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.
Follow our new publications and discuss them on the Forum!
Add a new article
You are missing trading opportunities:
- Free trading apps
- Over 8,000 signals for copying
- Economic news for exploring financial markets
Registration
Log in
You agree to website policy and terms of use
If you do not have an account, please register
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling
In the article, we will complete the development of the horizontal scrollbar object functionality. We will also make it possible to scroll the contents of the container by moving the scrollbar slider and rotating the mouse wheel, as well as make additions to the library, taking into account the new order execution policy and new runtime error codes in MQL5.
Neuro-symbolic systems in algorithmic trading: Combining symbolic rules and neural networks
The article describes the experience of developing a hybrid trading system that combines classical technical analysis with neural networks. The author provides a detailed analysis of the system architecture from basic pattern analysis and neural network structure to the mechanisms behind trading decisions, and shares real code and practical observations.
Data label for time series mining (Part 3)：Example for using label data
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!
Automating Black-Scholes Greeks: Advanced Scalping and Microstructure Trading
Gamma and Delta were originally developed as risk-management tools for hedging options exposure, but over time they evolved into powerful instruments for advanced scalping, order-flow modeling, and microstructure trading. Today, they serve as real-time indicators of price sensitivity and liquidity behavior, enabling traders to anticipate short-term volatility with remarkable precision.
Building the Market Structure Sentinel Indicator in MQL5
This article builds a Market Structure Sentinel indicator in MQL5 that detects and visualizes Smart Money Concepts (SMC) events, including Break of Structure (BOS) and Change of Character (CHOCH), in real time. It explains swing detection, structural validation, and trend classification, and adds a compact dashboard to track bullish, bearish, or ranging states for faster on‑chart interpretation.
Creating 3D bars based on time, price and volume
The article dwells on multivariate 3D price charts and their creation. We will also consider how 3D bars predict price reversals, and how Python and MetaTrader 5 allow us to plot these volume bars in real time.
Trend criteria in trading
Trends are an important part of many trading strategies. In this article, we will look at some of the tools used to identify trends and their characteristics. Understanding and correctly interpreting trends can significantly improve trading efficiency and minimize risks.
MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 04): Linear Discriminant Analysis
Todays trader is a philomath who is almost always looking up new ideas, trying them out, choosing to modify them or discard them; an exploratory process that should cost a fair amount of diligence. These series of articles will proposition that the MQL5 wizard should be a mainstay for traders in this effort.
Neural networks made easy (Part 54): Using random encoder for efficient research (RE3)
Whenever we consider reinforcement learning methods, we are faced with the issue of efficiently exploring the environment. Solving this issue often leads to complication of the algorithm and training of additional models. In this article, we will look at an alternative approach to solving this problem.
Risk Management (Part 2): Implementing Lot Calculation in a Graphical Interface
In this article, we will look at how to improve and more effectively apply the concepts presented in the previous article using the powerful MQL5 graphical control libraries. We'll go step by step through the process of creating a fully functional GUI. I'll be explaining the ideas behind it, as well as the purpose and operation of each method used. Additionally, at the end of the article, we will test the panel we created to ensure it functions correctly and meets its stated goals.
William Gann methods (Part III): Does Astrology Work?
Do the positions of planets and stars affect financial markets? Let's arm ourselves with statistics and big data, and embark on an exciting journey into the world where stars and stock charts intersect.
Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 2): MQL5 functions for HTTP interaction with the tic-tac-toe game REST API
In this article we will talk about how MQL5 can interact with Python and FastAPI, using HTTP calls in MQL5 to interact with the tic-tac-toe game in Python. The article discusses the creation of an API using FastAPI for this integration and provides a test script in MQL5, highlighting the versatility of MQL5, the simplicity of Python, and the effectiveness of FastAPI in connecting different technologies to create innovative solutions.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 18): The battle of Mastering Market Complexity, Truncated SVD Versus NMF
Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) are dimensionality reduction techniques. They both play significant roles in shaping data-driven trading strategies. Discover the art of dimensionality reduction, unraveling insights, and optimizing quantitative analyses for an informed approach to navigating the intricacies of financial markets.
