MQL4 and MQL5 Programming Articles
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.
Follow our new publications and discuss them on the Forum!
Add a new article
You are missing trading opportunities:
- Free trading apps
- Over 8,000 signals for copying
- Economic news for exploring financial markets
Registration
Log in
You agree to website policy and terms of use
If you do not have an account, please register
Visualizing Strategies in MQL5: Laying Out Optimization Results Across Criterion Charts
In this article, we write an example of visualizing the optimization process and display the top three passes for the four optimization criteria. We will also provide an opportunity to select one of the three best passes for displaying its data in tables and on a chart.
3D Visualization Without External Libraries: How MetaTrader 5 Reveals Optimization Results via MQL5 + DX11
The article describes the practical application of DirectX 11 and built-in MQL5 tools for creating 3D visualizations and interactive interfaces in MetaTrader 5. The focus is on cognitive efficiency - the ability of 3D charts and guided scenes to help in understanding optimization data, liquidity clusters, and multi-dimensional trading scenarios. The basics of the DX pipeline, working with shaders, binding mouse and keyboard events, and objective technological limitations are discussed in detail. The article is intended for MQL5 developers and algorithmic traders who are ready to transform strategy metrics into understandable 3D analytical landscapes, where the visual layer accelerates decision-making.
All about Automated Trading Championship: Statistical Reports
Creating a profitable and stable trading system is always related to statistical data processing. In this article, we pout together statistical reports of the Automated Trading Championships 2006-2007. It may well be that the information they provide will help you find new trading ideas or correct the existing ones. Analyze the data and save your time.
Population optimization algorithms: Mind Evolutionary Computation (MEC) algorithm
The article considers the algorithm of the MEC family called the simple mind evolutionary computation algorithm (Simple MEC, SMEC). The algorithm is distinguished by the beauty of its idea and ease of implementation.
Data label for time series mining (Part 4)：Interpretability Decomposition Using Label Data
This series of articles introduces several time series labeling methods, which can create data that meets most artificial intelligence models, and targeted data labeling according to needs can make the trained artificial intelligence model more in line with the expected design, improve the accuracy of our model, and even help the model make a qualitative leap!
Trading Options Without Options (Part 4): More Complex Option Strategies
In this article, we will examine how to reduce risk (and whether it is even possible to do so) in option strategies where risk is initially unlimited. This applies to strategies based on writing options, i.e., range-bound strategies. We will also consider ways to lock in profits for option strategies based on purchasing options, i.e., trend-following strategies. As always, we will add new useful features to our Expert Advisor (EA) and improve the existing ones.
Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis (3) — Weighted Voting Policy
This article explores how determining the optimal number of strategies in an ensemble can be a complex task that is easier to solve through the use of the MetaTrader 5 genetic optimizer. The MQL5 Cloud is also employed as a key resource for accelerating backtesting and optimization. All in all, our discussion here sets the stage for developing statistical models to evaluate and improve trading strategies based on our initial ensemble results.
Reimagining Classic Strategies in MQL5 (Part III): FTSE 100 Forecasting
In this series of articles, we will revisit well-known trading strategies to inquire, whether we can improve the strategies using AI. In today's article, we will explore the FTSE 100 and attempt to forecast the index using a portion of the individual stocks that make up the index.
From Novice to Expert: Market Periods Synchronizer
In this discussion, we introduce a Higher-to-Lower Timeframe Synchronizer tool designed to solve the problem of analyzing market patterns that span across higher timeframe periods. The built-in period markers in MetaTrader 5 are often limited, rigid, and not easily customizable for non-standard timeframes. Our solution leverages the MQL5 language to develop an indicator that provides a dynamic and visual way to align higher timeframe structures within lower timeframe charts. This tool can be highly valuable for detailed market analysis. To learn more about its features and implementation, I invite you to join the discussion.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 28): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (II)
This article teaches you how to retrieve and extract price data from external platforms using APIs and the WebRequest function in MQL5. You’ll learn how URLs are structured, how API responses are formatted, how to convert server data into readable strings, and how to identify and extract specific values from JSON responses.
Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 97): Training Models With MSFformer
When exploring various model architecture designs, we often devote insufficient attention to the process of model training. In this article, I aim to address this gap.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 9): External Flow
This article explores a new dimension of analysis using external libraries specifically designed for advanced analytics. These libraries, like pandas, provide powerful tools for processing and interpreting complex data, enabling traders to gain more profound insights into market dynamics. By integrating such technologies, we can bridge the gap between raw data and actionable strategies. Join us as we lay the foundation for this innovative approach and unlock the potential of combining technology with trading expertise.
Population optimization algorithms: Evolution Strategies, (μ,λ)-ES and (μ+λ)-ES
The article considers a group of optimization algorithms known as Evolution Strategies (ES). They are among the very first population algorithms to use evolutionary principles for finding optimal solutions. We will implement changes to the conventional ES variants and revise the test function and test stand methodology for the algorithms.
Neural networks made easy (Part 40): Using Go-Explore on large amounts of data
This article discusses the use of the Go-Explore algorithm over a long training period, since the random action selection strategy may not lead to a profitable pass as training time increases.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 28): GANs Revisited with a Primer on Learning Rates
The Learning Rate, is a step size towards a training target in many machine learning algorithms’ training processes. We examine the impact its many schedules and formats can have on the performance of a Generative Adversarial Network, a type of neural network that we had examined in an earlier article.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 80): Building a History Navigator for MetaTrader 5
We implement a History Navigator for MetaTrader 5 that jumps the chart to an exact historical period by date and time. The dialog validates inputs, converts them to datetime, and searches bar times with a binary-search routine before centering the selected candle. The navigation logic is separated from chart control, improving testability and maintenance, and a one-click return restores the live market view.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 11): WinForms objects — groups, CheckedListBox WinForms object
The article considers grouping WinForms objects and creation of the CheckBox objects list object.
Neural Networks in Trading: Controlled Segmentation
In this article. we will discuss a method of complex multimodal interaction analysis and feature understanding.
Market Simulation (Part 01): Cross Orders (I)
Today we will begin the second stage, where we will look at the market replay/simulation system. First, we will show a possible solution for cross orders. I will show you the solution, but it is not final yet. It will be a possible solution to a problem that we will need to solve in the near future.
Neural Networks in Trading: Integrating Chaos Theory into Time Series Forecasting (Final Part)
We continue to integrate methods proposed by the authors of the Attraos framework into trading models. Let me remind you that this framework uses concepts of chaos theory to solve time series forecasting problems, interpreting them as projections of multidimensional chaotic dynamic systems.
Blood inheritance optimization (BIO)
I present to you my new population optimization algorithm - Blood Inheritance Optimization (BIO), inspired by the human blood group inheritance system. In this algorithm, each solution has its own "blood type" that determines the way it evolves. Just as in nature where a child's blood type is inherited according to specific rules, in BIO new solutions acquire their characteristics through a system of inheritance and mutations.
Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 7): Cross-Pair Correlation Mapping for Real-Time Trade Filtering
In this part, we will integrate a real-time correlation matrix into a multi-symbol Expert Advisor to prevent redundant or risk-stacked trades. By dynamically measuring cross-pair relationships, the EA will filter entries that conflict with existing exposure, improving portfolio balance, reducing systemic risk, and enhancing overall trade quality.
Neural networks made easy (Part 41): Hierarchical models
The article describes hierarchical training models that offer an effective approach to solving complex machine learning problems. Hierarchical models consist of several levels, each of which is responsible for different aspects of the task.
The View and Controller components for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Resizable elements
In the article, we will add the functionality of resizing controls by dragging edges and corners of the element with the mouse.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 23): FOREX (IV)
Now the creation occurs at the same point where we converted ticks into bars. This way, if something goes wrong during the conversion process, we will immediately notice the error. This is because the same code that places 1-minute bars on the chart during fast forwarding is also used for the positioning system to place bars during normal performance. In other words, the code that is responsible for this task is not duplicated anywhere else. This way we get a much better system for both maintenance and improvement.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 31): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (V)
Learn how to use WebRequest and external API calls to retrieve recent candle data, convert each value into a usable type, and save the information neatly in a table format. This step lays the groundwork for building an indicator that visualizes the data in candle format.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 11): Automating the optimization (first steps)
To get a good EA, we need to select multiple good sets of parameters of trading strategy instances for it. This can be done manually by running optimization on different symbols and then selecting the best results. But it is better to delegate this work to the program and engage in more productive activities.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 22): FOREX (III)
Although this is the third article on this topic, I must explain for those who have not yet understood the difference between the stock market and the foreign exchange market: the big difference is that in the Forex there is no, or rather, we are not given information about some points that actually occurred during the course of trading.
