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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DoEasy. Controls (Part 4): Panel control, Padding and Dock parameters

DoEasy. Controls (Part 4): Panel control, Padding and Dock parameters

In this article, I will implement handling Padding (internal indents/margin on all sides of an element) and Dock parameters (the way an object is located inside its container).
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 7): Text label control

DoEasy. Controls (Part 7): Text label control

In the current article, I will create the class of the WinForms text label control object. Such an object will have the ability to position its container anywhere, while its own functionality will repeat the functionality of the MS Visual Studio text label. We will be able to set font parameters for a displayed text.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 8): Base WinForms objects by categories, GroupBox and CheckBox controls

DoEasy. Controls (Part 8): Base WinForms objects by categories, GroupBox and CheckBox controls

The article considers creation of 'GroupBox' and 'CheckBox' WinForms objects, as well as the development of base objects for WinForms object categories. All created objects are still static, i.e. they are unable to interact with the mouse.
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Filtering and feature extraction in the frequency domain

Filtering and feature extraction in the frequency domain

In this article we explore the application of digital filters on time series represented in the frequency domain so as to extract unique features that may be useful to prediction models.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 20): SplitContainer WinForms object

DoEasy. Controls (Part 20): SplitContainer WinForms object

In the current article, I will start developing the SplitContainer control from the MS Visual Studio toolkit. This control consists of two panels separated by a vertical or horizontal movable separator.
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Ready-made templates for including indicators to Expert Advisors (Part 1): Oscillators

Ready-made templates for including indicators to Expert Advisors (Part 1): Oscillators

The article considers standard indicators from the oscillator category. We will create ready-to-use templates for their use in EAs - declaring and setting parameters, indicator initialization and deinitialization, as well as receiving data and signals from indicator buffers in EAs.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Let's continue creating the system and controls. Without the ability to control the service, it is difficult to move forward and improve the system.
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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.
The Statistic Analysis of Market Movements and Their Prognoses
The Statistic Analysis of Market Movements and Their Prognoses

The Statistic Analysis of Market Movements and Their Prognoses

The present article contemplates the wide opportunities of the statistic approach to marketing. Unfortunately, beginner traders deliberately fail to apply the really mighty science of statistics. Meanwhile, it is the only thing they use subconsciously while analyzing the market. Besides, statistics can give answers to many questions.
Three-Dimensional Graphs - a Professional Tool of Market Analyzing
Three-Dimensional Graphs - a Professional Tool of Market Analyzing

Three-Dimensional Graphs - a Professional Tool of Market Analyzing

In this article we will write a simple library for the construction of 3D graphs and their further viewing in Microsoft Excel. We will use standard MQL4 options to prepare and export data into *.csv file.
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Population optimization algorithms: Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO)

Population optimization algorithms: Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO)

The amazing ability of weeds to survive in a wide variety of conditions has become the idea for a powerful optimization algorithm. IWO is one of the best algorithms among the previously reviewed ones.
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Frequency domain representations of time series: The Power Spectrum

Frequency domain representations of time series: The Power Spectrum

In this article we discuss methods related to the analysis of timeseries in the frequency domain. Emphasizing the utility of examining the power spectra of time series when building predictive models. In this article we will discuss some of the useful perspectives to be gained by analyzing time series in the frequency domain using the discrete fourier transform (dft).
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Introduction to Connexus (Part 1): How to Use the WebRequest Function?

Introduction to Connexus (Part 1): How to Use the WebRequest Function?

This article is the beginning of a series of developments for a library called “Connexus” to facilitate HTTP requests with MQL5. The goal of this project is to provide the end user with this opportunity and show how to use this helper library. I intended to make it as simple as possible to facilitate study and to provide the possibility for future developments.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 84): Descendant classes of the abstract standard graphical object
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 84): Descendant classes of the abstract standard graphical object

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 84): Descendant classes of the abstract standard graphical object

In this article, I will consider creation of descendant objects for the terminal abstract standard graphical object. The class object describes the properties that are common for all graphical objects. So, it is simply some kind of a graphical object. To clarify its affiliation with a real graphical object, we need to set the properties inherent in this particular graphical object in the descendant object class.
Tricolor Indicators and Some Opportunities for Maximal Simplification of Writing Indicators
Tricolor Indicators and Some Opportunities for Maximal Simplification of Writing Indicators

