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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Parafrac Oscillator: Combination of Parabolic and Fractal Indicator
We will explore how the Parabolic SAR and the Fractal indicator can be combined to create a new oscillator-based indicator. By integrating the unique strengths of both tools, traders can aim at developing a more refined and effective trading strategy.
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 12): EURUSD Breakout Strategy
Join us today as we challenge ourselves to build a profitable break-out trading strategy in MQL5. We selected the EURUSD pair and attempted to trade price breakouts on the hourly timeframe. Our system had difficulty distinguishing between false breakouts and the beginning of true trends. We layered our system with filters intended to minimize our losses whilst increasing our gains. In the end, we successfully made our system profitable and less prone to false breakouts.
Neural networks made easy (Part 16): Practical use of clustering
In the previous article, we have created a class for data clustering. In this article, I want to share variants of the possible application of obtained results in solving practical trading tasks.
Prices in DoEasy library (part 59): Object to store data of one tick
From this article on, start creating library functionality to work with price data. Today, create an object class which will store all price data which arrived with yet another tick.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 4): Mastering Structures, Classes, and Time Functions
Unlock the secrets of MQL5 programming in our latest article! Delve into the essentials of structures, classes, and time functions, empowering your coding journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, our guide simplifies complex concepts, providing valuable insights for mastering MQL5. Elevate your programming skills and stay ahead in the world of algorithmic trading!
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 06): Gradient Descent
The gradient descent plays a significant role in training neural networks and many machine learning algorithms. It is a quick and intelligent algorithm despite its impressive work it is still misunderstood by a lot of data scientists let's see what it is all about.
Neural networks made easy (Part 67): Using past experience to solve new tasks
In this article, we continue discussing methods for collecting data into a training set. Obviously, the learning process requires constant interaction with the environment. However, situations can be different.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 9): Understanding and Using Objects in MQL5
Learn to create and customize chart objects in MQL5 using current and historical data. This project-based guide helps you visualize trades and apply MQL5 concepts practically, making it easier to build tools tailored to your trading needs.
Moral expectation in trading
This article is about moral expectation. We will look at several examples of its use in trading, as well as the results that can be achieved with its help.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 15): Price Action Harmonic Cypher Pattern with Visualization
In this article, we explore the automation of the Cypher harmonic pattern in MQL5, detailing its detection and visualization on MetaTrader 5 charts. We implement an Expert Advisor that identifies swing points, validates Fibonacci-based patterns, and executes trades with clear graphical annotations. The article concludes with guidance on backtesting and optimizing the program for effective trading.
Data label for time series mining(Part 1)：Make a dataset with trend markers through the EA operation chart
This series of articles introduces several time series labeling methods, which can create data that meets most artificial intelligence models, and targeted data labeling according to needs can make the trained artificial intelligence model more in line with the expected design, improve the accuracy of our model, and even help the model make a qualitative leap!
Neural networks made easy (Part 21): Variational autoencoders (VAE)
In the last article, we got acquainted with the Autoencoder algorithm. Like any other algorithm, it has its advantages and disadvantages. In its original implementation, the autoenctoder is used to separate the objects from the training sample as much as possible. This time we will talk about how to deal with some of its disadvantages.
Experiments with neural networks (Part 2): Smart neural network optimization
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. MetaTrader 5 as a self-sufficient tool for using neural networks in trading.
Advanced resampling and selection of CatBoost models by brute-force method
This article describes one of the possible approaches to data transformation aimed at improving the generalizability of the model, and also discusses sampling and selection of CatBoost models.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 28): Towards the future (III)
There is still one task which our order system is not up to, but we will FINALLY figure it out. The MetaTrader 5 provides a system of tickets which allows creating and correcting order values. The idea is to have an Expert Advisor that would make the same ticket system faster and more efficient.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 3): Creating bound controls
In this article, I will create subordinate controls bound to the base element. The development will be performed using the base control functionality. In addition, I will tinker with the graphical element shadow object a bit since it still suffers from some logic errors when applied to any of the objects capable of having a shadow.
How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 3): Added symbols prefixes and/or suffixes and Trading Time Session
Several fellow traders sent emails or commented about how to use this Multi-Currency EA on brokers with symbol names that have prefixes and/or suffixes, and also how to implement trading time zones or trading time sessions on this Multi-Currency EA.
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 5): Self Adapting Trading Rules
The best practices, defining how to safely us an indicator, are not always easy to follow. Quiet market conditions may surprisingly produce readings on the indicator that do not qualify as a trading signal, leading to missed opportunities for algorithmic traders. This article will suggest a potential solution to this problem, as we discuss how to build trading applications capable of adapting their trading rules to the available market data.
Neural networks made easy (Part 15): Data clustering using MQL5
We continue to consider the clustering method. In this article, we will create a new CKmeans class to implement one of the most common k-means clustering methods. During tests, the model managed to identify about 500 patterns.
Developing an Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 30): CHART TRADE as an indicator?
Today we are going to use Chart Trade again, but this time it will be an on-chart indicator which may or may not be present on the chart.
Neural networks made easy (Part 32): Distributed Q-Learning
We got acquainted with the Q-learning method in one of the earlier articles within this series. This method averages rewards for each action. Two works were presented in 2017, which show greater success when studying the reward distribution function. Let's consider the possibility of using such technology to solve our problems.
New Opportunities with MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 4 gained its popularity with traders from all over the world, and it seemed like nothing more could be wished for. With its high processing speed, stability, wide array of possibilities for writing indicators, Expert Advisors, and informatory-trading systems, and the ability to chose from over a hundred different brokers, - the terminal greatly distinguished itself from the rest. But time doesn’t stand still, and we find ourselves facing a choice of MetaTrade 4 or MetaTrade 5. In this article, we will describe the main differences of the 5th generation terminal from our current favor.
