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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Neural networks made easy (Part 80): Graph Transformer Generative Adversarial Model (GTGAN)

Neural networks made easy (Part 80): Graph Transformer Generative Adversarial Model (GTGAN)

In this article, I will get acquainted with the GTGAN algorithm, which was introduced in January 2024 to solve complex problems of generation architectural layouts with graph constraints.
Interview with Berron Parker (ATC 2010)
Interview with Berron Parker (ATC 2010)

Interview with Berron Parker (ATC 2010)

During the first week of the Championship Berron's Expert Advisor has been on the top position. He now tells us about his experience of EA development and difficulties of moving to MQL5. Berron says his EA is set up to work in a trend market, but can be weak in other market conditions. However, he is hopeful that his robot will show good results in this competition.
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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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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.
Interview with Valery Mazurenko (ATC 2011)
Interview with Valery Mazurenko (ATC 2011)

Interview with Valery Mazurenko (ATC 2011)

The task of writing an Expert Advisor trading on multiple currency pairs is complex both in terms of finding suitable strategies and from the technological side. But if the goal is set clear, nothing is impossible then. It was four times already that Vitaly Mazurenko (notused) submitted his multi-currency Expert Advisor. It seems, he has managed to find the right way this time.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 17): Cropping invisible object parts, auxiliary arrow buttons WinForms objects

DoEasy. Controls (Part 17): Cropping invisible object parts, auxiliary arrow buttons WinForms objects

In this article, I will create the functionality for hiding object sections located beyond their containers. Besides, I will create auxiliary arrow button objects to be used as part of other WinForms objects.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 18): Naturality Square

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 18): Naturality Square

This article continues our series into category theory by introducing natural transformations, a key pillar within the subject. We look at the seemingly complex definition, then delve into examples and applications with this series’ ‘bread and butter’; volatility forecasting.
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DRAW_ARROW drawing type in multi-symbol multi-period indicators

DRAW_ARROW drawing type in multi-symbol multi-period indicators

In this article, we will look at drawing arrow multi-symbol multi-period indicators. We will also improve the class methods for correct display of arrows showing data from arrow indicators calculated on a symbol/period that does not correspond to the symbol/period of the current chart.
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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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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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From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (II)

From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (II)

Today, we take another step forward by integrating an external news API as the source of headlines for our News Headline EA. In this phase, we’ll explore various news sources—both established and emerging—and learn how to access their APIs effectively. We'll also cover methods for parsing the retrieved data into a format optimized for display within our Expert Advisor. Join the discussion as we explore the benefits of accessing news headlines and the economic calendar directly on the chart, all within a compact, non-intrusive interface.
Interview with Igor Korepin (ATC 2011)
Interview with Igor Korepin (ATC 2011)

Interview with Igor Korepin (ATC 2011)

Appearance of the Expert Advisor cs2011 by Igor Korepin (Xupypr) at the very top of the Automated Trading Championship 2011 was really impressive - its balance was almost twice that of the EA featured on the second place. However, despite such a sound breakaway, the Expert Advisor could not stay long on the first line. Igor frankly said that he relied much on a lucky start of his trading robot in the competition. We'll see if luck helps this simple EA to take the lead in the ATC 2011 race again.
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Quantization in machine learning (Part 1): Theory, sample code, analysis of implementation in CatBoost

Quantization in machine learning (Part 1): Theory, sample code, analysis of implementation in CatBoost

The article considers the theoretical application of quantization in the construction of tree models and showcases the implemented quantization methods in CatBoost. No complex mathematical equations are used.
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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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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 92): Adaptive Forecasting in Frequency and Time Domains

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 92): Adaptive Forecasting in Frequency and Time Domains

The authors of the FreDF method experimentally confirmed the advantage of combined forecasting in the frequency and time domains. However, the use of the weight hyperparameter is not optimal for non-stationary time series. In this article, we will get acquainted with the method of adaptive combination of forecasts in frequency and time domains.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 10): External Flow (II) VWAP

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 10): External Flow (II) VWAP

Master the power of VWAP with our comprehensive guide! Learn how to integrate VWAP analysis into your trading strategy using MQL5 and Python. Maximize your market insights and improve your trading decisions today.
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Master MQL5 from Beginner to Pro (Part VI): Basics of Developing Expert Advisors

