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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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.
Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market
Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market

Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market

This article describes the theory of exchange pricing and clearing specifics of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. This is a comprehensive article for beginners who want to get their first exchange experience on derivatives trading, as well as for experienced forex traders who are considering trading on a centralized exchange platform.
Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4
Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4

Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4

Experienced traders are well aware of the fact that most time-consuming things in trading are not opening and tracking positions but selecting symbols and looking for entry points. In this article, we will develop an EA simplifying the search for entry points on trading instruments provided by your broker.
Object-Oriented Approach to Building Multi-Timeframe and Multi-Currency Panels
Object-Oriented Approach to Building Multi-Timeframe and Multi-Currency Panels

Object-Oriented Approach to Building Multi-Timeframe and Multi-Currency Panels

This article describes how object-oriented programming can be used for creating multi-timeframe and multi-currency panels for MetaTrader 5. The main goal is to build a universal panel, which can be used for displaying many different kinds of data, such as prices, price changes, indicator values or custom buy/sell conditions without the need to modify the code of the panel itself.
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CBox Class
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CBox Class

Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CBox Class

This article presents an alternative method of GUI creation based on layouts and containers, using one layout manager — the CBox class. The CBox class is an auxiliary control that acts as a container for essential controls in a GUI panel. It can make designing graphical panels easier, and in some cases, reduce coding time.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 43): Adaptive Linear Regression Channel Strategy

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 43): Adaptive Linear Regression Channel Strategy

In this article, we implement an adaptive Linear Regression Channel system in MQL5 that automatically calculates the regression line and standard deviation channel over a user-defined period, only activates when the slope exceeds a minimum threshold to confirm a clear trend, and dynamically recreates or extends the channel when the price breaks out by a configurable percentage of channel width.
Using MetaTrader 5 as a Signal Provider for MetaTrader 4
Using MetaTrader 5 as a Signal Provider for MetaTrader 4

Using MetaTrader 5 as a Signal Provider for MetaTrader 4

Analyse and examples of techniques how trading analysis can be performed on MetaTrader 5 platform, but executed by MetaTrader 4. Article will show you how to create simple signal provider in your MetaTrader 5, and connect to it with multiple clients, even running MetaTrader 4. Also you will find out how you can follow participants of Automated Trading Championship in your real MetaTrader 4 account.
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: Handling Typical Chart Events
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling Typical Chart Events

MQL5 Cookbook: Handling Typical Chart Events

This article considers typical chart events and includes examples of their processing. We will focus on mouse events, keystrokes, creation/modification/removal of a graphical object, mouse click on a chart and on a graphical object, moving a graphical object with a mouse, finish editing of text in a text field, as well as on chart modification events. A sample of an MQL5 program is provided for each type of event considered.
The Last Crusade
The Last Crusade

The Last Crusade

Take a look at your trading terminal. What means of price presentation can you see? Bars, candlesticks, lines. We are chasing time and prices whereas we only profit from prices. Shall we only give attention to prices when analyzing the market? This article proposes an algorithm and a script for point and figure charting ("naughts and crosses") Consideration is given to various price patterns whose practical use is outlined in recommendations provided.
Graphical Interfaces X: Text selection in the Multiline Text box (build 13)
Graphical Interfaces X: Text selection in the Multiline Text box (build 13)

Graphical Interfaces X: Text selection in the Multiline Text box (build 13)

This article will implement the ability to select text using various key combinations and deletion of the selected text, similar to the way it is done in any other text editor. In addition, we will continue to optimize the code and prepare the classes to move on to the final process of the second stage of the library's evolution, where all controls will be rendered as separate images (canvases).
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Developing Zone Recovery Martingale strategy in MQL5

Developing Zone Recovery Martingale strategy in MQL5

The article discusses, in a detailed perspective, the steps that need to be implemented towards the creation of an expert advisor based on the Zone Recovery trading algorithm. This helps aotomate the system saving time for algotraders.
Implementation of Indicators as Classes by Examples of Zigzag and ATR
Implementation of Indicators as Classes by Examples of Zigzag and ATR

Implementation of Indicators as Classes by Examples of Zigzag and ATR

Debate about an optimal way of calculating indicators is endless. Where should we calculate the indicator values - in the indicator itself or embed the entire logic in a Expert Advisor that uses it? The article describes one of the variants of moving the source code of a custom indicator iCustom right in the code of an Expert Advisor or script with optimization of calculations and modeling the prev_calculated value.
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Data Science and Machine Learning — Neural Network (Part 01): Feed Forward Neural Network demystified

Data Science and Machine Learning — Neural Network (Part 01): Feed Forward Neural Network demystified

Many people love them but a few understand the whole operations behind Neural Networks. In this article I will try to explain everything that goes behind closed doors of a feed-forward multi-layer perception in plain English.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 37): Regular RSI Divergence Convergence with Visual Indicators

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 37): Regular RSI Divergence Convergence with Visual Indicators

