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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Cyclic Parthenogenesis Algorithm (CPA)
The article considers a new population optimization algorithm - Cyclic Parthenogenesis Algorithm (CPA), inspired by the unique reproductive strategy of aphids. The algorithm combines two reproduction mechanisms — parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction — and also utilizes the colonial structure of the population with the possibility of migration between colonies. The key features of the algorithm are adaptive switching between different reproductive strategies and a system of information exchange between colonies through the flight mechanism.
Interview with Mariusz Zarnowski (ATC 2012)
As December 28 is approaching, the list of leaders of the Automated Trading Championship 2012 is becoming clearer. With only two weeks to go until the end of the Championship, Mariusz Zarnowski (zrn) from Poland stands a good chance to be in the top three. His EA has already demonstrated how it can triple the initial deposit in just a couple of weeks.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 9): Re-arranging WinForms object methods, RadioButton and Button controls
In this article, I will fix the names of WinForms object class methods and create Button and RadioButton WinForms objects.
Forex spread trading using seasonality
The article examines the possibilities of generating and providing reporting data on the use of the seasonality factor when trading spreads on Forex.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 2): Navigating Predefined Variables, Common Functions, and Control Flow Statements
Embark on an illuminating journey with Part Two of our MQL5 series. These articles are not just tutorials, they're doorways to an enchanted realm where programming novices and wizards alike unite. What makes this journey truly magical? Part Two of our MQL5 series stands out with its refreshing simplicity, making complex concepts accessible to all. Engage with us interactively as we answer your questions, ensuring an enriching and personalized learning experience. Let's build a community where understanding MQL5 is an adventure for everyone. Welcome to the enchantment!
Interview with Matúš German (ATC 2012)
It's the second time Matúš German participates in the Automated Trading Championship. By the end of the fourth week of ATC 2012 his Expert Advisor has been holding its positions in the TOP-10 having about $30 000. Matúš is from Slovakia, from the little town Bardejov. Matúš is interested in trading for about 5 years and he develops Expert Advisors for 3 years already.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 99): Moving an extended graphical object using a single control point
In the previous article, I implemented the ability to move pivot points of an extended graphical object using control forms. Now I am going to implement the ability to move a composite graphical object using a single graphical object control point (form).
Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 3): Behavioral Patterns 1
A new article from Design Patterns articles and we will take a look at one of its types which is behavioral patterns to understand how we can build communication methods between created objects effectively. By completing these Behavior patterns we will be able to understand how we can create and build a reusable, extendable, tested software.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 68): Price-Attached RSI Panel in MQL5
We present a chart-embedded RSI panel that removes the need for a separate window by attaching momentum directly to live price. The article explains the design and MQL5 code: real-time RSI retrieval, slope-based signal classification, and adaptive positioning. Traders get RSI value, state, and signal strength where decisions are made, improving clarity across timeframes.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history
In the article, I will create the class of the standard graphical object memory allowing the object to save its states when its properties are modified. In turn, this allows retracting to the previous graphical object states.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 42): ADX Oscillator
The ADX is another relatively popular technical indicator used by some traders to gauge the strength of a prevalent trend. Acting as a combination of two other indicators, it presents as an oscillator whose patterns we explore in this article with the help of MQL5 wizard assembly and its support classes.
Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 6): Adding Responsive Inline Buttons
In this article, we integrate interactive inline buttons into an MQL5 Expert Advisor, allowing real-time control via Telegram. Each button press triggers specific actions and sends responses back to the user. We also modularize functions for handling Telegram messages and callback queries efficiently.
Neural networks made easy (Part 55): Contrastive intrinsic control (CIC)
Contrastive training is an unsupervised method of training representation. Its goal is to train a model to highlight similarities and differences in data sets. In this article, we will talk about using contrastive training approaches to explore different Actor skills.
Trading Options Without Options (Part 2): Use in Real Trading
The article considers simple options strategies and their implementation in MQL5. We will develop a basic EA that will be modernized and become more complex.
