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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Population optimization algorithms: Simulated Isotropic Annealing (SIA) algorithm. Part II

Population optimization algorithms: Simulated Isotropic Annealing (SIA) algorithm. Part II

The first part was devoted to the well-known and popular algorithm - simulated annealing. We have thoroughly considered its pros and cons. The second part of the article is devoted to the radical transformation of the algorithm, which turns it into a new optimization algorithm - Simulated Isotropic Annealing (SIA).
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Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 5): Account-Level Risk Enforcement in MQL5

Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 5): Account-Level Risk Enforcement in MQL5

We introduce an MQL5 discipline engine that enforces risk consistently at the account level. It continuously scans positions from any source, validates SL/TP, equity-based exposure, and target R:R, and automatically corrects deviations by setting levels or adjusting volume. The result is uniform risk structure across manual and EA trades, supported by on-chart feedback and mode-based control.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 66): Playing the service (VII)

Developing a Replay System (Part 66): Playing the service (VII)

In this article, we will implement the first solution that will allow us to determine when a new bar may appear on the chart. This solution is applicable in a wide variety of situations. Understanding its development will help you grasp several important aspects. 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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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 13): Taking Our Crossover Strategy to New Dimensions (Part 2)

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 13): Taking Our Crossover Strategy to New Dimensions (Part 2)

Join us in our discussion as we look for additional improvements to make to our moving-average cross over strategy to reduce the lag in our trading strategy to more reliable levels by leveraging our skills in data science. It is a well-studied fact that projecting your data to higher dimensions can at times improve the performance of your machine learning models. We will demonstrate what this practically means for you as a trader, and illustrate how you can weaponize this powerful principle using your MetaTrader 5 Terminal.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 44): Chart Trade Project (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 44): Chart Trade Project (III)

In the previous article I explained how you can manipulate template data for use in OBJ_CHART. In that article, I only outlined the topic without going into details, since in that version the work was done in a very simplified way. This was done to make it easier to explain the content, because despite the apparent simplicity of many things, some of them were not so obvious, and without understanding the simplest and most basic part, you would not be able to truly understand the entire picture.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)

In this article, we'll complicate things a little. Using what was shown in the previous articles, we will start to open up the template file so that the user can use their own template. However, I will be making changes gradually, as I will also be refining the indicator to reduce the load on MetaTrader 5.
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Bivariate Copulae in MQL5 (Part 2): Implementing Archimedean copulae in MQL5

Bivariate Copulae in MQL5 (Part 2): Implementing Archimedean copulae in MQL5

In the second installment of the series, we discuss the properties of bivariate Archimedean copulae and their implementation in MQL5. We also explore applying copulae to the development of a simple pairs trading strategy.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 07): First improvements (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 07): First improvements (II)

In the previous article, we made some fixes and added tests to our replication system to ensure the best possible stability. We also started creating and using a configuration file for this system.
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Matrix Factorization: The Basics

Matrix Factorization: The Basics

Since the goal here is didactic, we will proceed as simply as possible. That is, we will implement only what we need: matrix multiplication. You will see today that this is enough to simulate matrix-scalar multiplication. The most significant difficulty that many people encounter when implementing code using matrix factorization is this: unlike scalar factorization, where in almost all cases the order of the factors does not change the result, this is not the case when using matrices.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 7): Automatic Strategy Selection

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 7): Automatic Strategy Selection

This article demonstrates how to automatically identify potentially profitable trading strategies using MetaTrader 5. White-box solutions, powered by unsupervised matrix factorization, are faster to configure, more interpretable, and provide clear guidance on which strategies to retain. Black-box solutions, while more time-consuming, are better suited for complex market conditions that white-box approaches may not capture. Join us as we discuss how our trading strategies can help us carefully identify profitable strategies under any circumstance.
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Population optimization algorithms: Boids Algorithm

Population optimization algorithms: Boids Algorithm

The article considers Boids algorithm based on unique examples of animal flocking behavior. In turn, the Boids algorithm serves as the basis for the creation of the whole class of algorithms united under the name "Swarm Intelligence".
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Developing a Replay System (Part 72): An Unusual Communication (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 72): An Unusual Communication (I)

What we create today will be difficult to understand. Therefore, in this article I will only talk about the initial stage. Please read this article carefully, it is an important prerequisite before we proceed to the next step. The purpose of this material is purely didactic as we will only study and master the presented concepts, without practical application.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Recursion

From Basic to Intermediate: Recursion

In this article we will look at a very interesting and quite challenging programming concept, although it should be treated with great caution, as its misuse or misunderstanding can turn relatively simple programs into something unnecessarily complex. But when used correctly and adapted perfectly to equally suitable situations, recursion becomes an excellent ally in solving problems that would otherwise be much more laborious and time-consuming. The materials presented here are intended for educational 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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Adaptive Social Behavior Optimization (ASBO): Schwefel, Box-Muller Method