Master MQL5 from Beginner to Pro (Part VI): Basics of Developing Expert Advisors

This article continues the series for beginners. Here we will discuss the basic principles of developing Expert Advisors (EAs). We will create two EAs: the first one will trade without indicators, using pending orders, and the second one will be based on the standard MA indicator, opening deals at the current price. Here I assume that you are no longer a complete beginner and have a relatively good command of the material from the previous articles.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part I)

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part I)

We will breakdown the main MQL5 code into specified code snippets to illustrate the integration of Telegram and WhatsApp for receiving signal notifications from the Trend Constraint indicator we are creating in this article series. This will help traders, both novices and experienced developers, grasp the concept easily. First, we will cover the setup of MetaTrader 5 for notifications and its significance to the user. This will help developers in advance to take notes to further apply in their systems.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 93): Adaptive Forecasting in Frequency and Time Domains (Final Part)

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 93): Adaptive Forecasting in Frequency and Time Domains (Final Part)

In this article, we continue the implementation of the approaches of the ATFNet model, which adaptively combines the results of 2 blocks (frequency and time) within time series forecasting.
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Data Science and ML (Part 37): Using Candlestick patterns and AI to beat the market

Data Science and ML (Part 37): Using Candlestick patterns and AI to beat the market

Candlestick patterns help traders understand market psychology and identify trends in financial markets, they enable more informed trading decisions that can lead to better outcomes. In this article, we will explore how to use candlestick patterns with AI models to achieve optimal trading performance.
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Population optimization algorithms: Bat algorithm (BA)

Population optimization algorithms: Bat algorithm (BA)

In this article, I will consider the Bat Algorithm (BA), which shows good convergence on smooth functions.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 34): Fully Parameterized Quantile Function

Neural networks made easy (Part 34): Fully Parameterized Quantile Function

We continue studying distributed Q-learning algorithms. In previous articles, we have considered distributed and quantile Q-learning algorithms. In the first algorithm, we trained the probabilities of given ranges of values. In the second algorithm, we trained ranges with a given probability. In both of them, we used a priori knowledge of one distribution and trained another one. In this article, we will consider an algorithm which allows the model to train for both distributions.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis

How best can we combine multiple strategies to create a powerful ensemble strategy? Join us in this discussion as we look to fit together three different strategies into our trading application. Traders often employ specialized strategies for opening and closing positions, and we want to know if our machines can perform this task better. For our opening discussion, we will get familiar with the faculties of the strategy tester and the principles of OOP we will need for this task.
Interview with Andrey Bobryashov (ATC 2011)
Interview with Andrey Bobryashov (ATC 2011)

Interview with Andrey Bobryashov (ATC 2011)

Since the first Automated Trading Championship we have seen plenty of trading robots in our TOP-10 created with the use of various methods. Excellent results were shown both by the Exper Advisors based on standard indicators, and complicated analytical complexes with weekly automatic optimization of their own parameters.
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Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part 3): Triangular Exchange Rates

Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part 3): Triangular Exchange Rates

Traders often face drawdowns from false signals, while waiting for confirmation can lead to missed opportunities. This article introduces a triangular trading strategy using Silver’s pricing in Dollars (XAGUSD) and Euros (XAGEUR), along with the EURUSD exchange rate, to filter out noise. By leveraging cross-market relationships, traders can uncover hidden sentiment and refine their entries in real time.
Interview with Boris Odintsov (ATC 2010)
Interview with Boris Odintsov (ATC 2010)

Interview with Boris Odintsov (ATC 2010)

Boris Odintsov is one of the most impressive participants of the Championship who managed to go beyond $100,000 on the third week of the competition. Boris explains the rapid rise of his expert Advisor as a favorable combination of circumstances. In this interview he tells about what is important in trading, and what market would be unfavorable for his EA.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 27): Working on ProgressBar WinForms object

DoEasy. Controls (Part 27): Working on ProgressBar WinForms object

In this article, I will continue the development of the ProgressBar control. In particular, I will create the functionality for managing the progress bar and visual effects.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 18): Introduction to Wolfe Wave Pattern

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 18): Introduction to Wolfe Wave Pattern

