Articles with MQL5 programming examples

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Access a huge collection of articles with code examples showing how to create indicators and trading robots for the MetaTrader platform in the MQL5 language. Source codes are attached to the articles, so you can open them in MetaEditor and run them to see how the applications work.

These articles will be useful both for those who have just started exploring automated trading and for professional traders with programming experience. They feature not only examples, but also contain new ideas.

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Prices in DoEasy library (part 60): Series list of symbol tick data
Prices in DoEasy library (part 60): Series list of symbol tick data

Prices in DoEasy library (part 60): Series list of symbol tick data

In this article, I will create the list for storing tick data of a single symbol and check its creation and retrieval of required data in an EA. Tick data lists that are individual for each used symbol will further constitute a collection of tick data.
Better Programmer (Part 04): How to become a faster developer
Better Programmer (Part 04): How to become a faster developer

Better Programmer (Part 04): How to become a faster developer

Every developer wants to be able to write code faster, and being able to code faster and effective is not some kind of special ability that only a few people are born with. It's a skill that can be learned by every coder, regardless of years of experience on the keyboard.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 80): "Geometric animation frame" object class
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 80): "Geometric animation frame" object class

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 80): "Geometric animation frame" object class

In this article, I will optimize the code of classes from the previous articles and create the geometric animation frame object class allowing us to draw regular polygons with a given number of vertices.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 14): Data clustering

Neural networks made easy (Part 14): Data clustering

It has been more than a year since I published my last article. This is quite a lot time to revise ideas and to develop new approaches. In the new article, I would like to divert from the previously used supervised learning method. This time we will dip into unsupervised learning algorithms. In particular, we will consider one of the clustering algorithms—k-means.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part IX): Compatibility with MQL4 - Preparing data
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part IX): Compatibility with MQL4 - Preparing data

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part IX): Compatibility with MQL4 - Preparing data

In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the eighth part, we implemented the class for tracking order and position modification events. Here, we will improve the library by making it fully compatible with MQL4.
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Ready-made templates for including indicators to Expert Advisors (Part 3): Trend indicators

Ready-made templates for including indicators to Expert Advisors (Part 3): Trend indicators

In this reference article, we will look at standard indicators from the Trend Indicators category. We will create ready-to-use templates for indicator use in EAs - declaring and setting parameters, indicator initialization and deinitialization, as well as receiving data and signals from indicator buffers in EAs.
Drawing Horizontal Break-Through Levels Using Fractals
Drawing Horizontal Break-Through Levels Using Fractals

Drawing Horizontal Break-Through Levels Using Fractals

The article describes creation of an indicator that would display the support/resistance levels using up/down fractals.
Prices in DoEasy library (part 62): Updating tick series in real time, preparation for working with Depth of Market
Prices in DoEasy library (part 62): Updating tick series in real time, preparation for working with Depth of Market

Prices in DoEasy library (part 62): Updating tick series in real time, preparation for working with Depth of Market

In this article, I will implement updating tick data in real time and prepare the symbol object class for working with Depth of Market (DOM itself is to be implemented in the next article).
MQL4 Language for Newbies. Difficult Questions in Simple Phrases.
MQL4 Language for Newbies. Difficult Questions in Simple Phrases.

MQL4 Language for Newbies. Difficult Questions in Simple Phrases.

This is the second article from the series "MQL4 Language for Newbies". Now we will examine more complex and advanced constructions of the language, learn new options and see, how they can be applied in everyday practice. You will get acquainted with a new cycle type 'while', new condition type 'switch', operators 'break' and 'continue'. Besides you will learn to write your own functions and work with multidimensional arrays. And for a dessert I have prepared an explanation about a preprocessor.
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Risk Management (Part 1): Fundamentals for Building a Risk Management Class

Risk Management (Part 1): Fundamentals for Building a Risk Management Class

In this article, we'll cover the basics of risk management in trading and learn how to create your first functions for calculating the appropriate lot size for a trade, as well as a stop-loss. Additionally, we will go into detail about how these features work, explaining each step. Our goal is to provide a clear understanding of how to apply these concepts in automated trading. Finally, we will put everything into practice by creating a simple script with an include file.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 67): Chart object class
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 67): Chart object class

Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 67): Chart object class

In this article, I will create the chart object class (of a single trading instrument chart) and improve the collection class of MQL5 signal objects so that each signal object stored in the collection updates all its parameters when updating the list.
Graphical interfaces X: New features for the Rendered table (build 9)
Graphical interfaces X: New features for the Rendered table (build 9)

Graphical interfaces X: New features for the Rendered table (build 9)

Until today, the CTable was the most advanced type of tables among all presented in the library. This table is assembled from edit boxes of the OBJ_EDIT type, and its further development becomes problematic. Therefore, in terms of maximum capabilities, it is better to develop rendered tables of the CCanvasTable type even at the current development stage of the library. Its current version is completely lifeless, but starting from this article, we will try to fix the situation.
A Library for Constructing a Chart via Google Chart API
A Library for Constructing a Chart via Google Chart API