Adaptive Social Behavior Optimization (ASBO): Schwefel, Box-Muller Method

This article provides a fascinating insight into the world of social behavior in living organisms and its influence on the creation of a new mathematical model - ASBO (Adaptive Social Behavior Optimization). We will examine how the principles of leadership, neighborhood, and cooperation observed in living societies inspire the development of innovative optimization algorithms.
All about Automated Trading Championship: Registration
All about Automated Trading Championship: Registration

All about Automated Trading Championship: Registration

This article comprises useful materials that will help you learn more about the procedure of registration for participation in the Automated Trading Championship.
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Resampling techniques for prediction and classification assessment in MQL5

Resampling techniques for prediction and classification assessment in MQL5

In this article, we will explore and implement, methods for assessing model quality that utilize a single dataset as both training and validation sets.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 1): Lack of Interoperable Metrics

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 1): Lack of Interoperable Metrics

There is a powerful and pervasive force quietly corrupting the collective efforts of our community to build reliable trading strategies that employ AI in any shape or form. This article establishes that part of the problems we face, are rooted in blind adherence to "best practices". By furnishing the reader with simple real-world market-based evidence, we will reason to the reader why we must refrain from such conduct, and rather adopt domain-bound best practices if our community should stand any chance of recovering the latent potential of AI.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 3): A Fresh Perspective on Irreducible Error

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 3): A Fresh Perspective on Irreducible Error

This article takes a fresh perspective on a hidden, geometric source of error that quietly shapes every prediction your models make. By rethinking how we measure and apply machine learning forecasts in trading, we reveal how this overlooked perspective can unlock sharper decisions, stronger returns, and a more intelligent way to work with models we thought we already understood.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 12): Building Linear Classifiers Using Matrix Factorization

Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 12): Building Linear Classifiers Using Matrix Factorization

This article explores the powerful role of matrix factorization in algorithmic trading, specifically within MQL5 applications. From regression models to multi-target classifiers, we walk through practical examples that demonstrate how easily these techniques can be integrated using built-in MQL5 functions. Whether you're predicting price direction or modeling indicator behavior, this guide lays a strong foundation for building intelligent trading systems using matrix methods.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 10): Polynomial Regression Channel

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 10): Polynomial Regression Channel

Today, we explore another component of ALGLIB, leveraging its mathematical capabilities to develop a Polynomial Regression Channel indicator. By the end of this discussion, you will gain practical insights into indicator development using the MQL5 Standard Library, along with a fully functional, mathematically driven indicator source code.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 9): Correlation-Based Feature Learning in Self-Supervised Finance

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 9): Correlation-Based Feature Learning in Self-Supervised Finance

Self-supervised learning is a powerful paradigm of statistical learning that searches for supervisory signals generated from the observations themselves. This approach reframes challenging unsupervised learning problems into more familiar supervised ones. This technology has overlooked applications for our objective as a community of algorithmic traders. Our discussion, therefore, aims to give the reader an approachable bridge into the open research area of self-supervised learning and offers practical applications that provide robust and reliable statistical models of financial markets without overfitting to small datasets.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 14): High Probability Setups

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 14): High Probability Setups

High probability Setups are well known in our trading community, but regrettably they are not well-defined. In this article, we will aim to find an empirical and algorithmic way of defining exactly what is a high probability setup, identifying and exploiting them. By using Gradient Boosting Trees, we demonstrated how the reader can improve the performance of an arbitrary trading strategy and better communicate the exact job to be done to our computer in a more meaningful and explicit manner.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 47): Chart Trade Project (VI)

Developing a Replay System (Part 47): Chart Trade Project (VI)

Finally, our Chart Trade indicator starts interacting with the EA, allowing information to be transferred interactively. Therefore, in this article, we will improve the indicator, making it functional enough to be used together with any EA. This will allow us to access the Chart Trade indicator and work with it as if it were actually connected with an EA. But we will do it in a much more interesting way than before.
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Analyzing binary code of prices on the exchange (Part II): Converting to BIP39 and writing GPT model

Analyzing binary code of prices on the exchange (Part II): Converting to BIP39 and writing GPT model

Continuing tries to decipher price movements... What about linguistic analysis of the "market dictionary" that we get by converting the binary price code to BIP39? In this article, we will delve into an innovative approach to exchange data analysis and consider how modern natural language processing techniques can be applied to the market language.
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Meta-Labeling the Classics (Part 1): Filtering and Sizing RSI Trades

Meta-Labeling the Classics (Part 1): Filtering and Sizing RSI Trades

RSI accumulates losses in trending conditions by firing at every threshold crossing regardless of market regime. A Random Forest secondary classifier trained on 12 contextual features — RSI momentum slope, EMA50 trend velocity, ATR-normalised trend stretch, and nine others — filters raw signals and scales position size by classifier confidence on EURUSD H1. Results compare plain RSI, meta-filtered RSI, and bet-sized RSI across a 16-month out-of-sample period with per-trade metrics and drawdown diagnostics.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 62): Playing the service (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 62): Playing the service (III)

In this article, we will begin to address the issue of tick excess that can impact application performance when using real data. This excess often interferes with the correct timing required to construct a one-minute bar in the appropriate window.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Array (II)

From Basic to Intermediate: Array (II)

