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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Market Simulation (Part 15): Sockets (IX)

Market Simulation (Part 15): Sockets (IX)

In this article, we will discuss one of the possible solutions to what we have been trying to demonstrate—namely, how to allow an Excel user to perform an action in MetaTrader 5 without sending orders or opening or closing positions. The idea is that the user employs Excel to conduct fundamental analysis of a particular symbol. And by using only Excel, they can instruct an expert advisor running in MetaTrader 5 to open or close a specific position.
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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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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 17): Multicurrency Trading

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 17): Multicurrency Trading

Trading across multiple currencies is not available by default when an expert advisor is assembled via the wizard. We examine 2 possible hacks traders can make when looking to test their ideas off more than one symbol at a time.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 57): Indicator buffer data object

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 57): Indicator buffer data object

In the article, develop an object which will contain all data of one buffer for one indicator. Such objects will be necessary for storing serial data of indicator buffers. With their help, it will be possible to sort and compare buffer data of any indicators, as well as other similar data with each other.
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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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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.
Interview with Ge Senlin (ATC 2011)
Interview with Ge Senlin (ATC 2011)

Interview with Ge Senlin (ATC 2011)

The Expert Advisor by Ge Senlin (yyy999) from China got featured in the top ten of the Automated Trading Championship 2011 in late October and hasn't left it since then. Not often participants from the PRC show good results in the Championship - Forex trading is not allowed in this country. After the poor results in the previous year ATC, Senlin has prepared a new multicurrency Expert Advisor that never closes loss positions and uses position increase instead. Let's see whether this EA will be able to rise even higher with such a risky strategy.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Multi-Agent Self-Adaptive Model (Final Part)

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

In the previous article, we introduced the multi-agent self-adaptive framework MASA, which combines reinforcement learning approaches and self-adaptive strategies, providing a harmonious balance between profitability and risk in turbulent market conditions. We have built the functionality of individual agents within this framework. In this article, we will continue the work we started, bringing it to its logical conclusion.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 16): TabControl WinForms object — several rows of tab headers, stretching headers to fit the container

DoEasy. Controls (Part 16): TabControl WinForms object — several rows of tab headers, stretching headers to fit the container

In this article, I will continue the development of TabControl and implement the arrangement of tab headers on all four sides of the control for all modes of setting the size of headers: Normal, Fixed and Fill To Right.
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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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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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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: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (VI) — Pending Order Strategy for News Trading

From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (VI) — Pending Order Strategy for News Trading

In this article, we shift focus toward integrating news-driven order execution logic—enabling the EA to act, not just inform. Join us as we explore how to implement automated trade execution in MQL5 and extend the News Headline EA into a fully responsive trading system. Expert Advisors offer significant advantages for algorithmic developers thanks to the wide range of features they support. So far, we’ve focused on building a news and calendar events presentation tool, complete with integrated AI insights lanes and technical indicator insights.
Expert Advisors Based on Popular Trading Systems and Alchemy of Trading Robot Optimization (Part III)
Expert Advisors Based on Popular Trading Systems and Alchemy of Trading Robot Optimization (Part III)

Expert Advisors Based on Popular Trading Systems and Alchemy of Trading Robot Optimization (Part III)

In this article the author continues to analyze implementation algorithms of simplest trading systems and introduces backtesting automation. The article will be useful for beginning traders and EA writers.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Using Language Models for Time Series Forecasting

Neural Networks in Trading: Using Language Models for Time Series Forecasting

We continue to study time series forecasting models. In this article, we get acquainted with a complex algorithm built on the use of a pre-trained language model.
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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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Building a Liquidity Spectrum Volume Profile Indicator in MQL5

Building a Liquidity Spectrum Volume Profile Indicator in MQL5

Build a Liquidity Spectrum Volume Profile in MQL5 that allocates volume to equal price bins over a chosen lookback using candle close prices. The guide covers data retrieval with copy functions, binning and normalization, and drawing rectangles and POC lines with chart objects and time offsets to reveal high-activity liquidity zones on the chart.
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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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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.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Transformer with Relative Encoding

Neural Networks in Trading: Transformer with Relative Encoding

Self-supervised learning can be an effective way to analyze large amounts of unlabeled data. The efficiency is provided by the adaptation of models to the specific features of financial markets, which helps improve the effectiveness of traditional methods. This article introduces an alternative attention mechanism that takes into account the relative dependencies and relationships between inputs.
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Billiards Optimization Algorithm (BOA)

Billiards Optimization Algorithm (BOA)

The BOA method is inspired by the classic game of billiards and simulates the search for optimal solutions as a game with balls trying to fall into pockets representing the best results. In this article, we will consider the basics of BOA, its mathematical model, and its efficiency in solving various optimization problems.
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Fortified Profit Architecture: Multi-Layered Account Protection

