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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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 2): Connecting Library Components

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 2): Connecting Library Components

Today, we take an important step toward helping every developer understand how to read class structures and quickly build Expert Advisors using the MQL5 Standard Library. The library is rich and expandable, yet it can feel like being handed a complex toolkit without a manual. Here we share and discuss an alternative integration routine—a concise, repeatable workflow that shows how to connect classes reliably in real projects.
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An introduction to Receiver Operating Characteristic curves

An introduction to Receiver Operating Characteristic curves

ROC curves are graphical representations used to evaluate the performance of classifiers. Despite ROC graphs being relatively straightforward, there exist common misconceptions and pitfalls when using them in practice. This article aims to provide an introduction to ROC graphs as a tool for practitioners seeking to understand classifier performance evaluation.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Arrays and Strings (II)

From Basic to Intermediate: Arrays and Strings (II)

In this article I will show that although we are still at a very basic stage of programming, we can already implement some interesting applications. In this case, we will create a fairly simple password generator. This way we will be able to apply some of the concepts that have been explained so far. In addition, we will look at how solutions can be developed for some specific problems.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Template and Typename (III)

From Basic to Intermediate: Template and Typename (III)

In this article, we will discuss the first part of the topic, which is not so easy for beginners to understand. In order not to get even more confused and to explain this topic correctly, we will divide the explanation into stages. We will devote this article to the first stage. However, although at the end of the article it may seem that we have reached the deadlock, in fact we will take a step towards another situation, which will be better understood in the next article.
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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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Requesting in Connexus (Part 6): Creating an HTTP Request and Response

Requesting in Connexus (Part 6): Creating an HTTP Request and Response

In this sixth article of the Connexus library series, we will focus on a complete HTTP request, covering each component that makes up a request. We will create a class that represents the request as a whole, which will help us bring together the previously created classes.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 2): Lack of Reproducibility

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 2): Lack of Reproducibility

The article explores why trading results can differ significantly between brokers, even when using the same strategy and financial symbol, due to decentralized pricing and data discrepancies. The piece helps MQL5 developers understand why their products may receive mixed reviews on the MQL5 Marketplace, and urges developers to tailor their approaches to specific brokers to ensure transparent and reproducible outcomes. This could grow to become an important domain-bound best practice that will serve our community well if the practice were to be widely adopted.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisor With MQL5 And Python (Part VI): Taking Advantage of Deep Double Descent

Self Optimizing Expert Advisor With MQL5 And Python (Part VI): Taking Advantage of Deep Double Descent

Traditional machine learning teaches practitioners to be vigilant not to overfit their models. However, this ideology is being challenged by new insights published by diligent researches from Harvard, who have discovered that what appears to be overfitting may in some circumstances be the results of terminating your training procedures prematurely. We will demonstrate how we can use the ideas published in the research paper, to improve our use of AI in forecasting market returns.
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Population optimization algorithms: Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)

Population optimization algorithms: Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)

Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is a metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior and hunting strategies of humpback whales. The main idea of WOA is to mimic the so-called "bubble-net" feeding method, in which whales create bubbles around prey and then attack it in a spiral motion.
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Market Simulation (Part 10): Sockets (IV)

Market Simulation (Part 10): Sockets (IV)

In this article, we'll look at what you need to do to start using Excel to manage MetaTrader 5, but in a very interesting way. To do this, we will use an Excel add-in to avoid using built-in VBA. If you don't know what add-in is meant, read this article and learn how to program in Python directly in Excel.
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Most notable Artificial Cooperative Search algorithm modifications (ACSm)

Most notable Artificial Cooperative Search algorithm modifications (ACSm)

Here we will consider the evolution of the ACS algorithm: three modifications aimed at improving the convergence characteristics and the algorithm efficiency. Transformation of one of the leading optimization algorithms. From matrix modifications to revolutionary approaches regarding population formation.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 69): Getting the Time Right (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 69): Getting the Time Right (II)

Today we will look at why we need the iSpread feature. At the same time, we will understand how the system informs us about the remaining time of the bar when there is not a single tick available for 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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Developing a Replay System (Part 33): Order System (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 33): Order System (II)

Today we will continue to develop the order system. As you will see, we will be massively reusing what has already been shown in other articles. Nevertheless, you will receive a small reward in this article. First, we will develop a system that can be used with a real trading server, both from a demo account or from a real one. We will make extensive use of the MetaTrader 5 platform, which will provide us with all the necessary support from the beginning.
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Building Volatility models in MQL5 (Part I): The Initial Implementation

Building Volatility models in MQL5 (Part I): The Initial Implementation

In this article, we present an MQL5 library for modeling volatility, designed to function similarly to Python's arch package. The library currently supports the specification of common conditional mean (HAR, AR, Constant Mean, Zero Mean) and conditional volatility (Constant Variance, ARCH, GARCH) models.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 8) : The Hybrid Trades Journal Logging with CFile

