Articles with examples of trading robots developed in MQL5

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An Expert Advisor is the 'pinnacle' of programming and the desired goal of every automated trading developer. Read the articles in this section to create your own trading robot. By following the described steps you will learn how to create, debug and test automated trading systems.

The articles not only teach MQL5 programming, but also show how to implement trading ideas and techniques. You will learn how to program a trailing stop, how to apply money management, how to get the indicator values, and much more.

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Master MQL5 from Beginner to Pro (Part VI): Basics of Developing Expert Advisors

Master MQL5 from Beginner to Pro (Part VI): Basics of Developing Expert Advisors

This article continues the series for beginners. Here we will discuss the basic principles of developing Expert Advisors (EAs). We will create two EAs: the first one will trade without indicators, using pending orders, and the second one will be based on the standard MA indicator, opening deals at the current price. Here I assume that you are no longer a complete beginner and have a relatively good command of the material from the previous articles.
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Graph Theory: Dijkstra's Algorithm Applied in Trading

Graph Theory: Dijkstra's Algorithm Applied in Trading

Dijkstra's algorithm, a classic shortest-path solution in graph theory, can optimize trading strategies by modeling market networks. Traders can use it to find the most efficient routes in the candlestick chart data.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Parameter-Efficient Transformer with Segmented Attention (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Parameter-Efficient Transformer with Segmented Attention (Final Part)

In the previous work, we discussed the theoretical aspects of the PSformer framework, which includes two major innovations in the classical Transformer architecture: the Parameter Shared (PS) mechanism and attention to spatio-temporal segments (SegAtt). In this article, we continue the work we started on implementing the proposed approaches using MQL5.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 13): Time and Trade (II)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 13): Time and Trade (II)

Today we will construct the second part of the Times & Trade system for market analysis. In the previous article "Times & Trade (I)" we discussed an alternative chart organization system, which would allow having an indicator for the quickest possible interpretation of deals executed in the market.
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News Trading Made Easy (Part 1): Creating a Database

News Trading Made Easy (Part 1): Creating a Database

News trading can be complicated and overwhelming, in this article we will go through steps to obtain news data. Additionally we will learn about the MQL5 Economic Calendar and what it has to offer.
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How to build and optimize a volatility-based trading system (Chaikin Volatility - CHV)

How to build and optimize a volatility-based trading system (Chaikin Volatility - CHV)

In this article, we will provide another volatility-based indicator named Chaikin Volatility. We will understand how to build a custom indicator after identifying how it can be used and constructed. We will share some simple strategies that can be used and then test them to understand which one can be better.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 3): Mean Reversion and Momentum Strategies

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 3): Mean Reversion and Momentum Strategies

In this article, we will explore the third part of our journey in formulating a Dynamic Multi-Pair Expert Advisor (EA), focusing specifically on integrating Mean Reversion and Momentum trading strategies. We will break down how to detect and act on price deviations from the mean (Z-score), and how to measure momentum across multiple forex pairs to determine trade direction.
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Neural Networks in Trading: An Agent with Layered Memory

Neural Networks in Trading: An Agent with Layered Memory

Layered memory approaches that mimic human cognitive processes enable the processing of complex financial data and adaptation to new signals, thereby improving the effectiveness of investment decisions in dynamic markets.
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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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Neural networks made easy (Part 31): Evolutionary algorithms

Neural networks made easy (Part 31): Evolutionary algorithms

In the previous article, we started exploring non-gradient optimization methods. We got acquainted with the genetic algorithm. Today, we will continue this topic and will consider another class of evolutionary algorithms.
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Manual Backtesting Made Easy: Building a Custom Toolkit for Strategy Tester in MQL5

Manual Backtesting Made Easy: Building a Custom Toolkit for Strategy Tester in MQL5

In this article, we design a custom MQL5 toolkit for easy manual backtesting in the Strategy Tester. We explain its design and implementation, focusing on interactive trade controls. We then show how to use it to test strategies effectively
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 1): Implementing JSON Handling for AI APIs

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 1): Implementing JSON Handling for AI APIs

In this article, we develop a JSON parsing framework in MQL5 to handle data exchange for AI API integration, focusing on a JSON class for processing JSON structures. We implement methods to serialize and deserialize JSON data, supporting various data types like strings, numbers, and objects, essential for communicating with AI services like ChatGPT, enabling future AI-driven trading systems by ensuring accurate data handling and manipulation.
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Creating a Dynamic Multi-Symbol, Multi-Period Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) Indicator Dashboard in MQL5

Creating a Dynamic Multi-Symbol, Multi-Period Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) Indicator Dashboard in MQL5

In this article, we develop a dynamic multi-symbol, multi-period RSI indicator dashboard in MQL5, providing traders real-time RSI values across various symbols and timeframes. The dashboard features interactive buttons, real-time updates, and color-coded indicators to help traders make informed decisions.
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Implementing the Generalized Hurst Exponent and the Variance Ratio test in MQL5

