MQL5 Programming Articles
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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MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters
In this article, we will create a pattern that uses a single set of parameters for optimization of a trading system, while allowing for unlimited number of parameters. The list of symbols will be created in a standard text file (*.txt). Input parameters for each symbol will also be stored in files. This way we will be able to circumvent the restriction of the terminal on the number of input parameters of an Expert Advisor.
Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5
The article implements an MQL application with a graphical interface for extended visualization of the optimization process. The graphical interface applies the last version of EasyAndFast library. Many users may ask why they need graphical interfaces in MQL applications. This article demonstrates one of multiple cases where they can be useful for traders.
Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part II
We continue testing the patterns and trying the methods described in the articles about trading currency pair baskets. Let's consider in practice, whether it is possible to use the patterns of the combined WPR graph crossing the moving average. If the answer is yes, we should consider the appropriate usage methods.
Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)
This is the final chapter of the second part of the series about graphical interfaces. Here, we are going to consider the creation of the main menu. The development of this control and setting up handlers of the library classes for correct reaction to the user's actions will be demonstrated here. We will also discuss how to attach context menus to the items of the main menu. Adding to that, we will mention blocking currently inactive elements.
Extending Strategy Builder Functionality
In the previous two articles, we discussed the application of Merrill patterns to various data types. An application was developed to test the presented ideas. In this article, we will continue working with the Strategy Builder, to improve its efficiency and to implement new features and capabilities.
Using the CCanvas class in MQL applications
The article considers the use of the CCanvas class in MQL applications. The theory is accompanied by detailed explanations and examples for thorough understanding of CCanvas basics.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops
This article discusses an implementation of stop levels in an expert advisor in order to make it compatible with the two platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification
Traders don't always have ability and desire to seat at the trading terminal for hours. Especially, if trading system is more or less formalized and can automatically identify some of the market states. This article describes how to generate a report of trade results (using Expert Advisor, Indicator or Script) as HTML-file and upload it via FTP to WWW-server. We will also consider sending notification of trade events as SMS to mobile phone.
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.
LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one
Before the first single test, every trader faces the same question — "Which of the four modes to use?" Each of the provided modes has its advantages and features, so we will do it the easy way - run all four modes at once with a single button! The article shows how to use the Win API and a little magic to see all four testing chart at the same time.
MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders
Any trader's trading activity involves various mechanisms and interrelationships including relations among orders. This article suggests a solution of OCO orders processing. Standard library classes are extensively involved, as well as new data types are created herein.
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.
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.
Neural networks made easy (Part 8): Attention mechanisms
In previous articles, we have already tested various options for organizing neural networks. We also considered convolutional networks borrowed from image processing algorithms. In this article, I suggest considering Attention Mechanisms, the appearance of which gave impetus to the development of language models.
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!
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.
CCI indicator. Upgrade and new features
In this article, I will consider the possibility of upgrading the CCI indicator. Besides, I will present a modification of the indicator.
Graphical Interfaces V: The Vertical and Horizontal Scrollbar (Chapter 1)
We are still discussing the development of the library for creating graphical interfaces in the MetaTrader environment. In the first article of the fifth part of the series, we will write classes for creating vertical and horizontal scrollbars.
Learn how to design a trading system by Relative Vigor Index
A new article in our series about how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicator. In this article, we will learn how to do that by the Relative Vigor Index indicator.
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part III): Correction-based grid with martingale
In this article, we will make an attempt to develop the best possible grid-based EA. As usual, this will be a cross-platform EA capable of working both with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. The first EA was good enough, except that it could not make a profit over a long period of time. The second EA could work at intervals of more than several years. Unfortunately, it was unable to yield more than 50% of profit per year with a maximum drawdown of less than 50%.
Guide to writing a DLL for MQL5 in Delphi
The article examines the mechanism of creating a DLL module, using the popular programming language of ObjectPascal, within a Delphi programming environment. The materials, provided in this article, are designed to primarily target beginner programmers, who are working with problems, which breach the boundaries of the embedded programming language of MQL5, by connecting the outside DLL modules.
Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor
Just over a year ago joo, in his article "Genetic Algorithms - It's Easy!", gave us a tool for implementation of the genetic algorithm in MQL5. Now utilizing the tool we will create an Expert Advisor that will genetically optimize its own parameters upon certain boundary conditions...
Graphical Interfaces IX: The Progress Bar and Line Chart Controls (Chapter 2)
The second chapter of the part nine is dedicated to the progress bar and line chart controls. As always, there will be detailed examples provided to reveal how these controls can be used in custom MQL applications.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XII): Account object class and collection of account objects
In the previous article, we defined position closure events for MQL4 in the library and got rid of the unused order properties. Here we will consider the creation of the Account object, develop the collection of account objects and prepare the functionality for tracking account events.