This article explains the Wolfe Wave pattern in detail, covering both the bearish and bullish variations. It also breaks down the step-by-step logic used to identify valid buy and sell setups based on this advanced chart pattern.
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Using PSAR, Heiken Ashi, and Deep Learning Together for Trading

Using PSAR, Heiken Ashi, and Deep Learning Together for Trading

This project explores the fusion of deep learning and technical analysis to test trading strategies in forex. A Python script is used for rapid experimentation, employing an ONNX model alongside traditional indicators like PSAR, SMA, and RSI to predict EUR/USD movements. A MetaTrader 5 script then brings this strategy into a live environment, using historical data and technical analysis to make informed trading decisions. The backtesting results indicate a cautious yet consistent approach, with a focus on risk management and steady growth rather than aggressive profit-seeking.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Hyperbolic Latent Diffusion Model (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Hyperbolic Latent Diffusion Model (Final Part)

The use of anisotropic diffusion processes for encoding the initial data in a hyperbolic latent space, as proposed in the HypDIff framework, assists in preserving the topological features of the current market situation and improves the quality of its analysis. In the previous article, we started implementing the proposed approaches using MQL5. Today we will continue the work we started and will bring it to its logical conclusion.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 22): SplitContainer. Changing the properties of the created object

DoEasy. Controls (Part 22): SplitContainer. Changing the properties of the created object

In the current article, I will implement the ability to change the properties and appearance of the newly created SplitContainer control.
Interview with Vitaly Antonov (ATC 2011)
Interview with Vitaly Antonov (ATC 2011)

Interview with Vitaly Antonov (ATC 2011)

It was only this summer that Vitaly Antonov (beast) has learned about the upcoming Automated Trading Championship and got to know MetaTrader 5 terminal. Time was running out, besides, Vitaly was a newcomer. So, he randomly chose GBPUSD currency pair to develop his trading system. And the choice turned out to be successful. It would have been impossible to use other symbols with the strategy.
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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 3): Developing a Pending Orders Management EX5 Library

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 3): Developing a Pending Orders Management EX5 Library

Learn how to develop and implement a comprehensive pending orders EX5 library in your MQL5 code or projects. This article will show you how to create an extensive pending orders management EX5 library and guide you through importing and implementing it by building a trading panel or graphical user interface (GUI). The expert advisor orders panel will allow users to open, monitor, and delete pending orders associated with a specified magic number directly from the graphical interface on the chart window.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 19): Bayesian Inference

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 19): Bayesian Inference

Bayesian inference is the adoption of Bayes Theorem to update probability hypothesis as new information is made available. This intuitively leans to adaptation in time series analysis, and so we have a look at how we could use this in building custom classes not just for the signal but also money-management and trailing-stops.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 68): Offline Preference-guided Policy Optimization

Neural networks made easy (Part 68): Offline Preference-guided Policy Optimization

Since the first articles devoted to reinforcement learning, we have in one way or another touched upon 2 problems: exploring the environment and determining the reward function. Recent articles have been devoted to the problem of exploration in offline learning. In this article, I would like to introduce you to an algorithm whose authors completely eliminated the reward function.
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Deconstructing examples of trading strategies in the client terminal

Deconstructing examples of trading strategies in the client terminal

The article uses block diagrams to examine the logic of the candlestick-based training EAs located in the Experts\Free Robots folder of the terminal.
Interview with Antonio Morillas (ATC 2011)
Interview with Antonio Morillas (ATC 2011)

Interview with Antonio Morillas (ATC 2011)

Antonio Morillas from Spain (sallirom, by the way - it is reversed surname!) was first who doubled his starting balance from the beginning of the Championship and thus attracted our attention. His trading strategy is extremely risky. We decided to talk to Antonio about risk and luck as these are part and parcel of Automated Trading Championship.
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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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Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part III): Optimizing Simple Hedge Strategy (I)

Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part III): Optimizing Simple Hedge Strategy (I)

In this third part, we revisit the Simple Hedge and Simple Grid Expert Advisors (EAs) developed earlier. Our focus shifts to refining the Simple Hedge EA through mathematical analysis and a brute force approach, aiming for optimal strategy usage. This article delves deep into the mathematical optimization of the strategy, setting the stage for future exploration of coding-based optimization in later installments.
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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.