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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GIT: What is it?

GIT: What is it?

In this article, I will introduce a very important tool for developers. If you are not familiar with GIT, read this article to get an idea of what it is and how to use it with MQL5.
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Using Deep Reinforcement Learning to Enhance Ilan Expert Advisor

Using Deep Reinforcement Learning to Enhance Ilan Expert Advisor

We revisit the Ilan grid Expert Advisor and integrate Q-learning in MQL5 to build an adaptive version for MetaTrader 5. The article shows how to define state features, discretize them for a Q-table, select actions with ε-greedy, and shape rewards for averaging and exits. You will implement saving/loading the Q-table, tune learning parameters, and test on EURUSD/AUDUSD in the Strategy Tester to evaluate stability and drawdown risks.
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Data Science and ML (Part 27): Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in MetaTrader 5 Trading Bots — Are They Worth It?

Data Science and ML (Part 27): Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in MetaTrader 5 Trading Bots — Are They Worth It?

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are renowned for their prowess in detecting patterns in images and videos, with applications spanning diverse fields. In this article, we explore the potential of CNNs to identify valuable patterns in financial markets and generate effective trading signals for MetaTrader 5 trading bots. Let us discover how this deep machine learning technique can be leveraged for smarter trading decisions.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 8): Expert Advisor Development (II)

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 8): Expert Advisor Development (II)

Think about an independent Expert Advisor. Previously, we discussed an indicator-based Expert Advisor that also partnered with an independent script for drawing risk and reward geometry. Today, we will discuss the architecture of an MQL5 Expert Advisor, that integrates, all the features in one program.
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Risk Management (Part 3): Building the Main Class for Risk Management

Risk Management (Part 3): Building the Main Class for Risk Management

In this article, we will begin creating a core risk management class that will be key to controlling risks in the system. We will focus on building the foundations, defining the basic structures, variables and functions. In addition, we will implement the necessary methods for setting maximum profit and loss values, thereby laying the foundation for risk management.
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Automating Market Memory Zones Indicator: Where Price is Likely to Return

Automating Market Memory Zones Indicator: Where Price is Likely to Return

This article turns Market Memory Zones from a chart-only concept into a complete MQL5 Expert Advisor. It automates Displacement, Structure Transition (CHoCH), and Liquidity Sweep zones using ATR- and candle-structure filters, applies lower-timeframe confirmation, and enforces risk-based position sizing with dynamic SL and structure-based TP. You will get the code architecture for detection, entries, trade management, and visualization, plus a brief backtest review.
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Risk Management (Part 5): Integrating the Risk Management System into an Expert Advisor

Risk Management (Part 5): Integrating the Risk Management System into an Expert Advisor

In this article, we will implement the risk management system developed in previous publications and add the Order Blocks indicator described in other articles. In addition, we will run a backtest so we can compare results with the risk management system enabled and evaluate the impact of dynamic risk.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 50): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators with a shift

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 50): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators with a shift

In the article, let’s improve library methods for correct display of multi-symbol multi-period standard indicators, which lines are displayed on the current symbol chart with a shift set in the settings. As well, let’s put things in order in methods of work with standard indicators and remove the redundant code to the library area in the final indicator program.
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Algorithmic Trading Strategies: AI and Its Road to Golden Pinnacles

Algorithmic Trading Strategies: AI and Its Road to Golden Pinnacles

This article demonstrates an approach to creating trading strategies for gold using machine learning. Considering the proposed approach to the analysis and forecasting of time series from different angles, it is possible to determine its advantages and disadvantages in comparison with other ways of creating trading systems which are based solely on the analysis and forecasting of financial time series.
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SQLite capabilities in MQL5: Example of a dashboard with trading statistics by symbols and magic numbers

SQLite capabilities in MQL5: Example of a dashboard with trading statistics by symbols and magic numbers

In this article, we will consider creating an indicator that displays trading statistics on a dashboard by account and by symbols and trading strategies. We will implement the code based on examples from the Documentation and the article on working with databases.
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From Novice to Expert: Mastering Detailed Trading Reports with Reporting EA

From Novice to Expert: Mastering Detailed Trading Reports with Reporting EA

In this article, we delve into enhancing the details of trading reports and delivering the final document via email in PDF format. This marks a progression from our previous work, as we continue exploring how to harness the power of MQL5 and Python to generate and schedule trading reports in the most convenient and professional formats. Join us in this discussion to learn more about optimizing trading report generation within the MQL5 ecosystem.
Creation of an Automated Trading System
Creation of an Automated Trading System

Creation of an Automated Trading System

You must admit that it sounds alluringly - you become a fortunate possessor of a program that can develop for you a profitable automated trading system (ATC) within a few minutes. All you need is to enter desirable inputs and press Enter. And - here you are, take your ATC tested and having positive expected payoff. Where thousands of people spend thousands of hours on developing that very unique ATC, which will "wine and dine", these statements soundб to put it mildly, very hollow. On the one hand, this really looks a little larger than life... However, to my mind, this problem can be solved.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 7): Refining our model for EA development

