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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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 9): A conceptual leap (II)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 9): A conceptual leap (II)

In this article, we will place Chart Trade in a floating window. In the previous part, we created a basic system which enables the use of templates within a floating window.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 16): Double Bollinger Band Breakouts

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 16): Double Bollinger Band Breakouts

This article walks the reader through a reimagined version of the classical Bollinger Band breakout strategy. It identifies key weaknesses in the original approach, such as its well-known susceptibility to false breakouts. The article aims to introduce a possible solution: the Double Bollinger Band trading strategy. This relatively lesser known approach supplements the weaknesses of the classical version and offers a more dynamic perspective on financial markets. It helps us overcome the old limitations defined by the original rules, providing traders with a stronger and more adaptive framework.
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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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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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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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Algorithmic Trading Without the Routine: Quick Trade Analysis in MetaTrader 5 with SQLite

Algorithmic Trading Without the Routine: Quick Trade Analysis in MetaTrader 5 with SQLite

The article presents a minimal working set for maintaining a trading journal in MQL5 using SQLite: a table structure for trades, signals, and events, indices, prepared statements and trades, as well as standard analytical SQL queries. Integration with the statistics dashboard in MetaTrader 5 and working with the database via MetaEditor are demonstrated. The approach allows automating the journal, accelerating calculations, and performing analysis without complicating the EA code.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 50): Turtle Soup Liquidity Sweeps

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 50): Turtle Soup Liquidity Sweeps

We build an automated MQL5 program that trades Turtle Soup by fading false breakouts of the N-bar high and low. The article implements liquidity-sweep detection, confirmation closes back inside the level, sweep-depth and extreme-age filters, and an optional reversal-candle body check. It adds configurable dynamic or static stops, two take-profit modes, points-based trailing, and clear chart visuals, providing a ready baseline for backtesting and further customization.
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From Novice to Expert: Auto-Geometric Analysis System

From Novice to Expert: Auto-Geometric Analysis System

Geometric patterns offer traders a concise way to interpret price action. Many analysts draw trend lines, rectangles, and other shapes by hand, and then base trading decisions on the formations they see. In this article, we explore an automated alternative: harnessing MQL5 to detect and analyze the most popular geometric patterns. We’ll break down the methodology, discuss implementation details, and highlight how automated pattern recognition can sharpen a trader's market insights.
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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.
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 4): Overcoming Multiline Input, Ensuring Chat Persistence, and Generating Signals

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 4): Overcoming Multiline Input, Ensuring Chat Persistence, and Generating Signals

In this article, we enhance the ChatGPT-integrated program in MQL5 overcoming multiline input limitations with improved text rendering, introducing a sidebar for navigating persistent chat storage using AES256 encryption and ZIP compression, and generating initial trade signals through chart data integration.
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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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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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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 6): Measuring Volatility Breakouts Using Market Swings

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 6): Measuring Volatility Breakouts Using Market Swings

This article demonstrates how to design and implement a Larry Williams volatility breakout Expert Advisor in MQL5, covering swing-range measurement, entry-level projection, risk-based position sizing, and backtesting on real market data.
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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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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 1): Building an Interactive Visual Pending Orders Trade Assistant Tool

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 1): Building an Interactive Visual Pending Orders Trade Assistant Tool

In this article, we introduce the development of an interactive Trade Assistant Tool in MQL5, designed to simplify placing pending orders in Forex trading. We outline the conceptual design, focusing on a user-friendly GUI for setting entry, stop-loss, and take-profit levels visually on the chart. Additionally, we detail the MQL5 implementation and backtesting process to ensure the tool’s reliability, setting the stage for advanced features in the preceding parts.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 5): A Beginner's Guide to Array Functions in MQL5

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 5): A Beginner's Guide to Array Functions in MQL5

Explore the world of MQL5 arrays in Part 5, designed for absolute beginners. Simplifying complex coding concepts, this article focuses on clarity and inclusivity. Join our community of learners, where questions are embraced, and knowledge is shared!
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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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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 1): Currency Correlation and Inverse Correlation

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 1): Currency Correlation and Inverse Correlation

Dynamic multi pair Expert Advisor leverages both on correlation and inverse correlation strategies to optimize trading performance. By analyzing real-time market data, it identifies and exploits the relationship between currency pairs.
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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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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 3): Developing a Pending Orders Management EX5 Library

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 3): Developing a Pending Orders Management EX5 Library

Learn how to develop and implement a comprehensive pending orders EX5 library in your MQL5 code or projects. This article will show you how to create an extensive pending orders management EX5 library and guide you through importing and implementing it by building a trading panel or graphical user interface (GUI). The expert advisor orders panel will allow users to open, monitor, and delete pending orders associated with a specified magic number directly from the graphical interface on the chart window.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 58): Range Contraction Analysis and Maturity Classification Module

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 58): Range Contraction Analysis and Maturity Classification Module

Building on the previous article that introduced the market state classification module, this installment focuses on implementing the core logic for identifying and evaluating compression zones. It presents a range contraction detection and maturity grading system in MQL5 that analyzes market congestion using price action alone.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 29): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (III)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 29): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (III)