Measuring Indicator Information
Machine learning has become a popular method for strategy development. Whilst there has been more emphasis on maximizing profitability and prediction accuracy , the importance of processing the data used to build predictive models has not received a lot of attention. In this article we consider using the concept of entropy to evaluate the appropriateness of indicators to be used in predictive model building as documented in the book Testing and Tuning Market Trading Systems by Timothy Masters.
From Novice to Expert: Reporting EA — Setting up the work flow
Brokerages often provide trading account reports at regular intervals, based on a predefined schedule. These firms, through their API technologies, have access to your account activity and trading history, allowing them to generate performance reports on your behalf. Similarly, the MetaTrader 5 terminal stores detailed records of your trading activity, which can be leveraged using MQL5 to create fully customized reports and define personalized delivery methods.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 4): Panel control, Padding and Dock parameters
In this article, I will implement handling Padding (internal indents/margin on all sides of an element) and Dock parameters (the way an object is located inside its container).
Neural Networks in Trading: Integrating Chaos Theory into Time Series Forecasting (Attraos)
The Attraos framework integrates chaos theory into long-term time series forecasting, treating them as projections of multidimensional chaotic dynamic systems. Exploiting attractor invariance, the model uses phase space reconstruction and dynamic multi-resolution memory to preserve historical structures.
From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (II)
Today, we take another step forward by integrating an external news API as the source of headlines for our News Headline EA. In this phase, we’ll explore various news sources—both established and emerging—and learn how to access their APIs effectively. We'll also cover methods for parsing the retrieved data into a format optimized for display within our Expert Advisor. Join the discussion as we explore the benefits of accessing news headlines and the economic calendar directly on the chart, all within a compact, non-intrusive interface.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 5): Volatility Navigator EA
Determining market direction can be straightforward, but knowing when to enter can be challenging. As part of the series titled "Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development", I am excited to introduce another tool that provides entry points, take profit levels, and stop loss placements. To achieve this, we have utilized the MQL5 programming language. Let’s delve into each step in this article.
Triangular arbitrage with predictions
This article simplifies triangular arbitrage, showing you how to use predictions and specialized software to trade currencies smarter, even if you're new to the market. Ready to trade with expertise?
Portfolio Optimization in Python and MQL5
This article explores advanced portfolio optimization techniques using Python and MQL5 with MetaTrader 5. It demonstrates how to develop algorithms for data analysis, asset allocation, and trading signal generation, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern financial management and risk mitigation.
Analyzing all price movement options on the IBM quantum computer
We will use a quantum computer from IBM to discover all price movement options. Sounds like science fiction? Welcome to the world of quantum computing for trading!
Frequency domain representations of time series: The Power Spectrum
In this article we discuss methods related to the analysis of timeseries in the frequency domain. Emphasizing the utility of examining the power spectra of time series when building predictive models. In this article we will discuss some of the useful perspectives to be gained by analyzing time series in the frequency domain using the discrete fourier transform (dft).
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 83): Using Patterns of Stochastic Oscillator and the FrAMA — Behavioral Archetypes
The Stochastic Oscillator and the Fractal Adaptive Moving Average are another indicator pairing that could be used for their ability to compliment each other within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. We look at the Stochastic for its ability to pinpoint momentum shifts, while the FrAMA is used to provide confirmation of the prevailing trends. In exploring this indicator pairing, as always, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test out their potential.
Neural Networks in Trading: Enhancing Transformer Efficiency by Reducing Sharpness (SAMformer)
Training Transformer models requires large amounts of data and is often difficult since the models are not good at generalizing to small datasets. The SAMformer framework helps solve this problem by avoiding poor local minima. This improves the efficiency of models even on limited training datasets.
Neural Networks in Trading: A Parameter-Efficient Transformer with Segmented Attention (PSformer)
This article introduces the new PSformer framework, which adapts the architecture of the vanilla Transformer to solving problems related to multivariate time series forecasting. The framework is based on two key innovations: the Parameter Sharing (PS) mechanism and the Segment Attention (SegAtt).
