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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Swaps (Part I): Locking and Synthetic Positions
Swaps (Part I): Locking and Synthetic Positions

Swaps (Part I): Locking and Synthetic Positions

In this article I will try to expand the classic concept of swap trading methods. I will explain why I have come to the conclusion that this concept deserves special attention and is absolutely recommended for study.
Connecting NeuroSolutions Neuronets
Connecting NeuroSolutions Neuronets

Connecting NeuroSolutions Neuronets

In addition to creation of neuronets, the NeuroSolutions software suite allows exporting them as DLLs. This article describes the process of creating a neuronet, generating a DLL and connecting it to an Expert Advisor for trading in MetaTrader 5.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 32): Python Candlestick Recognition Engine (II) — Detection Using Ta-Lib

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 32): Python Candlestick Recognition Engine (II) — Detection Using Ta-Lib

In this article, we’ve transitioned from manually coding candlestick‑pattern detection in Python to leveraging TA‑Lib, a library that recognizes over sixty distinct patterns. These formations offer valuable insights into potential market reversals and trend continuations. Follow along to learn more.
MQL5 Wizard: How to Create a Module of Trailing of Open Positions
MQL5 Wizard: How to Create a Module of Trailing of Open Positions

MQL5 Wizard: How to Create a Module of Trailing of Open Positions

The generator of trade strategies MQL5 Wizard greatly simplifies the testing of trading ideas. The article discusses how to write and connect to the generator of trade strategies MQL5 Wizard your own class of managing open positions by moving the Stop Loss level to a lossless zone when the price goes in the position direction, allowing to protect your profit decrease drawdowns when trading. It also tells about the structure and format of the description of the created class for the MQL5 Wizard.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 1): Mastering the Functions of the MQL5 Economic Calendar

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 1): Mastering the Functions of the MQL5 Economic Calendar

In this article, we explore how to use the MQL5 Economic Calendar for trading by first understanding its core functionalities. We then implement key functions of the Economic Calendar in MQL5 to extract relevant news data for trading decisions. Finally, we conclude by showcasing how to utilize this information to enhance trading strategies effectively.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 9): Documenting the work

Neural networks made easy (Part 9): Documenting the work

We have already passed a long way and the code in our library is becoming bigger and bigger. This makes it difficult to keep track of all connections and dependencies. Therefore, I suggest creating documentation for the earlier created code and to keep it updating with each new step. Properly prepared documentation will help us see the integrity of our work.
Econometric Approach to Analysis of Charts
Econometric Approach to Analysis of Charts

Econometric Approach to Analysis of Charts

This article describes the econometric methods of analysis, the autocorrelation analysis and the analysis of conditional variance in particular. What is the benefit of the approach described here? Use of the non-linear GARCH models allows representing the analyzed series formally from the mathematical point of view and creating a forecast for a specified number of steps.
How to visualize multicurrency trading history based on HTML and CSV reports
How to visualize multicurrency trading history based on HTML and CSV reports

How to visualize multicurrency trading history based on HTML and CSV reports

Since its introduction, MetaTrader 5 provides multicurrency testing options. This possibility is often used by traders. However the function is not universal. The article presents several programs for drawing graphical objects on charts based on HTML and CSV trading history reports. Multicurrency trading can be analyzed in parallel, in several sub-windows, as well as in one window using the dynamic switching command.
Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic
Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic

Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic

In this article, I decided to highlight the well-known Bernoulli scheme and to show how it can be used to describe trading-related data arrays. All this will then be used to create a self-adapting trading system. We will also look for a more generic algorithm, a special case of which is the Bernoulli formula, and will find an application for it.
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Adaptive indicators

Adaptive indicators

In this article, I will consider several possible approaches to creating adaptive indicators. Adaptive indicators are distinguished by the presence of feedback between the values of the input and output signals. This feedback allows the indicator to independently adjust to the optimal processing of financial time series values.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 4): Building a Multi-Level Zone Recovery System

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 4): Building a Multi-Level Zone Recovery System

In this article, we develop a Multi-Level Zone Recovery System in MQL5 that utilizes RSI to generate trading signals. Each signal instance is dynamically added to an array structure, allowing the system to manage multiple signals simultaneously within the Zone Recovery logic. Through this approach, we demonstrate how to handle complex trade management scenarios effectively while maintaining a scalable and robust code design.
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling BookEvent
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling BookEvent

MQL5 Cookbook: Handling BookEvent

This article considers BookEvent - a Depth of Market event, and the principle of its processing. An MQL program, handling states of Depth of Market, serves as an example. It is written using the object-oriented approach. Results of handling are displayed on the screen as a panel and Depth of Market levels.
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Learn how to design a trading system by OBV

Learn how to design a trading system by OBV

This is a new article to continue our series for beginners about how to design a trading system based on some of the popular indicators. We will learn a new indicator that is On Balance Volume (OBV), and we will learn how we can use it and design a trading system based on it.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 78): Animation principles in the library. Image slicing
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 78): Animation principles in the library. Image slicing

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 78): Animation principles in the library. Image slicing