Implementing the Generalized Hurst Exponent and the Variance Ratio test in MQL5

In this article, we investigate how the Generalized Hurst Exponent and the Variance Ratio test can be utilized to analyze the behaviour of price series in MQL5.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 6): A Beginner's Guide to Array Functions in MQL5 (II)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 6): A Beginner's Guide to Array Functions in MQL5 (II)

Embark on the next phase of our MQL5 journey. In this insightful and beginner-friendly article, we'll look into the remaining array functions, demystifying complex concepts to empower you to craft efficient trading strategies. We’ll be discussing ArrayPrint, ArrayInsert, ArraySize, ArrayRange, ArrarRemove, ArraySwap, ArrayReverse, and ArraySort. Elevate your algorithmic trading expertise with these essential array functions. Join us on the path to MQL5 mastery!
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 1): Introduction with CTrade, CiMA, and CiATR

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 1): Introduction with CTrade, CiMA, and CiATR

The MQL5 Standard Library plays a vital role in developing trading algorithms for MetaTrader 5. In this discussion series, our goal is to master its application to simplify the creation of efficient trading tools for MetaTrader 5. These tools include custom Expert Advisors, indicators, and other utilities. We begin today by developing a trend-following Expert Advisor using the CTrade, CiMA, and CiATR classes. This is an especially important topic for everyone—whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer. Join this discussion to discover more.
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Continuous walk-forward optimization (Part 8): Program improvements and fixes

Continuous walk-forward optimization (Part 8): Program improvements and fixes

The program has been modified based on comments and requests from users and readers of this article series. This article contains a new version of the auto optimizer. This version implements requested features and provides other improvements, which I found when working with the program.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 10): Automation (II)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 10): Automation (II)

Automation means nothing if you cannot control its schedule. No worker can be efficient working 24 hours a day. However, many believe that an automated system should operate 24 hours a day. But it is always good to have means to set a working time range for the EA. In this article, we will consider how to properly set such a time range.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 2): Creating a News Dashboard Panel

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 2): Creating a News Dashboard Panel

In this article, we create a practical news dashboard panel using the MQL5 Economic Calendar to enhance our trading strategy. We begin by designing the layout, focusing on key elements like event names, importance, and timing, before moving into the setup within MQL5. Finally, we implement a filtering system to display only the most relevant news, giving traders quick access to impactful economic events.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 49): Soft Actor-Critic

Neural networks made easy (Part 49): Soft Actor-Critic

We continue our discussion of reinforcement learning algorithms for solving continuous action space problems. In this article, I will present the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) algorithm. The main advantage of SAC is the ability to find optimal policies that not only maximize the expected reward, but also have maximum entropy (diversity) of actions.
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Risk manager for algorithmic trading

Risk manager for algorithmic trading

The objectives of this article are to prove the necessity of using a risk manager and to implement the principles of controlled risk in algorithmic trading in a separate class, so that everyone can verify the effectiveness of the risk standardization approach in intraday trading and investing in financial markets. In this article, we will create a risk manager class for algorithmic trading. This is a logical continuation of the previous article in which we discussed the creation of a risk manager for manual trading.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 25): Building an EA that Trades with Chart Objects (II)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 25): Building an EA that Trades with Chart Objects (II)

This article explains how to build an Expert Advisor (EA) that interacts with chart objects, particularly trend lines, to identify and trade breakout and reversal opportunities. You will learn how the EA confirms valid signals, manages trade frequency, and maintains consistency with user-selected strategies.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 11): Cross order system

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 11): Cross order system

In this article we will create a system of cross orders. There is one type of assets that makes traders' life very difficult for traders — futures contracts. But why do they make life difficult?
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 41): Building a Statistical Price-Level EA in MQL5

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 41): Building a Statistical Price-Level EA in MQL5

Statistics has always been at the heart of financial analysis. By definition, statistics is the discipline that collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data in meaningful ways. Now imagine applying that same framework to candlesticks—compressing raw price action into measurable insights. How helpful would it be to know, for a specific period of time, the central tendency, spread, and distribution of market behavior? In this article, we introduce exactly that approach, showing how statistical methods can transform candlestick data into clear, actionable signals.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 7): Signal Pulse EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 7): Signal Pulse EA

Unlock the potential of multi-timeframe analysis with 'Signal Pulse,' an MQL5 Expert Advisor that integrates Bollinger Bands and the Stochastic Oscillator to deliver accurate, high-probability trading signals. Discover how to implement this strategy and effectively visualize buy and sell opportunities using custom arrows. Ideal for traders seeking to enhance their judgment through automated analysis across multiple timeframes.
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Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 3): Sending Chart Screenshots with Captions from MQL5 to Telegram

Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 3): Sending Chart Screenshots with Captions from MQL5 to Telegram