In this article, we will look at what a dynamic array and a static array are. Is there a difference between using one or the other? Or are they always the same? When should you use one and when the other type? And what about constant arrays? We will try to understand what they are designed for and consider the risks of not initializing all the values in the array.
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Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA): Theory and methods

Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA): Theory and methods

In this article, we will consider the Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA) developed in 2009. The algorithm is aimed at solving continuous optimization problems. We will look at how ABHA draws inspiration from the behavior of a bee colony, where each bee has a unique role that helps them find resources more efficiently.
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Mastering Log Records (Part 6): Saving logs to database

Mastering Log Records (Part 6): Saving logs to database

This article explores the use of databases to store logs in a structured and scalable way. It covers fundamental concepts, essential operations, configuration and implementation of a database handler in MQL5. Finally, it validates the results and highlights the benefits of this approach for optimization and efficient monitoring.
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Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm

Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm

In this article, we will get acquainted with the Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm and discuss how an algorithm based on the irrational and adventurous behavior of participants in an anarchic society (an anomalous system of social interaction free from centralized power and various kinds of hierarchies) is able to explore the solution space and avoid the traps of local optimum. The article presents a unified ASO structure applicable to both continuous and discrete problems.
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Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 3): Enhanced Data Visualization

Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 3): Enhanced Data Visualization

In this article, we will perform Enhanced Data Visualization by going beyond basic charts by incorporating features like interactivity, layered data, and dynamic elements, enabling traders to explore trends, patterns, and correlations more effectively.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Indicator (IV)

From Basic to Intermediate: Indicator (IV)

In this article, we will explore how to easily create and implement an operational approach for coloring candles. This concept is highly valued by traders. When implementing such things, care must be taken to ensure that the bars or candles retain their original appearance and do not hinder reading candle by candle.
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Feature Engineering With Python And MQL5 (Part III): Angle Of Price (2) Polar Coordinates

Feature Engineering With Python And MQL5 (Part III): Angle Of Price (2) Polar Coordinates

In this article, we take our second attempt to convert the changes in price levels on any market, into a corresponding change in angle. This time around, we selected a more mathematically sophisticated approach than we selected in our first attempt, and the results we obtained suggest that our change in approach may have been the right decision. Join us today, as we discuss how we can use Polar coordinates to calculate the angle formed by changes in price levels, in a meaningful way, regardless of which market you are analyzing.
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Simplifying Databases in MQL5 (Part 2): Using metaprogramming to create entities

Simplifying Databases in MQL5 (Part 2): Using metaprogramming to create entities

We explored the advanced use of #define for metaprogramming in MQL5, creating entities that represent tables and column metadata (type, primary key, auto-increment, nullability, etc.). We centralized these definitions in TickORM.mqh, automating the generation of metadata classes and paving the way for efficient data manipulation by the ORM, without having to write SQL manually.
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Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part X): External resource-based interface

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part X): External resource-based interface

Today, we are harnessing the capabilities of MQL5 to utilize external resources—such as images in the BMP format—to create a uniquely styled home interface for the Trading Administrator Panel. The strategy demonstrated here is particularly useful when packaging multiple resources, including images, sounds, and more, for streamlined distribution. Join us in this discussion as we explore how these features are implemented to deliver a modern and visually appealing interface for our New_Admin_Panel EA.
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From Novice to Expert: Systematic Profit Conservation Using Candle Range Theory

From Novice to Expert: Systematic Profit Conservation Using Candle Range Theory

A hybrid exit engine for MQL5 replaces static TPs with CRT-derived structural levels. The CRT_ProfitConserve class secures a partial at the first level and then trails the remaining position by structural anchors rather than fixed pips. The article walks through the class API, essential methods, and example usage in EAs, providing a clear path to embed CRT-based exits into existing strategies.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 50): Things Get Complicated (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 50): Things Get Complicated (II)

We will solve the chart ID problem and at the same time we will begin to provide the user with the ability to use a personal template for the analysis and simulation of the desired asset. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only and should in no way be considered as an application for any purpose other than studying and mastering the concepts presented.
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Population optimization algorithms: Spiral Dynamics Optimization (SDO) algorithm

Population optimization algorithms: Spiral Dynamics Optimization (SDO) algorithm

The article presents an optimization algorithm based on the patterns of constructing spiral trajectories in nature, such as mollusk shells - the spiral dynamics optimization (SDO) algorithm. I have thoroughly revised and modified the algorithm proposed by the authors. The article will consider the necessity of these changes.
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From Basic to Intermediate: IF ELSE

From Basic to Intermediate: IF ELSE

In this article we will discuss how to work with the IF operator and its companion ELSE. This statement is the most important and significant of those existing in any programming language. However, despite its ease of use, it can sometimes be confusing if we have no experience with its use and the concepts associated with it. 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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Market Simulation (Part 04): Creating the C_Orders Class (I)

Market Simulation (Part 04): Creating the C_Orders Class (I)

In this article, we will start creating the C_Orders class to be able to send orders to the trading server. We'll do this little by little, as our goal is to explain in detail how this will happen through the messaging system.