Fortified Profit Architecture: Multi-Layered Account Protection

In this discussion, we introduce a structured, multi-layered defense system designed to pursue aggressive profit targets while minimizing exposure to catastrophic loss. The focus is on blending offensive trading logic with protective safeguards at every level of the trading pipeline. The idea is to engineer an EA that behaves like a “risk-aware predator”—capable of capturing high-value opportunities, but always with layers of insulation that prevent blindness to sudden market stress.
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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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Portfolio optimization in Forex: Synthesis of VaR and Markowitz theory

Portfolio optimization in Forex: Synthesis of VaR and Markowitz theory

How does portfolio trading work on Forex? How can Markowitz portfolio theory for portfolio proportion optimization and VaR model for portfolio risk optimization be synthesized? We create a code based on portfolio theory, where, on the one hand, we will get low risk, and on the other, acceptable long-term profitability.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 20): A detour to Self-Attention and the Transformer

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 20): A detour to Self-Attention and the Transformer

We digress in our series by pondering at part of the algorithm to chatGPT. Are there any similarities or concepts borrowed from natural transformations? We attempt to answer these and other questions in a fun piece, with our code in a signal class format.
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Portfolio optimization in Forex: Synthesis of VaR and Markowitz theory

Portfolio optimization in Forex: Synthesis of VaR and Markowitz theory

How does portfolio trading work on Forex? How can Markowitz portfolio theory for portfolio proportion optimization and VaR model for portfolio risk optimization be synthesized? We create a code based on portfolio theory, where, on the one hand, we will get low risk, and on the other, acceptable long-term profitability.
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Estimate future performance with confidence intervals

Estimate future performance with confidence intervals

In this article we delve into the application of boostrapping techniques as a means to estimate the future performance of an automated strategy.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 14): Adaptive volume change in risk manager

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 14): Adaptive volume change in risk manager

The previously developed risk manager contained only basic functionality. Let's try to consider possible ways of its development, allowing us to improve trading results without interfering with the logic of trading strategies.
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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.
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Gain An Edge Over Any Market (Part II): Forecasting Technical Indicators

Gain An Edge Over Any Market (Part II): Forecasting Technical Indicators

Did you know that we can gain more accuracy forecasting certain technical indicators than predicting the underlying price of a traded symbol? Join us to explore how to leverage this insight for better trading strategies.
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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 multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 21): Preparing for an important experiment and optimizing the code

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 21): Preparing for an important experiment and optimizing the code

For further progress it would be good to see if we can improve the results by periodically re-running the automatic optimization and generating a new EA. The stumbling block in many debates about the use of parameter optimization is the question of how long the obtained parameters can be used for trading in the future period while maintaining the profitability and drawdown at the specified levels. And is it even possible to do this?
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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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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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Using association rules in Forex data analysis

Using association rules in Forex data analysis

How to apply predictive rules of supermarket retail analytics to the real Forex market? How are purchases of cookies, milk and bread related to stock exchange transactions? The article discusses an innovative approach to algorithmic trading based on the use of association rules.
Vladimir Tsyrulnik: The Essense of my program is improvisation! (ATC 2010)
Vladimir Tsyrulnik: The Essense of my program is improvisation! (ATC 2010)

Vladimir Tsyrulnik: The Essense of my program is improvisation! (ATC 2010)

Vladimir Tsyrulnik is the holder of one of the brightest highs of the current Championship. By the end of the third trading week Vladimir's Expert Advisor was on the sixth position. The IMEX algorithm the Expert Advisor is based on was developed by Vladimir. To learn more about this algorithm, we had an interview with Vladimir.
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Data Science and ML (Part 29): Essential Tips for Selecting the Best Forex Data for AI Training Purposes

Data Science and ML (Part 29): Essential Tips for Selecting the Best Forex Data for AI Training Purposes

In this article, we dive deep into the crucial aspects of choosing the most relevant and high-quality Forex data to enhance the performance of AI models.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part VI): Multiple Time-Frame Analysis

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part VI): Multiple Time-Frame Analysis

In this series of articles, we revisit classic strategies to see if we can improve them using AI. In today's article, we will examine the popular strategy of multiple time-frame analysis to judge if the strategy would be enhanced with AI.
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ARIMA Forecasting Indicator in MQL5

ARIMA Forecasting Indicator in MQL5

In this article we are implementing ARIMA forecasting indicator in MQL5. It examines how the ARIMA model generates forecasts, its applicability to the Forex market and the stock market in general. It also explains what AR autoregression is, how autoregressive models are used for forecasting, and how the autoregression mechanism works.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 4): Implementing Real-Time News Updates in the Dashboard

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 4): Implementing Real-Time News Updates in the Dashboard

This article enhances our Economic Calendar dashboard by implementing real-time news updates to keep market information current and actionable. We integrate live data fetching techniques in MQL5 to update events on the dashboard continuously, improving the responsiveness of the interface. This update ensures that we can access the latest economic news directly from the dashboard, optimizing trading decisions based on the freshest data.