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part VI): Multiple Functions Interface (I)
The Trading Administrator's role goes beyond just Telegram communications; they can also engage in various control activities, including order management, position tracking, and interface customization. In this article, we’ll share practical insights on expanding our program to support multiple functionalities in MQL5. This update aims to overcome the current Admin Panel's limitation of focusing primarily on communication, enabling it to handle a broader range of tasks.
How to implement AutoARIMA forecasting in MQL5
This article presents an MQL5 implementation of AutoARIMA that builds ARIMA models without manual tuning. It estimates d via a variance-based heuristic, fits ARMA(p,q) by gradient optimization with Adam, and selects p and q using AICc. The code returns a one-step-ahead price forecast by differencing, model estimation, and integration back to price level, ready to call on a Close series.
Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part II)
Today, we are discussing a working Telegram integration for MetaTrader 5 Indicator notifications using the power of MQL5, in partnership with Python and the Telegram Bot API. We will explain everything in detail so that no one misses any point. By the end of this project, you will have gained valuable insights to apply in your projects.
Neural Networks in Trading: Spatio-Temporal Neural Network (STNN)
In this article we will talk about using space-time transformations to effectively predict upcoming price movement. To improve the numerical prediction accuracy in STNN, a continuous attention mechanism is proposed that allows the model to better consider important aspects of the data.
Neural networks made easy (Part 89): Frequency Enhanced Decomposition Transformer (FEDformer)
All the models we have considered so far analyze the state of the environment as a time sequence. However, the time series can also be represented in the form of frequency features. In this article, I introduce you to an algorithm that uses frequency components of a time sequence to predict future states.
MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 9): Integrating Bayesian HPO into the Production Pipeline
This article integrates the Optuna hyperparameter optimization (HPO) backend into a unified ModelDevelopmentPipeline. It adds joint tuning of model hyperparameters and sample-weight schemes, early pruning with Hyperband, and crash-resistant SQLite study storage. The pipeline auto-detects primary vs. secondary models, prepends a fitted column-dropping preprocessor for safe inference, supports sequential bootstrapping, generates an Optuna report, and includes bid/ask and LearnedStrategy links. Readers get faster, resumable runs and deployable, self-contained models.
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 5): Screening
This article proposes an asset screening process for a statistical arbitrage trading strategy through cointegrated stocks. The system starts with the regular filtering by economic factors, like asset sector and industry, and finishes with a list of criteria for a scoring system. For each statistical test used in the screening, a respective Python class was developed: Pearson correlation, Engle-Granger cointegration, Johansen cointegration, and ADF/KPSS stationarity. These Python classes are provided along with a personal note from the author about the use of AI assistants for software development.
Big Bang - Big Crunch (BBBC) algorithm
The article presents the Big Bang - Big Crunch method, which has two key phases: cyclic generation of random points and their compression to the optimal solution. This approach combines exploration and refinement, allowing us to gradually find better solutions and open up new optimization opportunities.
View of Technical Analysis in the Context of Automatic Control Systems (ACS), or "Reverse View"
The article demonstrates an alternative view of technical analysis, which is based on the principles of both the modern automatic control theory and technical analysis itself. It is an introductory article representing the theory with some practical applications of it.
Data Science and ML (Part 35): NumPy in MQL5 – The Art of Making Complex Algorithms with Less Code
NumPy library is powering almost all the machine learning algorithms to the core in Python programming language, In this article we are going to implement a similar module which has a collection of all the complex code to aid us in building sophisticated models and algorithms of any kind.
Data Science and ML (Part 39): News + Artificial Intelligence, Would You Bet on it?
News drives the financial markets, especially major releases like Non-Farm Payrolls (NFPs). We've all witnessed how a single headline can trigger sharp price movements. In this article, we dive into the powerful intersection of news data and Artificial Intelligence.
Developing a Replay System (Part 37): Paving the Path (I)
In this article, we will finally begin to do what we wanted to do much earlier. However, due to the lack of "solid ground", I did not feel confident to present this part publicly. Now I have the basis to do this. I suggest that you focus as much as possible on understanding the content of this article. I mean not simply reading it. I want to emphasize that if you do not understand this article, you can completely give up hope of understanding the content of the following ones.