Articles with MQL5 programming examples

icon

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.

Add a new article
latest | best
preview
Turtle Shell Evolution Algorithm (TSEA)

Turtle Shell Evolution Algorithm (TSEA)

This is a unique optimization algorithm inspired by the evolution of the turtle shell. The TSEA algorithm emulates the gradual formation of keratinized skin areas, which represent optimal solutions to a problem. The best solutions become "harder" and are located closer to the outer surface, while the less successful solutions remain "softer" and are located inside. The algorithm uses clustering of solutions by quality and distance, allowing to preserve less successful options and providing flexibility and adaptability.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 21): SplitContainer control. Panel separator

DoEasy. Controls (Part 21): SplitContainer control. Panel separator

In this article, I will create the class of an auxiliary panel separator object for the SplitContainer control.
preview
Functions for activating neurons during training: The key to fast convergence?

Functions for activating neurons during training: The key to fast convergence?

This article presents a study of the interaction of different activation functions with optimization algorithms in the context of neural network training. Particular attention is paid to the comparison of the classical ADAM and its population version when working with a wide range of activation functions, including the oscillating ACON and Snake functions. Using a minimalistic MLP (1-1-1) architecture and a single training example, the influence of activation functions on the optimization is isolated from other factors. The article proposes an approach to manage network weights through the boundaries of activation functions and a weight reflection mechanism, which allows avoiding problems with saturation and stagnation in training.
preview
From Basic to Intermediate: Template and Typename (I)

From Basic to Intermediate: Template and Typename (I)

In this article, we start considering one of the concepts that many beginners avoid. This is related to the fact that templates are not an easy topic, as many do not understand the basic principle underlying the template: overload of functions and procedures.
preview
How to publish code to CodeBase: A practical guide

How to publish code to CodeBase: A practical guide

In this article, we will use real-life examples to illustrate posting various types of terminal programs in the MQL5 source code base.
preview
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.
preview
Black Hole Algorithm (BHA)

Black Hole Algorithm (BHA)

The Black Hole Algorithm (BHA) uses the principles of black hole gravity to optimize solutions. In this article, we will look at how BHA attracts the best solutions while avoiding local extremes, and why this algorithm has become a powerful tool for solving complex problems. Learn how simple ideas can lead to impressive results in the world of optimization.
preview
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.
preview
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.
preview
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.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 12): Base list object, ListBox and ButtonListBox WinForms objects

DoEasy. Controls (Part 12): Base list object, ListBox and ButtonListBox WinForms objects

In this article, I am going to create the base object of WinForms object lists, as well as the two new objects: ListBox and ButtonListBox.
preview
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.
preview
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part V): Multiple Symbol Analysis on USDZAR

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part V): Multiple Symbol Analysis on USDZAR

In this series of articles, we revisit classical strategies to see if we can improve the strategy using AI. In today's article, we will examine a popular strategy of multiple symbol analysis using a basket of correlated securities, we will focus on the exotic USDZAR currency pair.
preview
Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA)

Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA)

The article presents an artificial electric field algorithm (AEFA) inspired by Coulomb's law of electrostatic force. The algorithm simulates electrical phenomena to solve complex optimization problems using charged particles and their interactions. AEFA exhibits unique properties in the context of other algorithms related to laws of nature.
preview
Market Simulation (Part 14): Sockets (VIII)

Market Simulation (Part 14): Sockets (VIII)

Many programmers might assume we should abandon using Excel and move directly to Python, using some packages that allow Python to generate an Excel file for later analysis of results. However, as mentioned in the previous article, although this solution is the simplest for many programmers, it will not be accepted by some users. And in this particular case, the user is always right. As programmers, we must find a way to make everything work.
preview
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 16): Principal Component Analysis with Eigen Vectors

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 16): Principal Component Analysis with Eigen Vectors

Principal Component Analysis, a dimensionality reducing technique in data analysis, is looked at in this article, with how it could be implemented with Eigen values and vectors. As always, we aim to develop a prototype expert-signal-class usable in the MQL5 wizard.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 34): Turning Raw Market Data into Predictive Models Using an Advanced Ingestion Pipeline