In this article, I will define the animation principles to be used in some parts of the library. I will also develop a class for copying a part of the image and pasting it to a specified form object location while preserving and restoring the part of the form background the image is to be superimposed on.
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Building a Professional Trading System with Heikin Ashi (Part 2): Developing an EA

Building a Professional Trading System with Heikin Ashi (Part 2): Developing an EA

This article explains how to develop a professional Heikin Ashi-based Expert Advisor (EA) in MQL5. You will learn how to set up input parameters, enumerations, indicators, global variables, and implement the core trading logic. You will also be able to run a backtest on gold to validate your work.
An Example of Developing a Spread Strategy for Moscow Exchange Futures
An Example of Developing a Spread Strategy for Moscow Exchange Futures

An Example of Developing a Spread Strategy for Moscow Exchange Futures

The MetaTrader 5 platform allows developing and testing trading robots that simultaneously trade multiple financial instruments. The built-in Strategy Tester automatically downloads required tick history from the broker's server taking into account contract specifications, so the developer does not need to do anything manually. This makes it possible to easily and reliably reproduce trading environment conditions, including even millisecond intervals between the arrival of ticks on different symbols. In this article we will demonstrate the development and testing of a spread strategy on two Moscow Exchange futures.
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How to integrate Smart Money Concepts (OB) coupled with Fibonacci indicator for Optimal Trade Entry

How to integrate Smart Money Concepts (OB) coupled with Fibonacci indicator for Optimal Trade Entry

The SMC (Order Block) are key areas where institutional traders initiate significant buying or selling. After a significant price move, fibonacci helps to identify potential retracement from a recent swing high to a swing low to identify optimal trade entry.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 5): Scalping vs Swing Trading Approaches

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 5): Scalping vs Swing Trading Approaches

This part explores how to design a Dynamic Multi-Pair Expert Advisor capable of adapting between Scalping and Swing Trading modes. It covers the structural and algorithmic differences in signal generation, trade execution, and risk management, allowing the EA to intelligently switch strategies based on market behavior and user input.
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Matrix and Vector operations in MQL5

Matrix and Vector operations in MQL5

Matrices and vectors have been introduced in MQL5 for efficient operations with mathematical solutions. The new types offer built-in methods for creating concise and understandable code that is close to mathematical notation. Arrays provide extensive capabilities, but there are many cases in which matrices are much more efficient.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 5): Multithreaded calculations in OpenCL

Neural networks made easy (Part 5): Multithreaded calculations in OpenCL

We have earlier discussed some types of neural network implementations. In the considered networks, the same operations are repeated for each neuron. A logical further step is to utilize multithreaded computing capabilities provided by modern technology in an effort to speed up the neural network learning process. One of the possible implementations is described in this article.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 66): MQL5.com Signals collection class
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 66): MQL5.com Signals collection class

Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 66): MQL5.com Signals collection class

In this article, I will create the signal collection class of the MQL5.com Signals service with the functions for managing signals. Besides, I will improve the Depth of Market snapshot object class for displaying the total DOM buy and sell volumes.
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Experiments with neural networks (Part 1): Revisiting geometry

Experiments with neural networks (Part 1): Revisiting geometry

In this article, I will use experimentation and non-standard approaches to develop a profitable trading system and check whether neural networks can be of any help for traders.
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How to Implement Auto Optimization in MQL5 Expert Advisors

How to Implement Auto Optimization in MQL5 Expert Advisors

Step by step guide for auto optimization in MQL5 for Expert Advisors. We will cover robust optimization logic, best practices for parameter selection, and how to reconstruct strategies with back-testing. Additionally, higher-level methods like walk-forward optimization will be discussed to enhance your trading approach.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Accelerator Oscillator

Learn how to design a trading system by Accelerator Oscillator

A new article from our series about how to create simple trading systems by the most popular technical indicators. We will learn about a new one which is the Accelerator Oscillator indicator and we will learn how to design a trading system using it.
Controlling the Slope of Balance Curve During Work of an Expert Advisor
Controlling the Slope of Balance Curve During Work of an Expert Advisor

Controlling the Slope of Balance Curve During Work of an Expert Advisor

Finding rules for a trade system and programming them in an Expert Advisor is a half of the job. Somehow, you need to correct the operation of the Expert Advisor as it accumulates the results of trading. This article describes one of approaches, which allows improving performance of an Expert Advisor through creation of a feedback that measures slope of the balance curve.
Technical Indicators and Digital Filters
Technical Indicators and Digital Filters

Technical Indicators and Digital Filters

In this article, technical indicators are treated as digital filters. Operation principles and basic characteristics of digital filters are explained. Also, some practical ways of receiving the filter kernel in MetaTrader 5 terminal and integration with a ready-made spectrum analyzer proposed in the article "Building a Spectrum Analyzer" are considered. Pulse and spectrum characteristics of the typical digital filters are used as examples.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 4): Dynamic Position Sizing

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 4): Dynamic Position Sizing