A Library for Constructing a Chart via Google Chart API

The construction of various types of diagrams is an essential part of the analyses of the market situation and the testing of a trading system. Frequently, in order to construct a nice looking diagram, it is necessary to organize the data output into a file, after which it is used in applications such as MS Excel. This is not very convenient and deprives us of the ability to dynamically update the data. Google Charts API provided the means for creating charts in online modes, by sending a special request to the server. In this article we attempt to automate the process of creating such a request and obtaining a chart from the Google server.
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How to add Trailing Stop using Parabolic SAR

How to add Trailing Stop using Parabolic SAR

When creating a trading strategy, we need to test a variety of protective stop options. Here is where a dynamic pulling up of the Stop Loss level following the price comes to mind. The best candidate for this is the Parabolic SAR indicator. It is difficult to think of anything simpler and visually clearer.
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Structures in MQL5 and methods for printing their data

Structures in MQL5 and methods for printing their data

In this article we will look at the MqlDateTime, MqlTick, MqlRates and MqlBookInfo strutures, as well as methods for printing data from them. In order to print all the fields of a structure, there is a standard ArrayPrint() function, which displays the data contained in the array with the type of the handled structure in a convenient tabular format.
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Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part XII): Integration of a Forex Values Calculator

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part XII): Integration of a Forex Values Calculator

Accurate calculation of key trading values is an indispensable part of every trader’s workflow. In this article, we will discuss, the integration of a powerful utility—the Forex Calculator—into the Trade Management Panel, further extending the functionality of our multi-panel Trading Administrator system. Efficiently determining risk, position size, and potential profit is essential when placing trades, and this new feature is designed to make that process faster and more intuitive within the panel. Join us as we explore the practical application of MQL5 in building advanced, trading panels.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 87): Graphical object collection - managing object property modification on all open charts
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 87): Graphical object collection - managing object property modification on all open charts

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 87): Graphical object collection - managing object property modification on all open charts

In this article, I will continue my work on tracking standard graphical object events and create the functionality allowing users to control changes in the properties of graphical objects placed on any charts opened in the terminal.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 3): Mean Reversion and Momentum Strategies

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 3): Mean Reversion and Momentum Strategies

In this article, we will explore the third part of our journey in formulating a Dynamic Multi-Pair Expert Advisor (EA), focusing specifically on integrating Mean Reversion and Momentum trading strategies. We will break down how to detect and act on price deviations from the mean (Z-score), and how to measure momentum across multiple forex pairs to determine trade direction.
Running MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal on Linux-Desktop
Running MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal on Linux-Desktop

Running MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal on Linux-Desktop

Description of a step-by-step Linux-desktop setup using a non-emulator wine for running MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal on it.
Calculation of Integral Characteristics of Indicator Emissions
Calculation of Integral Characteristics of Indicator Emissions

Calculation of Integral Characteristics of Indicator Emissions

Indicator emissions are a little-studied area of market research. Primarily, this is due to the difficulty of analysis that is caused by the processing of very large arrays of time-varying data. Existing graphical analysis is too resource intensive and has therefore triggered the development of a parsimonious algorithm that uses time series of emissions. This article demonstrates how visual (intuitive image) analysis can be replaced with the study of integral characteristics of emissions. It can be of interest to both traders and developers of automated trading systems.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 58): Timeseries of indicator buffer data

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 58): Timeseries of indicator buffer data

In conclusion of the topic of working with timeseries organise storage, search and sort of data stored in indicator buffers which will allow to further perform the analysis based on values of the indicators to be created on the library basis in programs. The general concept of all collection classes of the library allows to easily find necessary data in the corresponding collection. Respectively, the same will be possible in the class created today.
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Gain An Edge Over Any Market

Gain An Edge Over Any Market

Learn how you can get ahead of any market you wish to trade, regardless of your current level of skill.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 2): Working on the CPanel class

DoEasy. Controls (Part 2): Working on the CPanel class

In the current article, I will get rid of some errors related to handling graphical elements and continue the development of the CPanel control. In particular, I will implement the methods for setting the parameters of the font used by default for all panel text objects.
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Tables in the MVC Paradigm in MQL5: Customizable and sortable table columns

Tables in the MVC Paradigm in MQL5: Customizable and sortable table columns

In the article, we will make the table column widths adjustable using the mouse cursor, sort the table by column data, and add a new class to simplify the creation of tables based on any data sets.
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Backpropagation Neural Networks using MQL5 Matrices

Backpropagation Neural Networks using MQL5 Matrices

The article describes the theory and practice of applying the backpropagation algorithm in MQL5 using matrices. It provides ready-made classes along with script, indicator and Expert Advisor examples.
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Moving Average in MQL5 from scratch: Plain and simple