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 8) : The Hybrid Trades Journal Logging with CFile

In this article, we explore the File Operations classes of the MQL5 Standard Library to build a robust reporting module that automatically generates Excel-ready CSV files. Along the way, we clearly distinguish between manually executed trades and algorithmically executed orders, laying the groundwork for reliable, auditable trade reporting.
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Brain Storm Optimization algorithm (Part I): Clustering

Brain Storm Optimization algorithm (Part I): Clustering

In this article, we will look at an innovative optimization method called BSO (Brain Storm Optimization) inspired by a natural phenomenon called "brainstorming". We will also discuss a new approach to solving multimodal optimization problems the BSO method applies. It allows finding multiple optimal solutions without the need to pre-determine the number of subpopulations. We will also consider the K-Means and K-Means++ clustering methods.
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Hybridization of population algorithms. Sequential and parallel structures

Hybridization of population algorithms. Sequential and parallel structures

Here we will dive into the world of hybridization of optimization algorithms by looking at three key types: strategy mixing, sequential and parallel hybridization. We will conduct a series of experiments combining and testing relevant optimization algorithms.
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Ordinal Encoding for Nominal Variables

Ordinal Encoding for Nominal Variables

In this article, we discuss and demonstrate how to convert nominal predictors into numerical formats that are suitable for machine learning algorithms, using both Python and MQL5.
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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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Creating an EMA Crossover Forward Simulation Indicator in MQL5

Creating an EMA Crossover Forward Simulation Indicator in MQL5

A custom forward simulation engine detects fast/slow EMA crossovers and immediately projects synthetic candles ahead of the signal bar. It generates bodies and wicks using controlled logic, draws them with chart objects, and refreshes on every new signal or anchor change. You get a clear forward-looking view to test timing, visualize scenarios, and manage invalidation on the chart.
All about Automated Trading Championship: Interviews with the Participants'07
All about Automated Trading Championship: Interviews with the Participants'07

All about Automated Trading Championship: Interviews with the Participants'07

The published interviews of Championship 2007 bear the stamp of the results obtained during the preceding contest. The first Championship evoked a wide response on the internet and in printings. The leading developer of the MetaQuotes Software Corp. tells about changes made to the forthcoming Automated Trading Championship 2007. We put our questions to the developer of a well-known indicating complex ZUP, Eugeni Neumoin (nen) and spoke to an equity trader, Alexander Pozdnishev (AlexSilver).
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Market Simulation (Part 09): Sockets (III)

Market Simulation (Part 09): Sockets (III)

Today's article is a continuation of the previous one. We will look at the implementation of an Expert Advisor, focusing mainly on how the server code is executed. The code given in the previous article is not enough to make everything work as expected, so we need to dig a little deeper into it. Therefore, it is necessary to read both articles to better understand what will happen.
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Applying Localized Feature Selection in Python and MQL5

Applying Localized Feature Selection in Python and MQL5

This article explores a feature selection algorithm introduced in the paper 'Local Feature Selection for Data Classification' by Narges Armanfard et al. The algorithm is implemented in Python to build binary classifier models that can be integrated with MetaTrader 5 applications for inference.
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Artificial Tribe Algorithm (ATA)

Artificial Tribe Algorithm (ATA)

The article provides a detailed discussion of the key components and innovations of the ATA optimization algorithm, which is an evolutionary method with a unique dual behavior system that adapts depending on the situation. ATA combines individual and social learning while using crossover for explorations and migration to find solutions when stuck in local optima.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Variables (II)

From Basic to Intermediate: Variables (II)

Today we will look at how to work with static variables. This question often confuses many programmers, both beginners and those with some experience, because there are several recommendations that must be followed when using this mechanism. The materials presented here are intended 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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From Basic to Intermediate: Operator Precedence

From Basic to Intermediate: Operator Precedence

This is definitely the most difficult question to be explained purely theoretically. That is why you need to practice everything that we're going to discuss here. While this may seem simple at first, the topic of operators can only be understood in practice combined with constant education.
All about Automated Trading Championship: Additional Materials of Championships 2006-2007
All about Automated Trading Championship: Additional Materials of Championships 2006-2007

All about Automated Trading Championship: Additional Materials of Championships 2006-2007

We present to you a selection of these materials that are divided into several parts. The present one contains additional materials about automated trading, Expert Advisors development, etc.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 68): Getting the Time Right (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 68): Getting the Time Right (I)

Today we will continue working on getting the mouse pointer to tell us how much time is left on a bar during periods of low liquidity. Although at first glance it seems simple, in reality this task is much more difficult. This involves some obstacles that we will have to overcome. Therefore, it is important that you have a good understanding of the material in this first part of this subseries in order to understand the following parts.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Overload

From Basic to Intermediate: Overload

Perhaps this article will be the most confusing for novice programmers. As a matter of fact, here I will show that it is not always that all functions and procedures have unique names in the same code. Yes, we can easily use functions and procedures with the same name — and this is called overload.
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Market Simulation (Part 08): Sockets (II)