In this article, we build an MQL5 EA that detects regular RSI divergences using swing points with strength, bar limits, and tolerance checks. It executes trades on bullish or bearish signals with fixed lots, SL/TP in pips, and optional trailing stops. Visuals include colored lines on charts and labeled swings for better strategy insights.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 02): Getting started with the code

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 02): Getting started with the code

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode. In the previous article, we discussed the first steps that anyone needs to understand before proceeding to creating an Expert Advisor that trades automatically. We considered the concepts and the structure.
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Framework for a Trading System Based on the Triple Screen Strategy
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Framework for a Trading System Based on the Triple Screen Strategy

MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Framework for a Trading System Based on the Triple Screen Strategy

In this article, we will develop a framework for a trading system based on the Triple Screen strategy in MQL5. The Expert Advisor will not be developed from scratch. Instead, we will simply modify the program from the previous article "MQL5 Cookbook: Using Indicators to Set Trading Conditions in Expert Advisors" which already substantially serves our purpose. So the article will also demonstrate how you can easily modify patterns of ready-made programs.
Graphical Interfaces II: the Menu Item Element (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces II: the Menu Item Element (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces II: the Menu Item Element (Chapter 1)

In the second part of the series, we will show in detail the development of such interface elements as main menu and context menu. We will also mention drawing elements and create a special class for it. We will discuss in depth such question as managing program events including custom ones.
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.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library

There exists some components in the MQL5 Standard Library that may prove to be useful in the MQL4 version of cross-platform expert advisors. This article deals with a method of making certain components of the MQL5 Standard Library compatible with the MQL4 compiler.
Interview with Alexey Masterov (ATC 2012)
Interview with Alexey Masterov (ATC 2012)

Interview with Alexey Masterov (ATC 2012)

We do our best to introduce all the leading Championship Participants to our audience in reasonable time. To achieve that, we closely monitor the most promising contestants in our TOP-10 and arrange interviews with them. However, the sharp rise of Alexey Masterov (reinhard) up to the third place has become a real surprise!
Universal Expert Advisor: CUnIndicator and Use of Pending Orders (Part 9)
Universal Expert Advisor: CUnIndicator and Use of Pending Orders (Part 9)

Universal Expert Advisor: CUnIndicator and Use of Pending Orders (Part 9)

The article describes the work with indicators through the universal CUnIndicator class. In addition, new methods of working with pending orders are considered. Please note: from this point on, the structure of the CStrategy project has undergone substantial changes. Now all its files are located in a single directory for the convenience of users.
MQL5 Cookbook: Writing the History of Deals to a File and Creating Balance Charts for Each Symbol in Excel
MQL5 Cookbook: Writing the History of Deals to a File and Creating Balance Charts for Each Symbol in Excel

MQL5 Cookbook: Writing the History of Deals to a File and Creating Balance Charts for Each Symbol in Excel

When communicating in various forums, I often used examples of my test results displayed as screenshots of Microsoft Excel charts. I have many times been asked to explain how such charts can be created. Finally, I now have some time to explain it all in this article.
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Slider and the Dual Slider Controls (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Slider and the Dual Slider Controls (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces VI: the Slider and the Dual Slider Controls (Chapter 2)

In the previous article, we have enriched our library with four controls frequently used in graphical interfaces: checkbox, edit, edit with checkbox and check combobox. The second chapter of the sixth part will be dedicated to the slider and the dual slider controls.
MQL Parsing by Means of MQL
MQL Parsing by Means of MQL

MQL Parsing by Means of MQL

The article describes a preprocessor, a scanner, and a parser to be used in parsing the MQL-based source codes. MQL implementation is attached.
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Checkbox Control, the Edit Control and their Mixed Types (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces VI: the Checkbox Control, the Edit Control and their Mixed Types (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces VI: the Checkbox Control, the Edit Control and their Mixed Types (Chapter 1)

This article is the beginning of the sixth part of the series dedicated to the development of the library for creating graphical interfaces in the MetaTrader terminals. In the first chapter, we are going to discuss the checkbox control, the edit control and their mixed types.
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Python + MetaTrader 5: Fast Research Framework for Data, Features, and Prototypes

Python + MetaTrader 5: Fast Research Framework for Data, Features, and Prototypes

The article demonstrates how Python and MetaTrader 5 integration combines research flexibility and trade execution into a single workflow. Python is used for data analysis, feature selection and model training, while MetaTrader 5 is used for testing and trading automation. This approach simplifies the transfer of solutions into practice, increases reproducibility, and makes the development of trading systems faster and more structured.
Universal Expert Advisor: Trading in a Group and Managing a Portfolio of Strategies (Part 4)
Universal Expert Advisor: Trading in a Group and Managing a Portfolio of Strategies (Part 4)

Universal Expert Advisor: Trading in a Group and Managing a Portfolio of Strategies (Part 4)

