategy requires considering the signals on the several timeframes?
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 17): Ticks and more ticks (I)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 17): Ticks and more ticks (I)

Here we will see how to implement something really interesting, but at the same time very difficult due to certain points that can be very confusing. The worst thing that can happen is that some traders who consider themselves professionals do not know anything about the importance of these concepts in the capital market. Well, although we focus here on programming, understanding some of the issues involved in market trading is paramount to what we are going to implement.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part III): Forecasting Higher Highs And Lower Lows

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part III): Forecasting Higher Highs And Lower Lows

In this series article, we will empirically analyze classic trading strategies to see if we can improve them using AI. In today's discussion, we tried to predict higher highs and lower lows using the Linear Discriminant Analysis model.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 11): Birth of the SIMULATOR (I)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 11): Birth of the SIMULATOR (I)

In order to use the data that forms the bars, we must abandon replay and start developing a simulator. We will use 1 minute bars because they offer the least amount of difficulty.
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From Python to MQL5: A Journey into Quantum-Inspired Trading Systems

From Python to MQL5: A Journey into Quantum-Inspired Trading Systems

The article explores the development of a quantum-inspired trading system, transitioning from a Python prototype to an MQL5 implementation for real-world trading. The system uses quantum computing principles like superposition and entanglement to analyze market states, though it runs on classical computers using quantum simulators. Key features include a three-qubit system for analyzing eight market states simultaneously, 24-hour lookback periods, and seven technical indicators for market analysis. While the accuracy rates might seem modest, they provide a significant edge when combined with proper risk management strategies.
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StringFormat(). Review and ready-made examples

StringFormat(). Review and ready-made examples

The article continues the review of the PrintFormat() function. We will briefly look at formatting strings using StringFormat() and their further use in the program. We will also write templates to display symbol data in the terminal journal. The article will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 87): Time Series Patching

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 87): Time Series Patching

Forecasting plays an important role in time series analysis. In the new article, we will talk about the benefits of time series patching.
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Data Science and ML (Part 33): Pandas Dataframe in MQL5, Data Collection for ML Usage made easier

Data Science and ML (Part 33): Pandas Dataframe in MQL5, Data Collection for ML Usage made easier

When working with machine learning models, it’s essential to ensure consistency in the data used for training, validation, and testing. In this article, we will create our own version of the Pandas library in MQL5 to ensure a unified approach for handling machine learning data, for ensuring the same data is applied inside and outside MQL5, where most of the training occurs.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 14): Birth of the SIMULATOR (IV)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 14): Birth of the SIMULATOR (IV)

In this article we will continue the simulator development stage. this time we will see how to effectively create a RANDOM WALK type movement. This type of movement is very intriguing because it forms the basis of everything that happens in the capital market. In addition, we will begin to understand some concepts that are fundamental to those conducting market analysis.
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Turtle Shell Evolution Algorithm (TSEA)

Turtle Shell Evolution Algorithm (TSEA)

This is a unique optimization algorithm inspired by the evolution of the turtle shell. The TSEA algorithm emulates the gradual formation of keratinized skin areas, which represent optimal solutions to a problem. The best solutions become "harder" and are located closer to the outer surface, while the less successful solutions remain "softer" and are located inside. The algorithm uses clustering of solutions by quality and distance, allowing to preserve less successful options and providing flexibility and adaptability.
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Elastic net regression using coordinate descent in MQL5

Elastic net regression using coordinate descent in MQL5

In this article we explore the practical implementation of elastic net regression to minimize overfitting and at the same time automatically separate useful predictors from those that have little prognostic power.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 13): DBSCAN for Expert Signal Class

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 13): DBSCAN for Expert Signal Class

Density Based Spatial Clustering for Applications with Noise is an unsupervised form of grouping data that hardly requires any input parameters, save for just 2, which when compared to other approaches like k-means, is a boon. We delve into how this could be constructive for testing and eventually trading with Wizard assembled Expert Advisers
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 17): TrendLoom EA Tool