Developing a Trading Strategy: The Flower Volatility Index Trend-Following Approach
The relentless quest to decode market rhythms has led traders and quantitative analysts to develop countless mathematical models. This article has introduced the Flower Volatility Index (FVI), a novel approach that transforms the mathematical elegance of Rose Curves into a functional trading tool. Through this work, we have shown how mathematical models can be adapted into practical trading mechanisms capable of supporting both analysis and decision-making in real market conditions.
DRAW_ARROW drawing type in multi-symbol multi-period indicators
In this article, we will look at drawing arrow multi-symbol multi-period indicators. We will also improve the class methods for correct display of arrows showing data from arrow indicators calculated on a symbol/period that does not correspond to the symbol/period of the current chart.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 71): Using Patterns of MACD and the OBV
The Moving-Average-Convergence-Divergence (MACD) oscillator and the On-Balance-Volume (OBV) oscillator are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. This pairing, as is practice in these article series, is complementary with the MACD affirming trends while OBV checks volume. As usual, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test any potential these two may possess.
Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model(Part 3): Detecting changes in trends while using this system
This article explores how economic news releases, investor behavior, and various factors can influence market trend reversals. It includes a video explanation and proceeds by incorporating MQL5 code into our program to detect trend reversals, alert us, and take appropriate actions based on market conditions. This builds upon previous articles in the series.
Quantitative analysis in MQL5: Implementing a promising algorithm
We will analyze the question of what quantitative analysis is and how it is used by major players. We will create one of the quantitative analysis algorithms in the MQL5 language.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 49): The Quasimodo (QM) Reversal Pattern
In this article, we build an automated trading program in MQL5 that detects the Quasimodo reversal pattern from a zig-zag of confirmed swing pivots. We work through swing detection, pattern arming, retrace entries at the QM line, and structural stop placement with risk-based sizing. We also add trade management with breakeven, trailing, and partial closing to handle open positions.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 60): Objective Swing-Based Trendlines for Structural Analysis
We present a rule-based approach to trendlines that avoids indicator pivots and uses ordered swings derived from raw prices. The article walks through swing detection, size qualification via ATR or fixed thresholds, and validation of ascending and descending structures, then implements these rules in MQL5 with non-repainting drawing and selective output. You get a clear, repeatable way to track structural support and resistance that holds up across market conditions.
Neural networks made easy (Part 17): Dimensionality reduction
In this part we continue discussing Artificial Intelligence models. Namely, we study unsupervised learning algorithms. We have already discussed one of the clustering algorithms. In this article, I am sharing a variant of solving problems related to dimensionality reduction.
Neural networks made easy (Part 75): Improving the performance of trajectory prediction models
The models we create are becoming larger and more complex. This increases the costs of not only their training as well as operation. However, the time required to make a decision is often critical. In this regard, let us consider methods for optimizing model performance without loss of quality.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 15): Birth of the SIMULATOR (V) - RANDOM WALK
In this article we will complete the development of a simulator for our system. The main goal here will be to configure the algorithm discussed in the previous article. This algorithm aims to create a RANDOM WALK movement. Therefore, to understand today's material, it is necessary to understand the content of previous articles. If you have not followed the development of the simulator, I advise you to read this sequence from the very beginning. Otherwise, you may get confused about what will be explained here.
Discrete Hartley transform
In this article, we will consider one of the methods of spectral analysis and signal processing - the discrete Hartley transform. It allows filtering signals, analyzing their spectrum and much more. The capabilities of DHT are no less than those of the discrete Fourier transform. However, unlike DFT, DHT uses only real numbers, which makes it more convenient for implementation in practice, and the results of its application are more visual.
Unified Validation Pipeline Against Backtest Overfitting
This article explains why standard walkforward and k-fold CV inflate results on financial data, then shows how to fix it. V-in-V enforces strict data partitions and anchored walkforward across windows, CPCV purges and embargoes leakage while aggregating path-wise performance, and CSCV measures the Probability of Backtest Overfitting. Practitioners gain a coherent framework to assess regime robustness and selection reliability.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 7): Informational Dashboard for Multi-Symbol Position and Account Monitoring
In this article, we develop an informational dashboard in MQL5 for monitoring multi-symbol positions and account metrics like balance, equity, and free margin. We implement a sortable grid with real-time updates, CSV export, and a glowing header effect to enhance usability and visual appeal.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 05): Adding Previews
We have managed to develop a way to implement the market replay system in a realistic and accessible way. Now let's continue our project and add data to improve the replay behavior.
Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)
The article presents a detailed description of the shuffled frog-leaping (SFL) algorithm and its capabilities in solving optimization problems. The SFL algorithm is inspired by the behavior of frogs in their natural environment and offers a new approach to function optimization. The SFL algorithm is an efficient and flexible tool capable of processing a variety of data types and achieving optimal solutions.
Simplifying Databases in MQL5 (Part 1): Introduction to Databases and SQL
We explore how to manipulate databases in MQL5 using the language's native functions. We cover everything from table creation, insertion, updating, and deletion to data import and export, all with sample code. The content serves as a solid foundation for understanding the internal mechanics of data access, paving the way for the discussion of ORM, where we'll build one in MQL5.
Implementing of a Breakeven Mechanism in MQL5 (Part 1): Base Class and Fixed-Points Breakeven Mode
This article discusses the application of a breakeven mechanism in automated strategies using the MQL5 language. We will start with a simple explanation of what the breakeven mode is, how it is implemented, and its possible variations. Next, this functionality will be integrated into the Order Blocks expert advisor, which we created in our last article on risk management. To evaluate its effectiveness, we will run two backtests under specific conditions: one using the breakeven mechanism and the other without it.
Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 3): Enforcing Symbol-Level Trading Boundaries with a Whitelist System in MQL5
This article details an MQL5 framework that restricts trading to an approved set of symbols. The solution combines a shared library, a configuration dashboard, and an enforcement Expert Advisor that validates each trade against a whitelist and logs blocked attempts. It includes fully functional code examples, a clear explanation of the structural design decisions, and validation tests that confirm reliable symbol filtering, controlled market exposure, and transparent monitoring of rule enforcement.
Monitoring trading with push notifications — example of a MetaTrader 5 service
In this article, we will look at creating a service app for sending notifications to a smartphone about trading results. We will learn how to handle lists of Standard Library objects to organize a selection of objects by required properties.
Wrapping ONNX models in classes
Object-oriented programming enables creation of a more compact code that is easy to read and modify. Here we will have a look at the example for three ONNX models.
Mastering File Operations in MQL5: From Basic I/O to Building a Custom CSV Reader
This article focuses on essential MQL5 file-handling techniques, spanning trade logs, CSV processing, and external data integration. It offers both conceptual understanding and hands-on coding guidance. Readers will learn to build a custom CSV importer class step-by-step, gaining practical skills for real-world applications.
Outline of MetaTrader Market (Infographics)
A few weeks ago we published the infographic on Freelance service. We also promised to reveal some statistics of the MetaTrader Market. Now, we invite you to examine the data we have gathered.
Predicting Renko Bars with CatBoost AI
How to use Renko bars with AI? Let's look at Renko trading on Forex with forecast accuracy of up to 59.27%. We will explore the benefits of Renko bars for filtering market noise, learn why volume is more important than price patterns, and how to set the optimal Renko block size for EURUSD. This is a step-by-step guide on integrating CatBoost, Python, and MetaTrader 5 to create your own Renko Forex forecasting system. It is ideal for traders looking to go beyond traditional technical analysis.
How to view deals directly on the chart without weltering in trading history
In this article, we will create a simple tool for convenient viewing of positions and deals directly on the chart with key navigation. This will allow traders to visually examine individual deals and receive all the information about trading results right on the spot.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 17): Further preparation for real trading
Currently, our EA uses the database to obtain initialization strings for single instances of trading strategies. However, the database is quite large and contains a lot of information that is not needed for the actual EA operation. Let's try to ensure the EA's functionality without a mandatory connection to the database.
From Novice to Expert: Collaborative Debugging in MQL5
Problem-solving can establish a concise routine for mastering complex skills, such as programming in MQL5. This approach allows you to concentrate on solving problems while simultaneously developing your skills. The more problems you tackle, the more advanced expertise is transferred to your brain. Personally, I believe that debugging is the most effective way to master programming. Today, we will walk through the code-cleaning process and discuss the best techniques for transforming a messy program into a clean, functional one. Read through this article and uncover valuable insights.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 20): Introduction to Harmonic Patterns
In this article, we explore the fundamentals of harmonic patterns, their structures, and how they are applied in trading. You’ll learn about Fibonacci retracements, extensions, and how to implement harmonic pattern detection in MQL5, setting the foundation for building advanced trading tools and Expert Advisors.