Successfully employing algorithmic trading requires continuous, interdisciplinary learning. However, the infinite range of possibilities can consume years of effort without yielding tangible results. To address this, we propose a framework that gradually introduces complexity, allowing traders to refine their strategies iteratively rather than committing indefinite time to uncertain outcomes.
MQL5 Cookbook: Using Different Print Modes
MQL5 Cookbook: Using Different Print Modes

MQL5 Cookbook: Using Different Print Modes

This is the first article of the MQL5 Cookbook series. I will start with simple examples to allow those who are taking their first steps in programming to gradually become familiar with the new language. I remember my first efforts at designing and programming trading systems which I may say was quite difficult, given the fact that it was the first programming language in my life. However, it turned out to be easier than I thought and it only took me a few months before I could develop a fairly complex program.
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Building and testing Keltner Channel trading systems

Building and testing Keltner Channel trading systems

In this article, we will try to provide trading systems using a very important concept in the financial market which is volatility. We will provide a trading system based on the Keltner Channel indicator after understanding it and how we can code it and how we can create a trading system based on a simple trading strategy and then test it on different assets.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 73): Form object of a graphical element
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 73): Form object of a graphical element

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 73): Form object of a graphical element

The article opens up a new large section of the library for working with graphics. In the current article, I will create the mouse status object, the base object of all graphical elements and the class of the form object of the library graphical elements.
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Building a Trading System (Part 2): The Science of Position Sizing

Building a Trading System (Part 2): The Science of Position Sizing

Even with a positive-expectancy system, position sizing determines whether you thrive or collapse. It’s the pivot of risk management—translating statistical edges into real-world results while safeguarding your capital.
MQL5 Cookbook: Indicator Subwindow Controls - Scrollbar
MQL5 Cookbook: Indicator Subwindow Controls - Scrollbar

MQL5 Cookbook: Indicator Subwindow Controls - Scrollbar

Let's continue exploring various controls and this time turn our attention to scrollbar. Just like in the previous article entitled "MQL5 Cookbook: Indicator Subwindow Controls - Buttons", all operations will be performed in the indicator subwindow. Take a moment to read the above mentioned article as it provides a detailed description of working with events in the OnChartEvent() function, while this point will only be casually touched upon in this article. For illustrative purposes, this time around we will create a vertical scrollbar for a large list of all financial instrument properties that can be obtained using MQL5 resources.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part III). Collection of market orders and positions, search and sorting
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part III). Collection of market orders and positions, search and sorting

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part III). Collection of market orders and positions, search and sorting

In the first part, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. Further on, we implemented the collection of history orders and deals. Our next step is creating a class for a convenient selection and sorting of orders, deals and positions in collection lists. We are going to implement the base library object called Engine and add collection of market orders and positions to the library.
A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms
A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms

A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms

The article considers the methodology for developing trading algorithms, in which a consistent scientific approach is used to analyze possible price patterns and to build trading algorithms based on these patterns. Development ideals are demonstrated using examples.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XI). Compatibility with MQL4 - Position closure events
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XI). Compatibility with MQL4 - Position closure events

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XI). Compatibility with MQL4 - Position closure events

We continue the development of a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the tenth part, we resumed our work on the library compatibility with MQL4 and defined the events of opening positions and activating pending orders. In this article, we will define the events of closing positions and get rid of the unused order properties.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 52): Master Market Structure with Multi-Timeframe Visual Analysis

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 52): Master Market Structure with Multi-Timeframe Visual Analysis

This article presents the Multi‑Timeframe Visual Analyzer, an MQL5 Expert Advisor that reconstructs and overlays higher‑timeframe candles directly onto your active chart. It explains the implementation, key inputs, and practical outcomes, supported by an animated demo and chart examples showing instant toggling, multi‑timeframe confirmation, and configurable alerts. Read on to see how this tool can make chart analysis faster, clearer, and more efficient.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 26): Reinforcement Learning

Neural networks made easy (Part 26): Reinforcement Learning

We continue to study machine learning methods. With this article, we begin another big topic, Reinforcement Learning. This approach allows the models to set up certain strategies for solving the problems. We can expect that this property of reinforcement learning will open up new horizons for building trading strategies.
Optimal approach to the development and analysis of trading systems
Optimal approach to the development and analysis of trading systems

Optimal approach to the development and analysis of trading systems

In this article, I will show the criteria to be used when selecting a system or a signal for investing your funds, as well as describe the optimal approach to the development of trading systems and highlight the importance of this matter in Forex trading.
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Trailing stop in trading

Trailing stop in trading

In this article, we will look at the use of a trailing stop in trading. We will assess how useful and effective it is, and how it can be used. The efficiency of a trailing stop largely depends on price volatility and the selection of the stop loss level. A variety of approaches can be used to set a stop loss.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 14): Trade Layering Strategy with MACD-RSI Statistical Methods

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 14): Trade Layering Strategy with MACD-RSI Statistical Methods

In this article, we introduce a trade layering strategy that combines MACD and RSI indicators with statistical methods to automate dynamic trading in MQL5. We explore the architecture of this cascading approach, detail its implementation through key code segments, and guide readers on backtesting to optimize performance. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the strategy’s potential and setting the stage for further enhancements in automated trading.