MQL5 Programming Articles

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Study the MQL5 language for programming trading strategies in numerous published articles mostly written by you - the community members. The articles are grouped into categories to help you quicker find answers to any questions related to programming: Integration, Tester, Trading Strategies, etc.

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Neural networks made easy (Part 7): Adaptive optimization methods

Neural networks made easy (Part 7): Adaptive optimization methods

In previous articles, we used stochastic gradient descent to train a neural network using the same learning rate for all neurons within the network. In this article, I propose to look towards adaptive learning methods which enable changing of the learning rate for each neuron. We will also consider the pros and cons of this approach.
The Optimal Method for Calculation of Total Position Volume by Specified Magic Number
The Optimal Method for Calculation of Total Position Volume by Specified Magic Number

The Optimal Method for Calculation of Total Position Volume by Specified Magic Number

The problem of calculation of the total position volume of the specified symbol and magic number is considered in this article. The proposed method requests only the minimum necessary part of the history of deals, finds the closest time when the total position was equal to zero, and performs the calculations with the recent deals. Working with global variables of the client terminal is also considered.
Ready-made Expert Advisors from the MQL5 Wizard work in MetaTrader 4
Ready-made Expert Advisors from the MQL5 Wizard work in MetaTrader 4

Ready-made Expert Advisors from the MQL5 Wizard work in MetaTrader 4

The article offers a simple emulator of the MetaTrader 5 trading environment for MetaTrader 4. The emulator implements migration and adjustment of trade classes of the Standard Library. As a result, Expert Advisors generated in the MetaTrader 5 Wizard can be compiled and executed in MetaTrader 4 without changes.
Graphical Interfaces X: Updates for Easy And Fast Library (Build 2)
Graphical Interfaces X: Updates for Easy And Fast Library (Build 2)

Graphical Interfaces X: Updates for Easy And Fast Library (Build 2)

Since the publication of the previous article in the series, Easy And Fast library has received some new features. The library structure and code have been partially optimized slightly reducing CPU load. Some recurring methods in many control classes have been moved to the CElement base class.
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Custom symbols: Practical basics

Custom symbols: Practical basics

The article is devoted to the programmatic generation of custom symbols which are used to demonstrate some popular methods for displaying quotes. It describes a suggested variant of minimally invasive adaptation of Expert Advisors for trading a real symbol from a derived custom symbol chart. MQL source codes are attached to this article.
OOP in MQL5 by Example: Processing Warning and Error Codes
OOP in MQL5 by Example: Processing Warning and Error Codes

OOP in MQL5 by Example: Processing Warning and Error Codes

The article describes an example of creating a class for working with the trade server return codes and all the errors that occur during the MQL-program run. Read the article, and you will learn how to work with classes and objects in MQL5. At the same time, this is a convenient tool for handling errors; and you can further change this tool according to your specific needs.
Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm
Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm

Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm

This is the last article within the series devoted to the Reversing trading strategy. Here we will try to solve the problem, which caused the testing results instability in previous articles. We will also develop and test our own algorithm for manual trading in any market using the reversing strategy.
Charts and diagrams in HTML
Charts and diagrams in HTML

Charts and diagrams in HTML

Today it is difficult to find a computer that does not have an installed web-browser. For a long time browsers have been evolving and improving. This article discusses the simple and safe way to create of charts and diagrams, based on the the information, obtained from MetaTrader 5 client terminal for displaying them in the browser.
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Learn how to design a trading system by ATR

Learn how to design a trading system by ATR

In this article, we will learn a new technical tool that can be used in trading, as a continuation within the series in which we learn how to design simple trading systems. This time we will work with another popular technical indicator: Average True Range (ATR).
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIV): Base trading class - auto correction of invalid parameters
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIV): Base trading class - auto correction of invalid parameters

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIV): Base trading class - auto correction of invalid parameters

In this article, we will have a look at the handler of invalid trading order parameters and improve the trading event class. Now all trading events (both single ones and the ones occurred simultaneously within one tick) will be defined in programs correctly.
Developing graphical interfaces based on .Net Framework and C# (part 2): Additional graphical elements
Developing graphical interfaces based on .Net Framework and C# (part 2): Additional graphical elements

Developing graphical interfaces based on .Net Framework and C# (part 2): Additional graphical elements

The article is a follow-up of the previous publication "Developing graphical interfaces for Expert Advisors and indicators based on .Net Framework and C#". It introduces new graphical elements for creating graphical interfaces.
Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding
Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding

Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding

It's not always all about writing the code that leads to effective coding. There are certain habits that I have found in my experience that lead to effective coding. We are going to discuss some of them in detail in this article. This is a must-read article for every programmer who wants to improve their ability to write complex algorithms with less hassle.
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Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part II). Chart graphics drawing tools

Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part II). Chart graphics drawing tools

This is the next article within the series, in which I show how I created a convenient library for manual application of chart graphics by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. The tools used include straight lines and their combinations. In this part, we will view how the drawing tools are applied using the functions described in the first part. The library can be connected to any Expert Advisor or indicator which will greatly simplify the charting tasks. This solution DOES NOT use external dlls, while all the commands are implemented using built-in MQL tools.
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Practical application of neural networks in trading (Part 2). Computer vision