Market Simulation (Part 08): Sockets (II)

How about creating something practical using sockets? In today's article, we'll start creating a mini-chat. Let's look together at how this is done - it will be very interesting. Please note that the code provided here is for educational purposes only. It should not be used for commercial purposes or in ready-made applications, as it does not provide data transfer security and the content transmitted over the socket can be accessed.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Arrays and Strings (III)

From Basic to Intermediate: Arrays and Strings (III)

This article considers two aspects. First, how the standard library can convert binary values to other representations such as octal, decimal, and hexadecimal. Second, we will talk about how we can determine the width of our password based on the secret phrase, using the knowledge we have already acquired.
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Bivariate Copulae in MQL5 (Part 1): Implementing Gaussian and Student's t-Copulae for Dependency Modeling

Bivariate Copulae in MQL5 (Part 1): Implementing Gaussian and Student's t-Copulae for Dependency Modeling

This is the first part of an article series presenting the implementation of bivariate copulae in MQL5. This article presents code implementing Gaussian and Student's t-copulae. It also delves into the fundamentals of statistical copulae and related topics. The code is based on the Arbitragelab Python package by Hudson and Thames.
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Integrating External Applications with MQL5 Community OAuth

Integrating External Applications with MQL5 Community OAuth

Learn how to add “Sign in with MQL5” to your Android app using the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow. The guide covers app registration, endpoints, redirect URI, Custom Tabs, deep-link handling, and a PHP backend that exchanges the code for an access token over HTTPS. You will authenticate real MQL5 users and access profile data such as rank and reputation.
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Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 8): Using Graph Neural Networks for Liquidity Zone Recognition

Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 8): Using Graph Neural Networks for Liquidity Zone Recognition

This article shows how to represent market structure as a graph in MQL5, turning swing highs/lows into nodes with features and linking them by edges. It trains a Graph Neural Network to score potential liquidity zones, exports the model to ONNX, and runs real-time inference in an Expert Advisor. Readers learn how to build the data pipeline, integrate the model, visualize zones on the chart, and use the signals for rule-based execution.
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Population optimization algorithms: Evolution of Social Groups (ESG)

Population optimization algorithms: Evolution of Social Groups (ESG)

We will consider the principle of constructing multi-population algorithms. As an example of this type of algorithm, we will have a look at the new custom algorithm - Evolution of Social Groups (ESG). We will analyze the basic concepts, population interaction mechanisms and advantages of this algorithm, as well as examine its performance in optimization problems.
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Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part II): Principal Components Analysis For Portfolio Optimization

Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part II): Principal Components Analysis For Portfolio Optimization

Managing trading account risk is a challenge for all traders. How can we develop trading applications that dynamically learn high, medium, and low-risk modes for various symbols in MetaTrader 5? By using PCA, we gain better control over portfolio variance. I’ll demonstrate how to create applications that learn these three risk modes from market data fetched from MetaTrader 5.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 33): Vertical ScrollBar

DoEasy. Controls (Part 33): Vertical ScrollBar

In this article, we will continue the development of graphical elements of the DoEasy library and add vertical scrolling of form object controls, as well as some useful functions and methods that will be required in the future.
All about Automated Trading Championship: Interviews with the Participants'06
All about Automated Trading Championship: Interviews with the Participants'06

All about Automated Trading Championship: Interviews with the Participants'06

Interviews with the Participants of Automated Trading Championship 2006 demonstrated a great variety of views of automated trading and trading as a whole. You can see yourselves which ideas turned out to work better during the Championship and which of them could not pass the critical verification through a three-month long "test-drive" on a contest account.
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Market Simulation (Part 07): Sockets (I)

Market Simulation (Part 07): Sockets (I)

Sockets. Do you know what they are for or how to use them in MetaTrader 5? If the answer is no, let's start by studying them. In today's article, we'll cover the basics. Since there are several ways to do the same thing, and we are always interested in the result, I want to show that there is indeed a simple way to transfer data from MetaTrader 5 to other programs, such as Excel. However, the main idea is not to transfer data from MetaTrader 5 to Excel, but the opposite, that is, to transfer data from Excel or any other program to MetaTrader 5.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 4): Overcoming Irreducible Error Using Multiple Forecast Horizons

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 4): Overcoming Irreducible Error Using Multiple Forecast Horizons

Machine learning is often viewed through statistical or linear algebraic lenses, but this article emphasizes a geometric perspective of model predictions. It demonstrates that models do not truly approximate the target but rather map it onto a new coordinate system, creating an inherent misalignment that results in irreducible error. The article proposes that multi-step predictions, comparing the model’s forecasts across different horizons, offer a more effective approach than direct comparisons with the target. By applying this method to a trading model, the article demonstrates significant improvements in profitability and accuracy without changing the underlying model.