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 34): Turning Raw Market Data into Predictive Models Using an Advanced Ingestion Pipeline

Have you ever missed a sudden market spike or been caught off‑guard when one occurred? The best way to anticipate live events is to learn from historical patterns. Intending to train an ML model, this article begins by showing you how to create a script in MetaTrader 5 that ingests historical data and sends it to Python for storage—laying the foundation for your spike‑detection system. Read on to see each step in action.
preview
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 11): Birth of the SIMULATOR (I)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 11): Birth of the SIMULATOR (I)

In order to use the data that forms the bars, we must abandon replay and start developing a simulator. We will use 1 minute bars because they offer the least amount of difficulty.
preview
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part II): Enhancing Responsiveness and Quick Messaging

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part II): Enhancing Responsiveness and Quick Messaging

In this article, we will enhance the responsiveness of the Admin Panel that we previously created. Additionally, we will explore the significance of quick messaging in the context of trading signals.
preview
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.
preview
Websockets for MetaTrader 5: Asynchronous client connections with the Windows API

Websockets for MetaTrader 5: Asynchronous client connections with the Windows API

This article details the development of a custom dynamically linked library designed to facilitate asynchronous websocket client connections for MetaTrader programs.
preview
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.
preview
Data label for time series mining (Part 6):Apply and Test in EA Using ONNX

Data label for time series mining (Part 6):Apply and Test in EA Using ONNX

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!
preview
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 09): Custom events

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 09): Custom events

Here we'll see how custom events are triggered and how the indicator reports the state of the replay/simulation service.
preview
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part VI):Trade Management Panel (II)

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part VI):Trade Management Panel (II)

In this article, we enhance the Trade Management Panel of our multi-functional Admin Panel. We introduce a powerful helper function that simplifies the code, improving readability, maintainability, and efficiency. We will also demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate additional buttons and enhance the interface to handle a wider range of trading tasks. Whether managing positions, adjusting orders, or simplifying user interactions, this guide will help you develop a robust, user-friendly Trade Management Panel.
preview
From Novice to Expert: Revealing the Candlestick Shadows (Wicks)

From Novice to Expert: Revealing the Candlestick Shadows (Wicks)

In this discussion, we take a step forward to uncover the underlying price action hidden within candlestick wicks. By integrating a wick visualization feature into the Market Periods Synchronizer, we enhance the tool with greater analytical depth and interactivity. This upgraded system allows traders to visualize higher-timeframe price rejections directly on lower-timeframe charts, revealing detailed structures that were once concealed within the shadows.
preview
Population ADAM (Adaptive Moment Estimation)

Population ADAM (Adaptive Moment Estimation)

The article presents the transformation of the well-known and popular ADAM gradient optimization method into a population algorithm and its modification with the introduction of hybrid individuals. The new approach allows creating agents that combine elements of successful decisions using probability distribution. The key innovation is the formation of hybrid population individuals that adaptively accumulate information from the most promising solutions, increasing the efficiency of search in complex multidimensional spaces.
preview
Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 16): Supervised Linear System Identification

Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 16): Supervised Linear System Identification

Linear system identifcation may be coupled to learn to correct the error in a supervised learning algorithm. This allows us to build applications that depend on statistical modelling techniques without necessarily inheriting the fragility of the model's restrictive assumptions. Classical supervised learning algorithms have many needs that may be supplemented by pairing these models with a feedback controller that can correct the model to keep up with current market conditions.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 10): Using only real data for Replay
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 10): Using only real data for Replay

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 10): Using only real data for Replay

Here we will look at how we can use more reliable data (traded ticks) in the replay system without worrying about whether it is adjusted or not.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 19): Scrolling tabs in TabControl, WinForms object events

DoEasy. Controls (Part 19): Scrolling tabs in TabControl, WinForms object events

In this article, I will create the functionality for scrolling tab headers in TabControl using scrolling buttons. The functionality is meant to place tab headers into a single line from either side of the control.
preview
From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (III) — Indicator Insights