Creating a ticker tape panel: Basic version
Here I will show how to create screens with price tickers which are usually used to display quotes on the exchange. I will do it by only using MQL5, without using complex external programming.
Technical Analysis: What Do We Analyze?
This article tries to analyze several peculiarities of representation of quotes available in the MetaTrader client terminal. The article is general, it doesn't concern programming.
Understanding Programming Paradigms (Part 2): An Object-Oriented Approach to Developing a Price Action Expert Advisor
Learn about the object-oriented programming paradigm and its application in MQL5 code. This second article goes deeper into the specifics of object-oriented programming, offering hands-on experience through a practical example. You'll learn how to convert our earlier developed procedural price action expert advisor using the EMA indicator and candlestick price data to object-oriented code.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 42): Interactive Chart Testing with Button Logic and Statistical Levels
In a world where speed and precision matter, analysis tools need to be as smart as the markets we trade. This article presents an EA built on button logic—an interactive system that instantly transforms raw price data into meaningful statistical levels. With a single click, it calculates and displays mean, deviation, percentiles, and more, turning advanced analytics into clear on-chart signals. It highlights the zones where price is most likely to bounce, retrace, or break, making analysis both faster and more practical.
Ready-made templates for including indicators to Expert Advisors (Part 2): Volume and Bill Williams indicators
In this article, we will look at standard indicators of the Volume and Bill Williams' indicators category. We will create ready-to-use templates for indicator use in EAs - declaring and setting parameters, indicator initialization and deinitialization, as well as receiving data and signals from indicator buffers in EAs.
Population optimization algorithms: Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO)
Let's consider one of the newest modern optimization algorithms - Grey Wolf Optimization. The original behavior on test functions makes this algorithm one of the most interesting among the ones considered earlier. This is one of the top algorithms for use in training neural networks, smooth functions with many variables.
Neural Networks in Trading: A Multi-Agent System with Conceptual Reinforcement (FinCon)
We invite you to explore the FinCon framework, which is a a Large Language Model (LLM)-based multi-agent system. The framework uses conceptual verbal reinforcement to improve decision making and risk management, enabling effective performance on a variety of financial tasks.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 14): A Beginner's Guide to Building Custom Indicators (III)
Learn to build a Harmonic Pattern indicator in MQL5 using chart objects. Discover how to detect swing points, apply Fibonacci retracements, and automate pattern recognition.
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 3): Dynamic Trend Following and Mean Reversion Strategies
Financial markets are typically classified as either in a range mode or a trending mode. This static view of the market may make it easier for us to trade in the short run. However, it is disconnected from the reality of the market. In this article, we look to better understand how exactly financial markets move between these 2 possible modes and how we can use our new understanding of market behavior to gain confidence in our algorithmic trading strategies.
Tips from a professional programmer (Part III): Logging. Connecting to the Seq log collection and analysis system
Implementation of the Logger class for unifying and structuring messages which are printed to the Experts log. Connection to the Seq log collection and analysis system. Monitoring log messages online.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 54): Descendant classes of abstract base indicator
The article considers creation of classes of descendant objects of base abstract indicator. Such objects will provide access to features of creating indicator EAs, collecting and getting data value statistics of various indicators and prices. Also, create indicator object collection from which getting access to properties and data of each indicator created in the program will be possible.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 93): Preparing functionality for creating composite graphical objects
In this article, I will start developing the functionality for creating composite graphical objects. The library will support creating composite graphical objects allowing those objects have any hierarchy of connections. I will prepare all the necessary classes for subsequent implementation of such objects.
How we developed the MetaTrader Signals service and Social Trading
We continue to enhance the Signals service, improve the mechanisms, add new functions and fix flaws. The MetaTrader Signals Service of 2012 and the current MetaTrader Signals Service are like two completely different services. Currently, we are implementing A Virtual Hosting Cloud service which consists of a network of servers to support specific versions of the MetaTrader client terminal.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 14): Functors with Linear-Orders
This article which is part of a broader series on Category Theory implementation in MQL5, delves into Functors. We examine how a Linear Order can be mapped to a set, thanks to Functors; by considering two sets of data that one would typically dismiss as having any connection.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 19): Automating Wolfe Wave Detection
This article shows how to programmatically identify bullish and bearish Wolfe Wave patterns and trade them using MQL5. We’ll explore how to identify Wolfe Wave structures programmatically and execute trades based on them using MQL5. This includes detecting key swing points, validating pattern rules, and preparing the EA to act on the signals it finds.
USD and EUR index charts — example of a MetaTrader 5 service
We will consider the creation and updating of USD index (USDX) and EUR index (EURX) charts using a MetaTrader 5 service as an example. When launching the service, we will check for the presence of the required synthetic instrument, create it if necessary, and place it in the Market Watch window. The minute and tick history of the synthetic instrument is to be created afterwards followed by the chart of the created instrument.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 17): TrendLoom EA Tool
As a price action observer and trader, I've noticed that when a trend is confirmed by multiple timeframes, it usually continues in that direction. What may vary is how long the trend lasts, and this depends on the type of trader you are, whether you hold positions for the long term or engage in scalping. The timeframes you choose for confirmation play a crucial role. Check out this article for a quick, automated system that helps you analyze the overall trend across different timeframes with just a button click or regular updates.
Nikolay Ivanov (Techno): "What is important for programs is the accuracy of their algorithms"
A programmer from Krasnoyarsk Nikolay Ivanov (Techno) is a leader among the developers in terms of the number of completed orders - he has implemented already more than 200 applications in the Jobs service. In this interview, he is talking about the Jobs service, its specific features and challengers faced by programmers.