DoEasy. Controls (Part 8): Base WinForms objects by categories, GroupBox and CheckBox controls
The article considers creation of 'GroupBox' and 'CheckBox' WinForms objects, as well as the development of base objects for WinForms object categories. All created objects are still static, i.e. they are unable to interact with the mouse.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 2): Building a Gauge-Style RSI Display with Canvas and Needle Mechanics
In this article, we develop a gauge-style RSI indicator in MQL5 that visualizes Relative Strength Index values on a circular scale with a dynamic needle, color-coded ranges for overbought and oversold levels, and customizable legends. We utilize the Canvas class to draw elements like arcs, ticks, and pies, ensuring smooth updates on new RSI data.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 29): Boom and Crash Interceptor EA
Discover how the Boom & Crash Interceptor EA transforms your charts into a proactive alert system-spotting explosive moves with lightning-fast velocity scans, volatility surge checks, trend confirmation, and pivot-zone filters. With crisp green “Boom” and red “Crash” arrows guiding your every decision, this tool cuts through the noise and lets you capitalize on market spikes like never before. Dive in to see how it works and why it can become your next essential edge.
Fast trading strategy tester in Python using Numba
The article implements a fast strategy tester for machine learning models using Numba. It is 50 times faster than the pure Python strategy tester. The author recommends using this library to speed up mathematical calculations, especially the ones involving loops.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 20): FOREX (I)
The initial goal of this article is not to cover all the possibilities of Forex trading, but rather to adapt the system so that you can perform at least one market replay. We'll leave simulation for another moment. However, if we don't have ticks and only bars, with a little effort we can simulate possible trades that could happen in the Forex market. This will be the case until we look at how to adapt the simulator. An attempt to work with Forex data inside the system without modifying it leads to a range of errors.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 20): New order system (III)
We continue to implement the new order system. The creation of such a system requires a good command of MQL5, as well as an understanding of how the MetaTrader 5 platform actually works and what resources it provides.
ALGLIB library optimization methods (Part II)
In this article, we will continue to study the remaining optimization methods from the ALGLIB library, paying special attention to their testing on complex multidimensional functions. This will allow us not only to evaluate the efficiency of each algorithm, but also to identify their strengths and weaknesses in different conditions.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 67): Automating Support and Resistance Monitoring in MQL5
This article implements a complete MQL5 Expert Advisor that monitors manually drawn support and resistance levels in real time. It synchronizes horizontal lines, detects approaches, touches, breakouts, reversals, and retests, and adds optional candlestick pattern checks. Alerts and on‑chart markers provide clear, repeatable feedback, allowing you to keep manual analysis while automating the surveillance of key price levels.
Creating an Interactive Graphical User Interface in MQL5 (Part 2): Adding Controls and Responsiveness
Enhancing the MQL5 GUI panel with dynamic features can significantly improve the trading experience for users. By incorporating interactive elements, hover effects, and real-time data updates, the panel becomes a powerful tool for modern traders.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 12): External Flow (III) TrendMap
The flow of the market is determined by the forces between bulls and bears. There are specific levels that the market respects due to the forces acting on them. Fibonacci and VWAP levels are especially powerful in influencing market behavior. Join me in this article as we explore a strategy based on VWAP and Fibonacci levels for signal generation.
Neural networks made easy (Part 37): Sparse Attention
In the previous article, we discussed relational models which use attention mechanisms in their architecture. One of the specific features of these models is the intensive utilization of computing resources. In this article, we will consider one of the mechanisms for reducing the number of computational operations inside the Self-Attention block. This will increase the general performance of the model.
Raw Code Optimization and Tweaking for Improving Back-Test Results
Enhance your MQL5 code by optimizing logic, refining calculations, and reducing execution time to improve back-test accuracy. Fine-tune parameters, optimize loops, and eliminate inefficiencies for better performance.
Developing a Replay System (Part 38): Paving the Path (II)
Many people who consider themselves MQL5 programmers do not have the basic knowledge that I will outline in this article. Many people consider MQL5 to be a limited tool, but the actual reason is that they do not have the required knowledge. So, if you don't know something, don't be ashamed of it. It's better to feel ashamed for not asking. Simply forcing MetaTrader 5 to disable indicator duplication in no way ensures two-way communication between the indicator and the Expert Advisor. We are still very far from this, but the fact that the indicator is not duplicated on the chart gives us some confidence.