From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (III) — Indicator Insights

In this article, we’ll advance the News Headline EA by introducing a dedicated indicator insights lane—a compact, on-chart display of key technical signals generated from popular indicators such as RSI, MACD, Stochastic, and CCI. This approach eliminates the need for multiple indicator subwindows on the MetaTrader 5 terminal, keeping your workspace clean and efficient. By leveraging the MQL5 API to access indicator data in the background, we can process and visualize market insights in real-time using custom logic. Join us as we explore how to manipulate indicator data in MQL5 to create an intelligent and space-saving scrolling insights system, all within a single horizontal lane on your trading chart.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 37): Sentiment Tilt Meter

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 37): Sentiment Tilt Meter

Market sentiment is one of the most overlooked yet powerful forces influencing price movement. While most traders rely on lagging indicators or guesswork, the Sentiment Tilt Meter (STM) EA transforms raw market data into clear, visual guidance, showing whether the market is leaning bullish, bearish, or staying neutral in real-time. This makes it easier to confirm trades, avoid false entries, and time market participation more effectively.
preview
Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) algorithm

Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) algorithm

The article considers the Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) algorithm, which uses the concepts of the atomic orbital model to simulate the search for solutions. The algorithm is based on probability distributions and the dynamics of interactions in the atom. The article discusses in detail the mathematical aspects of AOS, including updating the positions of candidate solutions and the mechanisms of energy absorption and release. AOS opens new horizons for applying quantum principles to computing problems by offering an innovative approach to optimization.
Technical Analysis: Make the Impossible Possible!
Technical Analysis: Make the Impossible Possible!

Technical Analysis: Make the Impossible Possible!

The article answers the question: Why can the impossible become possible where much suggests otherwise? Technical analysis reasoning.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 76): New Chart Trade (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 76): New Chart Trade (III)

In this article, we'll look at how the code of DispatchMessage, missing from the previous article, works. We will laso introduce the topic of the next article. For this reason, it is important to understand how this code works before moving on to the next topic. 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.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 59): Using Geometric Asymmetry to Identify Precision Breakouts from Fractal Consolidation

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 59): Using Geometric Asymmetry to Identify Precision Breakouts from Fractal Consolidation

While studying a wide range of breakout setups, I noticed that failed breakouts were rarely caused by a lack of volatility, but more often by weak internal structure. That observation led to the framework presented in this article. The approach identifies patterns where the final price leg shows superior length, steepness, and speed—clear signs of momentum accumulation ahead of directional expansion. By detecting these subtle geometric imbalances within consolidation, traders can anticipate higher-probability breakouts before price exits the range. Continue reading to see how this fractal-based, geometric framework translates structural imbalance into precise breakout signals.
preview
DoEasy. Service functions (Part 3): Outside Bar pattern

DoEasy. Service functions (Part 3): Outside Bar pattern

In this article, we will develop the Outside Bar Price Action pattern in the DoEasy library and optimize the methods of access to price pattern management. In addition, we will fix errors and shortcomings identified during library tests.
preview
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 08): Locking the indicator

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 08): Locking the indicator

In this article, we will look at how to lock the indicator while simply using the MQL5 language, and we will do it in a very interesting and amazing way.
preview
Matrix Factorization: A more practical modeling

Matrix Factorization: A more practical modeling

You might not have noticed that the matrix modeling was a little strange, since only columns were specified, not rows and columns. This looks very strange when reading the code that performs matrix factorizations. If you were expecting to see the rows and columns listed, you might get confused when trying to factorize. Moreover, this matrix modeling method is not the best. This is because when we model matrices in this way, we encounter some limitations that force us to use other methods or functions that would not be necessary if the modeling were done in a more appropriate way.
preview
Risk Management (Part 5): Integrating the Risk Management System into an Expert Advisor

Risk Management (Part 5): Integrating the Risk Management System into an Expert Advisor

In this article, we will implement the risk management system developed in previous publications and add the Order Blocks indicator described in other articles. In addition, we will run a backtest so we can compare results with the risk management system enabled and evaluate the impact of dynamic risk.