In this article, we continue mastering API and WebRequest in MQL5 by retrieving candlestick data from an external source. We focus on splitting the server response, cleaning the data, and extracting essential elements such as opening time and OHLC values for multiple daily candles, preparing the data for further analysis.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 13): Automating Hidden Smash Day Reversal Patterns

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 13): Automating Hidden Smash Day Reversal Patterns

The article builds a transparent MQL5 Expert Advisor for Larry Williams’ hidden smash day reversals. Signals are generated only on new bars: a setup bar is validated, then confirmed when the next session trades beyond its extreme. Risk is managed via ATR or structural stops with a defined risk-to-reward, position sizing can be fixed or balance-based, and direction filters plus a one-position policy ensure reproducible tests.
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Example of new Indicator and Conditional LSTM

Example of new Indicator and Conditional LSTM

This article explores the development of an Expert Advisor (EA) for automated trading that combines technical analysis with deep learning predictions.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 6): Automating Trade Entry with News Event Analysis and Countdown Timers

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 6): Automating Trade Entry with News Event Analysis and Countdown Timers

In this article, we implement automated trade entry using the MQL5 Economic Calendar by applying user-defined filters and time offsets to identify qualifying news events. We compare forecast and previous values to determine whether to open a BUY or SELL trade. Dynamic countdown timers display the remaining time until news release and reset automatically after a trade.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 16): Introducing Quarters Theory (II) — Intrusion Detector EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 16): Introducing Quarters Theory (II) — Intrusion Detector EA

In our previous article, we introduced a simple script called "The Quarters Drawer." Building on that foundation, we are now taking the next step by creating a monitor Expert Advisor (EA) to track these quarters and provide oversight regarding potential market reactions at these levels. Join us as we explore the process of developing a zone detection tool in this article.
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 3): Upgrading to a Scrollable Single Chat-Oriented UI

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 3): Upgrading to a Scrollable Single Chat-Oriented UI

In this article, we upgrade the ChatGPT-integrated program in MQL5 to a scrollable single chat-oriented UI, enhancing conversation history display with timestamps and dynamic scrolling. The system builds on JSON parsing to manage multi-turn messages, supporting customizable scrollbar modes and hover effects for improved user interaction.
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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.
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 9): Creating an AI Signal Dispatcher

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 9): Creating an AI Signal Dispatcher

We turn the MQL5 AI trading assistant into a dispatch-driven system that routes seven trading actions through a single central dispatcher. A line-based key-value protocol constrains AI output, while each action maps to market or pending orders and instrument-aware stop levels. A canvas-based UI with a custom prompt editor and pixel-accurate text fitting makes signals consistent, auditable, and ready to render on the chart
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Testing and optimization of binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5

Testing and optimization of binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5

In this article, I will check and optimize binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 13): A Beginner's Guide to Building Custom Indicators (II)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 13): A Beginner's Guide to Building Custom Indicators (II)

This article guides you through building a custom Heikin Ashi indicator from scratch and demonstrates how to integrate custom indicators into an EA. It covers indicator calculations, trade execution logic, and risk management techniques to enhance automated trading strategies.
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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.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 10): Building a Strategy Tracker System with Visual Levels and Success Metrics

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 10): Building a Strategy Tracker System with Visual Levels and Success Metrics

In this article, we develop an MQL5 strategy tracker system that detects moving average crossover signals filtered by a long-term MA, simulates or executes trades with configurable TP levels and SL in points, and monitors outcomes like TP/SL hits for performance analysis.
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Trading Options Without Options (Part 3): Complex Option Strategies

Trading Options Without Options (Part 3): Complex Option Strategies

The article discusses flat (non-directional) and trend-following (directional) option strategies and their implementation in MQL5. The EA described in the previous article is updated. The display of option levels has been added. Now it is time to examine the strategies used by options traders in practice and put them into action.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 9): Using ALGLIB to Filter Excessive MA Crossover Signals

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 9): Using ALGLIB to Filter Excessive MA Crossover Signals

During sideways price movements, traders face excessive signals from multiple moving average crossovers. Today, we discuss how ALGLIB preprocesses raw price data to produce filtered crossover layers, which can also generate alerts when they occur. Join this discussion to learn how a mathematical library can be leveraged in MQL5 programs.
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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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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Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filtering (Part 1): Implementing Pre- and Post-News Windows in MQL5

Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filtering (Part 1): Implementing Pre- and Post-News Windows in MQL5

We build a calendar‑driven news filter entirely in MQL5, avoiding web requests and external DLLs. Part 1 covers loading and caching events, mapping them to symbols by currency, filtering by impact level, defining pre/post windows, and blocking new trades during active news, with optional pre‑news position closure. The result is a configurable, prop‑firm‑friendly control that reduces false pauses and protects entries during volatility.
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Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (III)

Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (III)

Welcome to the third installment of our trend series! Today, we’ll delve into the use of divergence as a strategy for identifying optimal entry points within the prevailing daily trend. We’ll also introduce a custom profit-locking mechanism, similar to a trailing stop-loss, but with unique enhancements. In addition, we’ll upgrade the Trend Constraint Expert to a more advanced version, incorporating a new trade execution condition to complement the existing ones. As we move forward, we’ll continue to explore the practical application of MQL5 in algorithmic development, providing you with more in-depth insights and actionable techniques.