Tricolor Indicators and Some Opportunities for Maximal Simplification of Writing Indicators

In this article the author dwells on some means of increasing indicators' informational value for visual trading. The author analyzes the realization of tricolor indicators, indicators, for building which data from other timeframes is used, and continues to dwell on the library of indicators, described in the article "Effective Averaging Algorithms with Minimal Lag: Use in Indicators"
Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: File Library in MetaEditor
Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: File Library in MetaEditor

Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: File Library in MetaEditor

When creating custom programs, code editor is of great importance. The more functions are available in the editor, the faster and more convenient is creation of the program. Many programs are created on basis of an already existing code. Do you use an indicator or a script that does not fully suit your purposes? Download the code of this program from our website and customize it for yourselves.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 6): Stop Out Prevention

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 6): Stop Out Prevention

Join us in our discussion today as we look for an algorithmic procedure to minimize the total number of times we get stopped out of winning trades. The problem we faced is significantly challenging, and most solutions given in community discussions lack set and fixed rules. Our algorithmic approach to solving the problem increased the profitability of our trades and reduced our average loss per trade. However, there are further advancements to be made to completely filter out all trades that will be stopped out, our solution is a good first step for anyone to try.
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Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)

Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)

The article presents a detailed description of the shuffled frog-leaping (SFL) algorithm and its capabilities in solving optimization problems. The SFL algorithm is inspired by the behavior of frogs in their natural environment and offers a new approach to function optimization. The SFL algorithm is an efficient and flexible tool capable of processing a variety of data types and achieving optimal solutions.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors With MQL5 And Python

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors With MQL5 And Python

In this article, we will discuss how we can build Expert Advisors capable of autonomously selecting and changing trading strategies based on prevailing market conditions. We will learn about Markov Chains and how they can be helpful to us as algorithmic traders.
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Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)

Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)

The article describes the principles, methods and possibilities of using the Electromagnetic Algorithm in various optimization problems. The EM algorithm is an efficient optimization tool capable of working with large amounts of data and multidimensional functions.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history

In the article, I will create the class of the standard graphical object memory allowing the object to save its states when its properties are modified. In turn, this allows retracting to the previous graphical object states.
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How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 7): ZigZag with Awesome Oscillator Indicators Signal

How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 7): ZigZag with Awesome Oscillator Indicators Signal

The multi-currency expert advisor in this article is an expert advisor or automated trading that uses ZigZag indicator which are filtered with the Awesome Oscillator or filter each other's signals.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 19): ZigZag Analyzer

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 19): ZigZag Analyzer

Every price action trader manually uses trendlines to confirm trends and spot potential turning or continuation levels. In this series on developing a price action analysis toolkit, we introduce a tool focused on drawing slanted trendlines for easy market analysis. This tool simplifies the process for traders by clearly outlining key trends and levels essential for effective price action evaluation.
A Non-Trading EA Testing Indicators
A Non-Trading EA Testing Indicators

A Non-Trading EA Testing Indicators

All indicators can be divided into two groups: static indicators, the displaying of which, once shown, always remains the same in history and does not change with new incoming quotes, and dynamic indicators that display their status for the current moment only and are fully redrawn when a new price comes. The efficiency of a static indicator is directly visible on the chart. But how can we check whether a dynamic indicator works ok? This is the question the article is devoted to.
Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com
Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com

Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com

Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

In the article, complete development of objects of multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators. Using Ichimoku Kinko Hyo standard indicator example, analyze creation of compound custom indicators which have auxiliary drawn buffers for displaying data on the chart.
A Trader's Assistant Based on Extended MACD Analysis
A Trader's Assistant Based on Extended MACD Analysis

A Trader's Assistant Based on Extended MACD Analysis

Script 'Trader's Assistant' helps you to make a decision on opening positions, based on the extended analysis of the MACD status for the last three bars in the real-time trading on any timeframe. It can also be used for back testing.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)

Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)

In this article, we'll cover an important topic that few people understand: Custom Events. Dangers. Advantages and disadvantages of these elements. This topic is key for those who want to become a professional programmer in MQL5 or any other language. Here we will focus on MQL5 and MetaTrader 5.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling

DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling

In the article, we will complete the development of the horizontal scrollbar object functionality. We will also make it possible to scroll the contents of the container by moving the scrollbar slider and rotating the mouse wheel, as well as make additions to the library, taking into account the new order execution policy and new runtime error codes in MQL5.
Considering Orders in a Large Program
Considering Orders in a Large Program

Considering Orders in a Large Program

General principles of considering orders in a large and complex program are discussed.
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Measuring Indicator Information

Measuring Indicator Information

Machine learning has become a popular method for strategy development. Whilst there has been more emphasis on maximizing profitability and prediction accuracy , the importance of processing the data used to build predictive models has not received a lot of attention. In this article we consider using the concept of entropy to evaluate the appropriateness of indicators to be used in predictive model building as documented in the book Testing and Tuning Market Trading Systems by Timothy Masters.
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Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (III)

Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (III)

Welcome to the third installment of our trend series! Today, we’ll delve into the use of divergence as a strategy for identifying optimal entry points within the prevailing daily trend. We’ll also introduce a custom profit-locking mechanism, similar to a trailing stop-loss, but with unique enhancements. In addition, we’ll upgrade the Trend Constraint Expert to a more advanced version, incorporating a new trade execution condition to complement the existing ones. As we move forward, we’ll continue to explore the practical application of MQL5 in algorithmic development, providing you with more in-depth insights and actionable techniques.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5  (Part 3): Dynamic Trend Following and Mean Reversion Strategies

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 3): Dynamic Trend Following and Mean Reversion Strategies

Financial markets are typically classified as either in a range mode or a trending mode. This static view of the market may make it easier for us to trade in the short run. However, it is disconnected from the reality of the market. In this article, we look to better understand how exactly financial markets move between these 2 possible modes and how we can use our new understanding of market behavior to gain confidence in our algorithmic trading strategies.
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Сode Lock Algorithm (CLA)

Сode Lock Algorithm (CLA)

In this article, we will rethink code locks, transforming them from security mechanisms into tools for solving complex optimization problems. Discover the world of code locks viewed not as simple security devices, but as inspiration for a new approach to optimization. We will create a whole population of "locks", where each lock represents a unique solution to the problem. We will then develop an algorithm that will "pick" these locks and find optimal solutions in a variety of areas, from machine learning to trading systems development.
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From Novice to Expert: Support and Resistance Strength Indicator (SRSI)

From Novice to Expert: Support and Resistance Strength Indicator (SRSI)

In this article, we will share insights on how to leverage MQL5 programming to pinpoint market levels—differentiating between weaker and strongest price levels. We will fully develop a working, Support and Resistance Strength Indicator (SRSI).
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Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 2): MQL5 functions for HTTP interaction with the tic-tac-toe game REST API

Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 2): MQL5 functions for HTTP interaction with the tic-tac-toe game REST API

In this article we will talk about how MQL5 can interact with Python and FastAPI, using HTTP calls in MQL5 to interact with the tic-tac-toe game in Python. The article discusses the creation of an API using FastAPI for this integration and provides a test script in MQL5, highlighting the versatility of MQL5, the simplicity of Python, and the effectiveness of FastAPI in connecting different technologies to create innovative solutions.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 27): Towards the future (II)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 27): Towards the future (II)

Let's move on to a more complete order system directly on the chart. In this article, I will show a way to fix the order system, or rather, to make it more intuitive.
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Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 99): Moving an extended graphical object using a single control point

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 99): Moving an extended graphical object using a single control point

In the previous article, I implemented the ability to move pivot points of an extended graphical object using control forms. Now I am going to implement the ability to move a composite graphical object using a single graphical object control point (form).
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Risk manager for manual trading

Risk manager for manual trading

In this article we will discuss in detail how to write a risk manager class for manual trading from scratch. This class can also be used as a base class for inheritance by algorithmic traders who use automated programs.
Two-Stage Modification of Opened Positions
Two-Stage Modification of Opened Positions

Two-Stage Modification of Opened Positions

The two-stage approach allows you to avoid the unnecessary closing and re-opening of positions in situations close to the trend and in cases of possible occurrence of divirgence.