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 17): TrendLoom EA Tool

As a price action observer and trader, I've noticed that when a trend is confirmed by multiple timeframes, it usually continues in that direction. What may vary is how long the trend lasts, and this depends on the type of trader you are, whether you hold positions for the long term or engage in scalping. The timeframes you choose for confirmation play a crucial role. Check out this article for a quick, automated system that helps you analyze the overall trend across different timeframes with just a button click or regular updates.
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How to view deals directly on the chart without weltering in trading history

How to view deals directly on the chart without weltering in trading history

In this article, we will create a simple tool for convenient viewing of positions and deals directly on the chart with key navigation. This will allow traders to visually examine individual deals and receive all the information about trading results right on the spot.
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Market Reactions and Trading Strategies in Response to Dividend Announcements: Evaluating the Efficient Market Hypothesis in Stock Trading

Market Reactions and Trading Strategies in Response to Dividend Announcements: Evaluating the Efficient Market Hypothesis in Stock Trading

In this article, we will analyse the impact of dividend announcements on stock market returns and see how investors can earn more returns than those offered by the market when they expect a company to announce dividends. In doing so, we will also check the validity of the Efficient Market Hypothesis in the context of the Indian Stock Market.
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Data Science and ML (Part 26): The Ultimate Battle in Time Series Forecasting — LSTM vs GRU Neural Networks

Data Science and ML (Part 26): The Ultimate Battle in Time Series Forecasting — LSTM vs GRU Neural Networks

In the previous article, we discussed a simple RNN which despite its inability to understand long-term dependencies in the data, was able to make a profitable strategy. In this article, we are discussing both the Long-Short Term Memory(LSTM) and the Gated Recurrent Unit(GRU). These two were introduced to overcome the shortcomings of a simple RNN and to outsmart it.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 5): Equalizers

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 5): Equalizers

Category Theory is a diverse and expanding branch of Mathematics which is only recently getting some coverage in the MQL5 community. These series of articles look to explore and examine some of its concepts & axioms with the overall goal of establishing an open library that provides insight while also hopefully furthering the use of this remarkable field in Traders' strategy development.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 51): Behavior-Guided Actor-Critic (BAC)

Neural networks made easy (Part 51): Behavior-Guided Actor-Critic (BAC)

The last two articles considered the Soft Actor-Critic algorithm, which incorporates entropy regularization into the reward function. This approach balances environmental exploration and model exploitation, but it is only applicable to stochastic models. The current article proposes an alternative approach that is applicable to both stochastic and deterministic models.
Interview with Sergey Nikitin (ATC 2011)
Interview with Sergey Nikitin (ATC 2011)

Interview with Sergey Nikitin (ATC 2011)

In the second week of the competition, the Expert Advisor of Sergey Nikitin (VNIK) trading on two currency pairs EURUSD and EURJPY got featured on the very top drawing away from the rest. Multicurrency Expert Advisors always attract attention in the Championship, especially those that show good results. We talked with Sergey about the role of luck in a trader's life and his way of trading.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 45): Training state exploration skills

Neural networks made easy (Part 45): Training state exploration skills

Training useful skills without an explicit reward function is one of the main challenges in hierarchical reinforcement learning. Previously, we already got acquainted with two algorithms for solving this problem. But the question of the completeness of environmental research remains open. This article demonstrates a different approach to skill training, the use of which directly depends on the current state of the system.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 22): A different look at Moving Averages

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 22): A different look at Moving Averages

In this article we attempt to simplify our illustration of concepts covered in these series by dwelling on just one indicator, the most common and probably the easiest to understand. The moving average. In doing so we consider significance and possible applications of vertical natural transformations.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 46): Goal-conditioned reinforcement learning (GCRL)

Neural networks made easy (Part 46): Goal-conditioned reinforcement learning (GCRL)

In this article, we will have a look at yet another reinforcement learning approach. It is called goal-conditioned reinforcement learning (GCRL). In this approach, an agent is trained to achieve different goals in specific scenarios.