Moving Average in MQL5 from scratch: Plain and simple

Using simple examples, we will examine the principles of calculating moving averages, as well as learn about the ways to optimize indicator calculations, including moving averages.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 15): Automation (VII)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 15): Automation (VII)

To complete this series of articles on automation, we will continue discussing the topic of the previous article. We will see how everything will fit together, making the EA run like clockwork.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 79): "Animation frame" object class and its descendant objects
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 79): "Animation frame" object class and its descendant objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 79): "Animation frame" object class and its descendant objects

In this article, I will develop the class of a single animation frame and its descendants. The class is to allow drawing shapes while maintaining and then restoring the background under them.
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ALGLIB numerical analysis library in MQL5

ALGLIB numerical analysis library in MQL5

The article takes a quick look at the ALGLIB 3.19 numerical analysis library, its applications and new algorithms that can improve the efficiency of financial data analysis.
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Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part II): Basic data types and use of variable

Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part II): Basic data types and use of variable

This is a continuation of the series for beginners. In this article, we'll look at how to create constants and variables, write dates, colors, and other useful data. We will learn how to create enumerations like days of the week or line styles (solid, dotted, etc.). Variables and expressions are the basis of programming. They are definitely present in 99% of programs, so understanding them is critical. Therefore, if you are new to programming, this article can be very useful for you. Required programming knowledge level: very basic, within the limits of my previous article (see the link at the beginning).
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Population optimization algorithms: Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)

Population optimization algorithms: Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)

This time I will analyze the Ant Colony optimization algorithm. The algorithm is very interesting and complex. In the article, I make an attempt to create a new type of ACO.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 03): Adjusting the settings (I)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 03): Adjusting the settings (I)

Let's start by clarifying the current situation, because we didn't start in the best way. If we don't do it now, we'll be in trouble soon.
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Canvas based indicators: Filling channels with transparency

Canvas based indicators: Filling channels with transparency

In this article I'll introduce a method for creating custom indicators whose drawings are made using the class CCanvas from standard library and see charts properties for coordinates conversion. I'll approach specially indicators which need to fill the area between two lines using transparency.
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Brute force approach to patterns search (Part VI): Cyclic optimization

Brute force approach to patterns search (Part VI): Cyclic optimization

In this article I will show the first part of the improvements that allowed me not only to close the entire automation chain for MetaTrader 4 and 5 trading, but also to do something much more interesting. From now on, this solution allows me to fully automate both creating EAs and optimization, as well as to minimize labor costs for finding effective trading configurations.
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Getting Started with MQL5 Algo Forge

Getting Started with MQL5 Algo Forge

We are introducing MQL5 Algo Forge — a dedicated portal for algorithmic trading developers. It combines the power of Git with an intuitive interface for managing and organizing projects within the MQL5 ecosystem. Here, you can follow interesting authors, form teams, and collaborate on algorithmic trading projects.
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Multibot in MetaTrader (Part II): Improved dynamic template

Multibot in MetaTrader (Part II): Improved dynamic template

Developing the theme of the previous article, I decided to create a more flexible and functional template that has greater capabilities and can be effectively used both in freelancing and as a base for developing multi-currency and multi-period EAs with the ability to integrate with external solutions.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 55): Indicator collection class

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 55): Indicator collection class

The article continues developing indicator object classes and their collections. For each indicator object create its description and correct collection class for error-free storage and getting indicator objects from the collection list.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 68): Chart window object class and indicator object classes in the chart window
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 68): Chart window object class and indicator object classes in the chart window

Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 68): Chart window object class and indicator object classes in the chart window

In this article, I will continue the development of the chart object class. I will add the list of chart window objects featuring the lists of available indicators.
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From Novice to Expert: Programming Candlesticks

From Novice to Expert: Programming Candlesticks

In this article, we take the first step in MQL5 programming, even for complete beginners. We'll show you how to transform familiar candlestick patterns into a fully functional custom indicator. Candlestick patterns are valuable as they reflect real price action and signal market shifts. Instead of manually scanning charts—an approach prone to errors and inefficiencies—we'll discuss how to automate the process with an indicator that identifies and labels patterns for you. Along the way, we’ll explore key concepts like indexing, time series, Average True Range (for accuracy in varying market volatility), and the development of a custom reusable Candlestick Pattern library for use in future projects.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 19): Deep Dive Into Moving Average Crossovers

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 19): Deep Dive Into Moving Average Crossovers

This article revisits the classic moving average crossover strategy and examines why it often fails in noisy, fast-moving markets. It presents five alternative filtering methods designed to strengthen signal quality and remove weak or unprofitable trades. The discussion highlights how statistical models can learn and correct the errors that human intuition and traditional rules miss. Readers leave with a clearer understanding of how to modernize an outdated strategy and of the pitfalls of relying solely on metrics like RMSE in financial modeling.