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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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 1): Developing A Positions Management EX5 Library

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 1): Developing A Positions Management EX5 Library

Learn how to create a developer's toolkit for managing various position operations with MQL5. In this article, I will demonstrate how to create a library of functions (ex5) that will perform simple to advanced position management operations, including automatic handling and reporting of the different errors that arise when dealing with position management tasks with MQL5.
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From Basic to Intermediate: SWITCH Statement

From Basic to Intermediate: SWITCH Statement

In this article, we will learn how to use the SWITCH statement in its simplest and most basic form. 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 a Calendar-Based News Event Breakout Expert Advisor in MQL5

Developing a Calendar-Based News Event Breakout Expert Advisor in MQL5

Volatility tends to peak around high-impact news events, creating significant breakout opportunities. In this article, we will outline the implementation process of a calendar-based breakout strategy. We'll cover everything from creating a class to interpret and store calendar data, developing realistic backtests using this data, and finally, implementing execution code for live trading.
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Population optimization algorithms: Binary Genetic Algorithm (BGA). Part II

Population optimization algorithms: Binary Genetic Algorithm (BGA). Part II

In this article, we will look at the binary genetic algorithm (BGA), which models the natural processes that occur in the genetic material of living things in nature.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 9): Double Moving Average Crossover

Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 9): Double Moving Average Crossover

This article outlines the design of a double moving average crossover strategy that uses signals from a higher timeframe (D1) to guide entries on a lower timeframe (M15), with stop-loss levels calculated from an intermediate risk timeframe (H4). It introduces system constants, custom enumerations, and logic for trend-following and mean-reverting modes, while emphasizing modularity and future optimization using a genetic algorithm. The approach allows for flexible entry and exit conditions, aiming to reduce signal lag and improve trade timing by aligning lower-timeframe entries with higher-timeframe trends.
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Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part IX): Code Organization (IV): Trade Management Panel class

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part IX): Code Organization (IV): Trade Management Panel class

This discussion covers the updated TradeManagementPanel in our New_Admin_Panel EA. The update enhances the panel by using built-in classes to offer a user-friendly trade management interface. It includes trading buttons for opening positions and controls for managing existing trades and pending orders. A key feature is the integrated risk management that allows setting stop loss and take profit values directly in the interface. This update improves code organization for large programs and simplifies access to order management tools, which are often complex in the terminal.
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Day Trading Larry Connors RSI2 Mean-Reversion Strategies

Day Trading Larry Connors RSI2 Mean-Reversion Strategies

Larry Connors is a renowned trader and author, best known for his work in quantitative trading and strategies like the 2-period RSI (RSI2), which helps identify short-term overbought and oversold market conditions. In this article, we’ll first explain the motivation behind our research, then recreate three of Connors’ most famous strategies in MQL5 and apply them to intraday trading of the S&P 500 index CFD.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 31): Scrolling the contents of the ScrollBar control

DoEasy. Controls (Part 31): Scrolling the contents of the ScrollBar control

In this article, I will implement the functionality of scrolling the contents of the container using the buttons of the horizontal scrollbar.
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Pattern Recognition Using Dynamic Time Warping in MQL5

Pattern Recognition Using Dynamic Time Warping in MQL5

In this article, we discuss the concept of dynamic time warping as a means of identifying predictive patterns in financial time series. We will look into how it works as well as present its implementation in pure MQL5.
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Combine Fundamental And Technical Analysis Strategies in MQL5 For Beginners

Combine Fundamental And Technical Analysis Strategies in MQL5 For Beginners

In this article, we will discuss how to integrate trend following and fundamental principles seamlessly into one Expert Advisors to build a strategy that is more robust. This article will demonstrate how easy it is for anyone to get up and running building customized trading algorithms using MQL5.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 74): New Chart Trade (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 74): New Chart Trade (I)

In this article, we will modify the last code shown in this series about Chart Trade. These changes are necessary to adapt the code to the current replay/simulation system model. 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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Data label for time series mining (Part 4):Interpretability Decomposition Using Label Data

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!
Superposition and Interference of Financial Securities
Superposition and Interference of Financial Securities

Superposition and Interference of Financial Securities

The more factors influence the behavior of a currency pair, the more difficult it is to evaluate its behavior and make up future forecasts. Therefore, if we managed to extract components of a currency pair, values of a national currency that change with the time, we could considerably delimit the freedom of national currency movement as compared to the currency pair with this currency, as well as the number of factors influencing its behavior. As a result we would increase the accuracy of its behavior estimation and future forecasting. How can we do that?
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Developing a Replay System (Part 37): Paving the Path (I)

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.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (II)

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (II)

The number of strategies that can be integrated into an Expert Advisor is virtually limitless. However, each additional strategy increases the complexity of the algorithm. By incorporating multiple strategies, an Expert Advisor can better adapt to varying market conditions, potentially enhancing its profitability. Today, we will explore how to implement MQL5 for one of the prominent strategies developed by Richard Donchian, as we continue to enhance the functionality of our Trend Constraint Expert.
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Alternative risk return metrics in MQL5

Alternative risk return metrics in MQL5

In this article we present the implementation of several risk return metrics billed as alternatives to the Sharpe ratio and examine hypothetical equity curves to analyze their characteristics.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 51): Things Get Complicated (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 51): Things Get Complicated (III)

In this article, we will look into one of the most difficult issues in the field of MQL5 programming: how to correctly obtain a chart ID, and why objects are sometimes not plotted on the chart. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 10): Monoid Groups