Practical application of neural networks in trading (Part 2). Computer vision

The use of computer vision allows training neural networks on the visual representation of the price chart and indicators. This method enables wider operations with the whole complex of technical indicators, since there is no need to feed them digitally into the neural network.
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The price movement model and its main provisions (Part 1): The simplest model version and its applications

The price movement model and its main provisions (Part 1): The simplest model version and its applications

The article provides the foundations of a mathematically rigorous price movement and market functioning theory. Up to the present, we have not had any mathematically rigorous price movement theory. Instead, we have had to deal with experience-based assumptions stating that the price moves in a certain way after a certain pattern. Of course, these assumptions have been supported neither by statistics, nor by theory.
Studying candlestick analysis techniques (Part II): Auto search for new patterns
Studying candlestick analysis techniques (Part II): Auto search for new patterns

Studying candlestick analysis techniques (Part II): Auto search for new patterns

In the previous article, we analyzed 14 patterns selected from a large variety of existing candlestick formations. It is impossible to analyze all the patterns one by one, therefore another solution was found. The new system searches and tests new candlestick patterns based on known candlestick types.
Learn how to design a trading system by ADX
Learn how to design a trading system by ADX

Learn how to design a trading system by ADX

In this article, we will continue our series about designing a trading system using the most popular indicators and we will talk about the average directional index (ADX) indicator. We will learn this indicator in detail to understand it well and we will learn how we to use it through a simple strategy. By learning something deeply we can get more insights and we can use it better.
MQL5 Cookbook - Creating a ring buffer for fast calculation of indicators in a sliding window
MQL5 Cookbook - Creating a ring buffer for fast calculation of indicators in a sliding window

MQL5 Cookbook - Creating a ring buffer for fast calculation of indicators in a sliding window

The ring buffer is the simplest and the most efficient way to arrange data when performing calculations in a sliding window. The article describes the algorithm and shows how it simplifies calculations in a sliding window and makes them more efficient.
Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests
Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests

Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests

I continue filling the algorithm with the minimum necessary functionality and testing the results. The profitability is quite low but the articles demonstrate the model of the fully automated profitable trading on completely different instruments traded on fundamentally different markets.
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 5): Composite signals
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 5): Composite signals

Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 5): Composite signals

In the fifth article related to the creation of a trading signal monitor, we will consider composite signals and will implement the necessary functionality. In earlier versions, we used simple signals, such as RSI, WPR and CCI, and we also introduced the possibility to use custom indicators.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 4): Recurrent networks

Neural networks made easy (Part 4): Recurrent networks

We continue studying the world of neural networks. In this article, we will consider another type of neural networks, recurrent networks. This type is proposed for use with time series, which are represented in the MetaTrader 5 trading platform by price charts.
Modeling time series using custom symbols according to specified distribution laws
Modeling time series using custom symbols according to specified distribution laws

Modeling time series using custom symbols according to specified distribution laws

The article provides an overview of the terminal's capabilities for creating and working with custom symbols, offers options for simulating a trading history using custom symbols, trend and various chart patterns.
Probability theory and mathematical statistics with examples (part I): Fundamentals and elementary theory
Probability theory and mathematical statistics with examples (part I): Fundamentals and elementary theory

Probability theory and mathematical statistics with examples (part I): Fundamentals and elementary theory

Trading is always about making decisions in the face of uncertainty. This means that the results of the decisions are not quite obvious at the time these decisions are made. This entails the importance of theoretical approaches to the construction of mathematical models allowing us to describe such cases in meaningful manner.
Graphical Interfaces X: Text Edit box, Picture Slider and simple controls (build 5)
Graphical Interfaces X: Text Edit box, Picture Slider and simple controls (build 5)

Graphical Interfaces X: Text Edit box, Picture Slider and simple controls (build 5)

This article will consider new controls: Text Edit box, Picture Slider, as well as additional simple controls: Text label and Picture. The library continues to grow, and in addition to introduction of new controls, the previously created ones are also being improved.
Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies
Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies

Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies

In this article we will continue dealing with the OLAP technology applied to trading. We will expand the functionality presented in the first two articles. This time we will consider the operational analysis of quotes. We will put forward and test the hypotheses on trading strategies based on aggregated historical data. The article presents Expert Advisors for studying bar patterns and adaptive trading.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals

In the first part, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. We created the COrder abstract object which is a base object for storing data on history orders and deals, as well as on market orders and positions. Now we will develop all the necessary objects for storing account history data in collections.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list

This article starts a new series about the creation of the DoEasy library for easy and fast program development. In the current article, we will implement the library functionality for accessing and working with symbol timeseries data. We are going to create the Bar object storing the main and extended timeseries bar data, and place bar objects to the timeseries list for convenient search and sorting of the objects.
Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals
Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals

Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals

In this article, I will create the collection class of Depths of Market of all symbols and start developing the functionality for working with the MQL5.com Signals service by creating the signal object class.
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Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part III). Optimization and new tools

Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part III). Optimization and new tools

In this article, we will further develop the idea of drawing graphical objects on charts using keyboard shortcuts. New tools have been added to the library, including a straight line plotted through arbitrary vertices, and a set of rectangles that enable the evaluation of the reversal time and level. Also, the article shows the possibility to optimize code for improved performance. The implementation example has been rewritten, allowing the use of Shortcuts alongside other trading programs. Required code knowledge level: slightly higher than a beginner.
MQL5-RPC. Remote Procedure Calls from MQL5: Web Service Access and XML-RPC ATC Analyzer for Fun and Profit
MQL5-RPC. Remote Procedure Calls from MQL5: Web Service Access and XML-RPC ATC Analyzer for Fun and Profit

MQL5-RPC. Remote Procedure Calls from MQL5: Web Service Access and XML-RPC ATC Analyzer for Fun and Profit

This article describes MQL5-RPC framework that enables Remote Procedure Calls from MQL5. It starts with XML-RPC basics, MQL5 implementation and follows with two real usage examples. First example is using external web service and the second one is a client to simple XML-RPC ATC 2011 Analyzer service. If you are interested on how to implement and analyze different statistics from ATC 2011 in real time, this article is just for you.
Learn how to design a trading system by Momentum
Learn how to design a trading system by Momentum

Learn how to design a trading system by Momentum

In my previous article, I mentioned the importance of identifying the trend which is the direction of prices. In this article I will share one of the most important concepts and indicators which is the Momentum indicator. I will share how to design a trading system based on this Momentum indicator.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Custom Stops, Breakeven and Trailing
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Custom Stops, Breakeven and Trailing

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Custom Stops, Breakeven and Trailing

This article discusses how custom stop levels can be set up in a cross-platform expert advisor. It also discusses a closely-related method by which the evolution of a stop level over time can be defined.
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Using AutoIt With MQL5

Using AutoIt With MQL5

Short description. In this article we will explore scripting the MetraTrader 5 terminal by integrating MQL5 with AutoIt. In it we will cover how to automate various tasks by manipulating the terminals' user interface and also present a class that uses the AutoItX library.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Introduction
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Introduction

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Introduction

This article details a method by which cross-platform expert advisors can be developed faster and easier. The proposed method consolidates the features shared by both versions into a single class, and splits the implementation on derived classes for incompatible features.
Universal Expert Advisor: the Event Model and Trading Strategy Prototype (Part 2)
Universal Expert Advisor: the Event Model and Trading Strategy Prototype (Part 2)

Universal Expert Advisor: the Event Model and Trading Strategy Prototype (Part 2)

This article continues the series of publications on a universal Expert Advisor model. This part describes in detail the original event model based on centralized data processing, and considers the structure of the CStrategy base class of the engine.
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 Trading Signals Widgets
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 Trading Signals Widgets

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 Trading Signals Widgets

Recently MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 user received an opportunity to become a Signals Provider and earn additional profit. Now, you can display your trading success on your web site, blog or social network page using the new widgets. The benefits of using widgets are obvious: they increase the Signals Providers' popularity, establish their reputation as successful traders, as well as attract new Subscribers. All traders placing widgets on other web sites can enjoy these benefits.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class

In this article, I will rework the concept of building graphical objects from the previous article and prepare the base class of all graphical objects of the library powered by the Standard Library CCanvas class.
Another MQL5 OOP Class
Another MQL5 OOP Class

Another MQL5 OOP Class

This article shows you how to build an Object-Oriented Expert Advisor from scratch, from conceiving a theoretical trading idea to programming a MQL5 EA that makes that idea real in the empirical world. Learning by doing is IMHO a solid approach to succeed, so I am showing a practical example in order for you to see how you can order your ideas to finally code your Forex robots. My goal is also to invite you to adhere the OO principles.
MQL5 Cookbook: How to Avoid Errors When Setting/Modifying Trade Levels
MQL5 Cookbook: How to Avoid Errors When Setting/Modifying Trade Levels

MQL5 Cookbook: How to Avoid Errors When Setting/Modifying Trade Levels

In continuation of our work on the Expert Advisor from the previous article of the series called "MQL5 Cookbook: Analyzing Position Properties in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester", we will enhance it with a whole lot of useful functions, as well as improve and optimize the existing ones. The Expert Advisor will this time have external parameters that can be optimized in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester and will in some ways resemble a simple trading system.
Simulink: a Guide for the Developers of Expert Advisors
Simulink: a Guide for the Developers of Expert Advisors

Simulink: a Guide for the Developers of Expert Advisors

I am not a professional programmer. And thus, the principle of "going from the simple to the complex" is of primary importance to me when I am working on trading system development. What exactly is simple for me? First of all, it is the visualization of the process of creating the system, and the logic of its work. Also, it is a minimum of handwritten code. In this article, I will attempt to create and test the trading system, based on a Matlab package, and then write an Expert Advisor for MetaTrader 5. The historical data from MetaTrader 5 will be used for the testing process.