In the last part of the series of articles about the CStrategy trading engine, we will consider simultaneous operation of multiple trading algorithms, will learn to load strategies from XML files, and will present a simple panel for selecting Expert Advisors from a single executable module, and managing their trading modes.
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors

Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors

The second article of the series about deep neural networks will consider the transformation and choice of predictors during the process of preparing data for training a model.
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Building a Bar Replay Tool in MQL5

Building a Bar Replay Tool in MQL5

This article shows how to build an interactive bar replay tool in MQL5 for MetaTrader 5 that reveals historical candles one by one without exposing future data. You will implement custom candles with DRAW COLOR CANDLES, an event-driven engine with OnChartEvent and OnTimer, a dashboard with Play/Pause, a draggable replay anchor, and Buy/Sell paper trading with SL/TP lines, while keeping the active bar in view to practice discretionary analysis and execution.
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CatBoost machine learning algorithm from Yandex with no Python or R knowledge required

CatBoost machine learning algorithm from Yandex with no Python or R knowledge required

The article provides the code and the description of the main stages of the machine learning process using a specific example. To obtain the model, you do not need Python or R knowledge. Furthermore, basic MQL5 knowledge is enough — this is exactly my level. Therefore, I hope that the article will serve as a good tutorial for a broad audience, assisting those interested in evaluating machine learning capabilities and in implementing them in their programs.
Video: Simple automated trading – How to create a simple Expert Advisor with MQL5
Video: Simple automated trading – How to create a simple Expert Advisor with MQL5

Video: Simple automated trading – How to create a simple Expert Advisor with MQL5

The majority of students in my courses felt that MQL5 was really difficult to understand. In addition to this, they were searching for a straightforward method to automate a few processes. Find out how to begin working with MQL5 right now by reading the information contained in this article. Even if you have never done any form of programming before. And even in the event that you are unable to comprehend the previous illustrations that you have observed.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 25): Trendline Trader with Least Squares Fit and Dynamic Signal Generation

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 25): Trendline Trader with Least Squares Fit and Dynamic Signal Generation

In this article, we develop a trendline trader program that uses least squares fit to detect support and resistance trendlines, generating dynamic buy and sell signals based on price touches and open positions based on generated signals.
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How to build and optimize a cycle-based trading system (Detrended Price Oscillator - DPO)

How to build and optimize a cycle-based trading system (Detrended Price Oscillator - DPO)

This article explains how to design and optimise a trading system using the Detrended Price Oscillator (DPO) in MQL5. It outlines the indicator's core logic, demonstrating how it identifies short-term cycles by filtering out long-term trends. Through a series of step-by-step examples and simple strategies, readers will learn how to code it, define entry and exit signals, and conduct backtesting. Finally, the article presents practical optimization methods to enhance performance and adapt the system to changing market conditions.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 11): A take on GPT

Neural networks made easy (Part 11): A take on GPT

Perhaps one of the most advanced models among currently existing language neural networks is GPT-3, the maximal variant of which contains 175 billion parameters. Of course, we are not going to create such a monster on our home PCs. However, we can view which architectural solutions can be used in our work and how we can benefit from them.
Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Time Series
Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Time Series

Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Time Series

This article introduces a class designed to give a quick preliminary estimate of characteristics of various time series. As this takes place, statistical parameters and autocorrelation function are estimated, a spectral estimation of time series is carried out and a histogram is built.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 36): Unlocking Direct Python Access to MetaTrader 5 Market Streams

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 36): Unlocking Direct Python Access to MetaTrader 5 Market Streams

Harness the full potential of your MetaTrader 5 terminal by leveraging Python’s data-science ecosystem and the official MetaTrader 5 client library. This article demonstrates how to authenticate and stream live tick and minute-bar data directly into Parquet storage, apply sophisticated feature engineering with Ta and Prophet, and train a time-aware Gradient Boosting model. We then deploy a lightweight Flask service to serve trade signals in real time. Whether you’re building a hybrid quant framework or enhancing your EA with machine learning, you’ll walk away with a robust, end-to-end pipeline for data-driven algorithmic trading.
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An Analysis of Why Expert Advisors Fail

An Analysis of Why Expert Advisors Fail

This article presents an analysis of currency data to better understand why expert advisors can have good performance in some regions of time and poor performance in other regions of time.
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From Novice to Expert: Higher Probability Signals

From Novice to Expert: Higher Probability Signals

In high-probability support and resistance zones, valid entry confirmation signals are always present once the zone has been correctly identified. In this discussion, we build an intelligent MQL5 program that automatically detects entry conditions within these zones. We leverage well-known candlestick patterns alongside native confirmation indicators to validate trade decisions. Click to read further.
Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5
Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5

Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5

The article addresses probability distributions (normal, log-normal, binomial, logistic, exponential, Cauchy distribution, Student's t-distribution, Laplace distribution, Poisson distribution, Hyperbolic Secant distribution, Beta and Gamma distribution) of random variables used in Applied Statistics. It also features classes for handling these distributions.