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 10): Monoid Groups

This article continues the series on category theory implementation in MQL5. Here we look at monoid-groups as a means normalising monoid sets making them more comparable across a wider span of monoid sets and data types..
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Developing a Replay System (Part 42): Chart Trade Project (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 42): Chart Trade Project (I)

Let's create something more interesting. I don't want to spoil the surprise, so follow the article for a better understanding. From the very beginning of this series on developing the replay/simulator system, I was saying that the idea is to use the MetaTrader 5 platform in the same way both in the system we are developing and in the real market. It is important that this is done properly. No one wants to train and learn to fight using one tool while having to use another one during the fight.
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Population optimization algorithms: Mind Evolutionary Computation (MEC) algorithm

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.
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DoEasy. Service functions (Part 1): Price patterns

DoEasy. Service functions (Part 1): Price patterns

In this article, we will start developing methods for searching for price patterns using timeseries data. A pattern has a certain set of parameters, common to any type of patterns. All data of this kind will be concentrated in the object class of the base abstract pattern. In the current article, we will create an abstract pattern class and a Pin Bar pattern class.
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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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DoEasy. Controls (Part 11): WinForms objects — groups, CheckedListBox WinForms object

DoEasy. Controls (Part 11): WinForms objects — groups, CheckedListBox WinForms object

The article considers grouping WinForms objects and creation of the CheckBox objects list object.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Variables (III)

From Basic to Intermediate: Variables (III)

Today we will look at how to use predefined MQL5 language variables and constants. In addition, we will analyze another special type of variables: functions. Knowing how to properly work with these variables can mean the difference between an application that works and one that doesn't. In order to understand what is presented here, it is necessary to understand the material that was discussed in previous articles.
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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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Example of CNA (Causality Network Analysis), SMOC (Stochastic Model Optimal Control) and Nash Game Theory with Deep Learning

Example of CNA (Causality Network Analysis), SMOC (Stochastic Model Optimal Control) and Nash Game Theory with Deep Learning

We will add Deep Learning to those three examples that were published in previous articles and compare results with previous. The aim is to learn how to add DL to other EA.
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Population optimization algorithms: Differential Evolution (DE)

Population optimization algorithms: Differential Evolution (DE)

In this article, we will consider the algorithm that demonstrates the most controversial results of all those discussed previously - the differential evolution (DE) algorithm.
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Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 3): Training Your Own LLM with CPU

Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 3): Training Your Own LLM with CPU

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.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 54): The Birth of the First Module

Developing a Replay System (Part 54): The Birth of the First Module

In this article, we will look at how to put together the first of a number of truly functional modules for use in the replay/simulator system that will also be of general purpose to serve other purposes. We are talking about the mouse module.
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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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From Basic to Intermediate: Operators

From Basic to Intermediate: Operators

In this article we will look at the main operators. Although the topic is simple to understand, there are certain points that are of great importance when it comes to including mathematical expressions in the code format. Without an adequate understanding of these details, programmers with little or no experience eventually give up trying to create their own solutions.
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Custom Indicator: Plotting Partial Entry, Exit and Reversal Deals for Netting Accounts

Custom Indicator: Plotting Partial Entry, Exit and Reversal Deals for Netting Accounts

In this article, we will look at a non-standard way of creating an indicator in MQL5. Instead of focusing on a trend or chart pattern, our goal will be to manage our own positions, including partial entries and exits. We will make extensive use of dynamic matrices and some trading functions related to trade history and open positions to indicate on the chart where these trades were made.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 4): Spans, Experiments, and Compositions

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 4): Spans, Experiments, and Compositions

Category Theory is a diverse and expanding branch of Mathematics which as of yet is relatively uncovered in the MQL5 community. These series of articles look to introduce and examine some of its concepts with the overall goal of establishing an open library that provides insight while hopefully furthering the use of this remarkable field in Traders' strategy development.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Variables (I)

From Basic to Intermediate: Variables (I)

Many beginning programmers have a hard time understanding why their code doesn't work as they expect. There are many things that make code truly functional. It's not just a bunch of different functions and operations that make the code work. Today I invite you to learn how to properly create real code, rather than copy and paste fragments of it. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies in MQL5 (Part III): FTSE 100 Forecasting

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.
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Gain An Edge Over Any Market (Part IV): CBOE Euro And Gold Volatility Indexes

Gain An Edge Over Any Market (Part IV): CBOE Euro And Gold Volatility Indexes

We will analyze alternative data curated by the Chicago Board Of Options Exchange (CBOE) to improve the accuracy of our deep neural networks when forecasting the XAUEUR symbol.
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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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Indicator of historical positions on the chart as their profit/loss diagram

Indicator of historical positions on the chart as their profit/loss diagram

In this article, I will consider the option of obtaining information about closed positions based on their trading history. Besides, I will create a simple indicator that displays the approximate profit/loss of positions on each bar as a diagram.
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Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part I): NASDAQ Integrated Circuit Makers

Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part I): NASDAQ Integrated Circuit Makers

Join us as we discuss how you can use AI to optimize your position sizing and order quantities to maximize the returns of your portfolio. We will showcase how to algorithmically identify an optimal portfolio and tailor your portfolio to your returns expectations or risk tolerance levels. In this discussion, we will use the SciPy library and the MQL5 language to create an optimal and diversified portfolio using all the data we have.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 15): Introducing Quarters Theory (I) — Quarters Drawer Script

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 15): Introducing Quarters Theory (I) — Quarters Drawer Script

Points of support and resistance are critical levels that signal potential trend reversals and continuations. Although identifying these levels can be challenging, once you pinpoint them, you’re well-prepared to navigate the market. For further assistance, check out the Quarters Drawer tool featured in this article, it will help you identify both primary and minor support and resistance levels.