In this article, we create an MQL5 Expert Advisor that encodes chart screenshots as image data and sends them to a Telegram chat via HTTP requests. By integrating photo encoding and transmission, we enhance the existing MQL5-Telegram system with visual trading insights directly within Telegram.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 8): Beginner's Guide to Building Expert Advisors (II)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 8): Beginner's Guide to Building Expert Advisors (II)

This article addresses common beginner questions from MQL5 forums and demonstrates practical solutions. Learn to perform essential tasks like buying and selling, obtaining candlestick prices, and managing automated trading aspects such as trade limits, trading periods, and profit/loss thresholds. Get step-by-step guidance to enhance your understanding and implementation of these concepts in MQL5.
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Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning for Trading with EA and Backtesting with Python

Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning for Trading with EA and Backtesting with Python

In this article, we will introduce Sentiment Analysis and ONNX Models with Python to be used in an EA. One script runs a trained ONNX model from TensorFlow for deep learning predictions, while another fetches news headlines and quantifies sentiment using AI.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part XI): Moving Average Cross Over (II)

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part XI): Moving Average Cross Over (II)

The moving averages and the stochastic oscillator could be used to generate trend following trading signals. However, these signals will only be observed after the price action has occurred. We can effectively overcome this inherent lag in technical indicators using AI. This article will teach you how to create a fully autonomous AI-powered Expert Advisor in a manner that can improve any of your existing trading strategies. Even the oldest trading strategy possible can be improved.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Multi-Agent System with Conceptual Reinforcement (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: A Multi-Agent System with Conceptual Reinforcement (Final Part)

We continue to implement the approaches proposed by the authors of the FinCon framework. FinCon is a multi-agent system based on Large Language Models (LLMs). Today, we will implement the necessary modules and conduct comprehensive testing of the model on real historical data.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 27): Creating a Price Action Crab Harmonic Pattern with Visual Feedback

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 27): Creating a Price Action Crab Harmonic Pattern with Visual Feedback

In this article, we develop a Crab Harmonic Pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish Crab harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, triggering trades with precise entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels. We incorporate visual feedback through chart objects like triangles and trendlines to display the XABCD pattern structure and trade levels.
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News Trading Made Easy (Part 2): Risk Management

News Trading Made Easy (Part 2): Risk Management

In this article, inheritance will be introduced into our previous and new code. A new database design will be implemented to provide efficiency. Additionally, a risk management class will be created to tackle volume calculations.
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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.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 3): Mastering the Core Elements of MQL5

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 3): Mastering the Core Elements of MQL5

Explore the fundamentals of MQL5 programming in this beginner-friendly article, where we demystify arrays, custom functions, preprocessors, and event handling, all explained with clarity making every line of code accessible. Join us in unlocking the power of MQL5 with a unique approach that ensures understanding at every step. This article sets the foundation for mastering MQL5, emphasizing the explanation of each line of code, and providing a distinct and enriching learning experience.
Expert System 'Commentator'. Practical Use of Embedded Indicators in an MQL4 Program
Expert System 'Commentator'. Practical Use of Embedded Indicators in an MQL4 Program

Expert System 'Commentator'. Practical Use of Embedded Indicators in an MQL4 Program

The article describes the use of technical indicators in programming on MQL4.
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Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 2): Sending Signals from MQL5 to Telegram

Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 2): Sending Signals from MQL5 to Telegram

In this article, we create an MQL5-Telegram integrated Expert Advisor that sends moving average crossover signals to Telegram. We detail the process of generating trading signals from moving average crossovers, implementing the necessary code in MQL5, and ensuring the integration works seamlessly. The result is a system that provides real-time trading alerts directly to your Telegram group chat.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 55): Contrastive intrinsic control (CIC)

Neural networks made easy (Part 55): Contrastive intrinsic control (CIC)

Contrastive training is an unsupervised method of training representation. Its goal is to train a model to highlight similarities and differences in data sets. In this article, we will talk about using contrastive training approaches to explore different Actor skills.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 33): Quantile regression in distributed Q-learning

Neural networks made easy (Part 33): Quantile regression in distributed Q-learning

We continue studying distributed Q-learning. Today we will look at this approach from the other side. We will consider the possibility of using quantile regression to solve price prediction tasks.
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Experiments with neural networks (Part 3): Practical application

Experiments with neural networks (Part 3): Practical application

In this article series, I use experimentation and non-standard approaches to develop a profitable trading system and check whether neural networks can be of any help for traders. MetaTrader 5 is approached as a self-sufficient tool for using neural networks in trading.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 11): A Gentle Introduction to the Fundamentals of Linear Algebra

Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 11): A Gentle Introduction to the Fundamentals of Linear Algebra

In this discussion, we will set the foundation for using powerful linear, algebra tools that are implemented in the MQL5 matrix and vector API. For us to make proficient use of this API, we need to have a firm understanding of the principles in linear algebra that govern intelligent use of these methods. This article aims to get the reader an intuitive level of understanding of some of the most important rules of linear algebra that we, as algorithmic traders in MQL5 need,to get started, taking advantage of this powerful library.