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model
A logical continuation of the earlier discussed topic would be the development of multifunctional mathematical models for trading tasks. In this article, I will describe the entire process related to the development of the first mathematical model describing fractals, from scratch. This model should become an important building block and be multifunctional and universal. It will build up our theoretical basis for further development of this idea.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 9): Building an Expert Advisor for the Asian Breakout Strategy
In this article, we build an Expert Advisor in MQL5 for the Asian Breakout Strategy by calculating the session's high and low and applying trend filtering with a moving average. We implement dynamic object styling, user-defined time inputs, and robust risk management. Finally, we demonstrate backtesting and optimization techniques to refine the program.
Testing Performance of Moving Averages Calculation in MQL5
A number of indicators have appeared since the time of first Moving Average indicator creation. Many of them use the similar smoothing methods, but the performances of different moving averages algorithms have not been studied. In this article, we will consider possible ways of use the Moving Averages in MQL5 and compare their performance.
Building a Social Technology Startup, Part II: Programming an MQL5 REST Client
Let's now shape the PHP-based Twitter idea which was introduced in the first part of this article. We are assembling the different parts of the SDSS. Regarding the client side of the system architecture, we are relying on the new MQL5 WebRequest() function for sending trading signals via HTTP.
Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUI's in MQL5 (Part III): Simple Movable Trading GUI
Join us in Part III of the "Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUIs in MQL5" series as we explore the integration of interactive GUIs into movable trading dashboards in MQL5. This article builds on the foundations set in Parts I and II, guiding readers to transform static trading dashboards into dynamic, movable ones.
Creating Non-Lagging Digital Filters
The article describes one of the approaches to determining a useful signal (trend) in stream data. Small filtering (smoothing) tests applied to market quotes demonstrate the potential for creating non-lagging digital filters (indicators) that are not redrawn on the last bars.
The market and the physics of its global patterns
In this article, I will try to test the assumption that any system with even a small understanding of the market can operate on a global scale. I will not invent any theories or patterns, but I will only use known facts, gradually translating these facts into the language of mathematical analysis.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part X): Compatibility with MQL4 - Events of opening a position and activating pending orders
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the ninth part, we started improving the library classes for working with MQL4. Here we will continue improving the library to ensure its full compatibility with MQL4.
Learn how to design a trading system by VIDYA
Welcome to a new article from our series about learning how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicators, in this article we will learn about a new technical tool and learn how to design a trading system by Variable Index Dynamic Average (VIDYA).
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 7): Beginner's Guide to Building Expert Advisors and Utilizing AI-Generated Code in MQL5
Discover the ultimate beginner's guide to building Expert Advisors (EAs) with MQL5 in our comprehensive article. Learn step-by-step how to construct EAs using pseudocode and harness the power of AI-generated code. Whether you're new to algorithmic trading or seeking to enhance your skills, this guide provides a clear path to creating effective EAs.
How to Add New UI Languages to the MetaTrader 5 Platform
User interface of the MetaTrader 5 platform is translated into several languages. Don't worry if your native language is not among the supported ones. You can easily complete the translation using the special MetaTrader 5 MultiLanguage Pack utility, offered by MetaQuotes Software Corp. for free to all comers. In this article we will show some examples of how to add a new user interface languages to the MetaTrader 5 platform.
Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 6): Auto optimizer's logical part and structure
We have previously considered the creation of automatic walk-forward optimization. This time, we will proceed to the internal structure of the auto optimizer tool. The article will be useful for all those who wish to further work with the created project and to modify it, as well as for those who wish to understand the program logic. The current article contains UML diagrams which present the internal structure of the project and the relationships between objects. It also describes the process of optimization start, but it does not contain the description of the optimizer implementation process.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 03): Matrix Regressions
This time our models are being made by matrices, which allows flexibility while it allows us to make powerful models that can handle not only five independent variables but also many variables as long as we stay within the calculations limits of a computer, this article is going to be an interesting read, that's for sure.
The Prototype of a Trading Robot
This article summarizes and systematizes the principles of creating algorithms and elements of trading systems. The article considers designing of expert algorithm. As an example the CExpertAdvisor class is considered, which can be used for quick and easy development of trading systems.
Build Self Optmising Expert Advisors in MQL5
Build expert advisors that look forward and adjust themselves to any market.
Graphical Interfaces IV: Informational Interface Elements (Chapter 1)
At the current stage of development, the library for creating graphical interfaces contains a form and several controls that can be attached to it. It was mentioned before that one of the future articles would be dedicated to the multi-window mode. Now, we have everything ready for that and we will deal with it in the following chapter. In this chapter, we will write classes for creating the status bar and tooltip informational interface elements.