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 7): Refining our model for EA development

In this article, we will delve into the detailed preparation of our indicator for Expert Advisor (EA) development. Our discussion will encompass further refinements to the current version of the indicator to enhance its accuracy and functionality. Additionally, we will introduce new features that mark exit points, addressing a limitation of the previous version, which only identified entry points.
Ten Basic Errors of a Newcomer in Trading
Ten Basic Errors of a Newcomer in Trading

Ten Basic Errors of a Newcomer in Trading

There are ten basic errors of a newcomer intrading: trading at market opening, undue hurry in taking profit, adding of lots in a losing position, closing positions starting with the best one, revenge, the most preferable positions, trading by the principle of 'bought for ever', closing of a profitable strategic position on the first day, closing of a position when alerted to open an opposite position, doubts.
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Population optimization algorithms: Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA)

Population optimization algorithms: Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA)

The next algorithm I will consider is cuckoo search optimization using Levy flights. This is one of the latest optimization algorithms and a new leader in the leaderboard.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 78): New Chart Trade (V)

Developing a Replay System (Part 78): New Chart Trade (V)

In this article, we will look at how to implement part of the receiver code. Here we will implement an Expert Advisor to test and learn how the protocol interaction works. The content presented here is intended solely for educational purposes. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
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Developing Trading Strategy: Pseudo Pearson Correlation Approach

Developing Trading Strategy: Pseudo Pearson Correlation Approach

Generating new indicators from existing ones offers a powerful way to enhance trading analysis. By defining a mathematical function that integrates the outputs of existing indicators, traders can create hybrid indicators that consolidate multiple signals into a single, efficient tool. This article introduces a new indicator built from three oscillators using a modified version of the Pearson correlation function, which we call the Pseudo Pearson Correlation (PPC). The PPC indicator aims to quantify the dynamic relationship between oscillators and apply it within a practical trading strategy.
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Market Profile indicator (Part 2): Optimization and rendering on canvas

Market Profile indicator (Part 2): Optimization and rendering on canvas

The article considers an optimized version of the Market Profile indicator, where rendering with multiple graphical objects is replaced with rendering on a canvas - an object of the CCanvas class.
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Simple solutions for handling indicators conveniently

Simple solutions for handling indicators conveniently

In this article, I will describe how to make a simple panel to change the indicator settings directly from the chart, and what changes need to be made to the indicator to connect the panel. This article is intended for novice MQL5 users.
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Feature Engineering With Python And MQL5 (Part I): Forecasting Moving Averages For Long-Range AI Models

Feature Engineering With Python And MQL5 (Part I): Forecasting Moving Averages For Long-Range AI Models

The moving averages are by far the best indicators for our AI models to predict. However, we can improve our accuracy even further by carefully transforming our data. This article will demonstrate, how you can build AI Models capable of forecasting further into the future than you may currently be practicing without significant drops to your accuracy levels. It is truly remarkable, how useful the moving averages are.
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Application of Nash's Game Theory with HMM Filtering in Trading

Application of Nash's Game Theory with HMM Filtering in Trading

This article delves into the application of John Nash's game theory, specifically the Nash Equilibrium, in trading. It discusses how traders can utilize Python scripts and MetaTrader 5 to identify and exploit market inefficiencies using Nash's principles. The article provides a step-by-step guide on implementing these strategies, including the use of Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and statistical analysis, to enhance trading performance.
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Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 04): Tester 101

Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 04): Tester 101

In this fascinating article, we build our very first trading robot in the simulator and run a strategy testing action that resembles how the MetaTrader 5 strategy tester works, then compare the outcome produced in a custom simulation against our favorite terminal.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 44): Learning skills with dynamics in mind

Neural networks made easy (Part 44): Learning skills with dynamics in mind

In the previous article, we introduced the DIAYN method, which offers the algorithm for learning a variety of skills. The acquired skills can be used for various tasks. But such skills can be quite unpredictable, which can make them difficult to use. In this article, we will look at an algorithm for learning predictable skills.
How to Use Crashlogs to Debug Your Own DLLs
How to Use Crashlogs to Debug Your Own DLLs

How to Use Crashlogs to Debug Your Own DLLs

25 to 30% of all crashlogs received from users appear due to errors occurring when functions imported from custom dlls are executed.
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Automating Market Entropy Indicator: Trading System Based on Information Theory

Automating Market Entropy Indicator: Trading System Based on Information Theory

This article presents an EA that automates the previously introduced Market Entropy methodology. It computes fast and slow entropy, momentum, and compression states, validates signals, and executes orders with SL/TP and optional position reversal. The result is a practical, configurable tool that applies information-theoretic signals without manual interpretation.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 4): Improving the Multi-Timeframe Scanner Dashboard with Dynamic Positioning and Toggle Features

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 4): Improving the Multi-Timeframe Scanner Dashboard with Dynamic Positioning and Toggle Features

In this article, we upgrade the MQL5 Multi-Timeframe Scanner Dashboard with movable and toggle features. We enable dragging the dashboard and a minimize/maximize option for better screen use. We implement and test these enhancements for improved trading flexibility.
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Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 02): Building the REQUESTS Library, Inspired by Python

Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 02): Building the REQUESTS Library, Inspired by Python

In this article, we implement a module similar to requests offered in Python to make it easier to send and receive web requests in MetaTrader 5 using MQL5.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 75): Using Awesome Oscillator and the Envelopes

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 75): Using Awesome Oscillator and the Envelopes

The Awesome Oscillator by Bill Williams and the Envelopes Channel are a pairing that could be used complimentarily within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. We use the Awesome Oscillator for its ability to spot trends, while the envelopes channel is incorporated to define our support/resistance levels. In exploring this indicator pairing, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test any potential these two may possess.
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Dingo Optimization Algorithm Modification (DOAm)

Dingo Optimization Algorithm Modification (DOAm)

The custom modification of the Dingo algorithm presented in the article has raised the bar for finding the best optimization algorithm. Are even better results possible?
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Master MQL5 from Beginner to Pro (Part III): Complex Data Types and Include Files

Master MQL5 from Beginner to Pro (Part III): Complex Data Types and Include Files

This is the third article in a series describing the main aspects of MQL5 programming. This article covers complex data types that were not discussed in the previous article. These include structures, unions, classes, and the 'function' data type. It also explains how to add modularity to your program using the #include preprocessor directive.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 38): Self-Supervised Exploration via Disagreement

Neural networks made easy (Part 38): Self-Supervised Exploration via Disagreement

One of the key problems within reinforcement learning is environmental exploration. Previously, we have already seen the research method based on Intrinsic Curiosity. Today I propose to look at another algorithm: Exploration via Disagreement.
Interview with Atsushi Yamanaka (ATC 2011)
Interview with Atsushi Yamanaka (ATC 2011)

Interview with Atsushi Yamanaka (ATC 2011)

What is common between skydiving, Futures, Hawaii, translations and spies? We didn't know it until we've managed to communicate with disqualified participant Atsushi Yamanaka (alohafx). His has a creed "Life is Good!", and one can hardly doubt that. It was interesting to know that distances between the continents are not an obstacle for communication among our Championship's participants.
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Neural Networks in Trading: An Agent with Layered Memory (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: An Agent with Layered Memory (Final Part)

We continue our work on creating the FinMem framework, which uses layered memory approaches that mimic human cognitive processes. This allows the model not only to effectively process complex financial data but also to adapt to new signals, significantly improving the accuracy and effectiveness of investment decisions in dynamically changing markets.
Interview with Francisco García García (ATC 2012)
Interview with Francisco García García (ATC 2012)

Interview with Francisco García García (ATC 2012)

Today we interview Francisco García García (chuliweb) from Spain. A week ago his Expert Advisor reached the 8th place, but the unfortunate logic error in programming threw it from the first page of the Championship leaders. As confirmed by statistics, such an error is not uncommon for many participants.
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Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs(I)-Fine-tuning

Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs(I)-Fine-tuning

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence today, language models (LLMs) are an important part of artificial intelligence, so we should think about how to integrate powerful LLMs into our algorithmic trading. For most people, it is difficult to fine-tune these powerful models according to their needs, deploy them locally, and then apply them to algorithmic trading. This series of articles will take a step-by-step approach to achieve this goal.
Betting Modeling as Means of Developing "Market Intuition"
Betting Modeling as Means of Developing "Market Intuition"

Betting Modeling as Means of Developing "Market Intuition"

The article dwells on the notion of "market intuition" and ways of developing it. The method described in the article is based on the modeling of financial betting in the form of a simple game.
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Trading Insights Through Volume: Moving Beyond OHLC Charts

Trading Insights Through Volume: Moving Beyond OHLC Charts

Algorithmic trading system that combines volume analysis with machine learning techniques, specifically LSTM neural networks. Unlike traditional trading approaches that primarily focus on price movements, this system emphasizes volume patterns and their derivatives to predict market movements. The methodology incorporates three main components: volume derivatives analysis (first and second derivatives), LSTM predictions for volume patterns, and traditional technical indicators.
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From Novice to Expert: Revealing the Candlestick Shadows (Wicks)

From Novice to Expert: Revealing the Candlestick Shadows (Wicks)

In this discussion, we take a step forward to uncover the underlying price action hidden within candlestick wicks. By integrating a wick visualization feature into the Market Periods Synchronizer, we enhance the tool with greater analytical depth and interactivity. This upgraded system allows traders to visualize higher-timeframe price rejections directly on lower-timeframe charts, revealing detailed structures that were once concealed within the shadows.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 30): Animating the ScrollBar control

DoEasy. Controls (Part 30): Animating the ScrollBar control

In this article, I will continue the development of the ScrollBar control and start implementing the mouse interaction functionality. In addition, I will expand the lists of mouse state flags and events.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 2): Portfolio Diversification and Optimization

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 2): Portfolio Diversification and Optimization

Portfolio Diversification and Optimization strategically spreads investments across multiple assets to minimize risk while selecting the ideal asset mix to maximize returns based on risk-adjusted performance metrics.