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 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 63): Using Patterns of DeMarker and Envelope Channels
The DeMarker Oscillator and the Envelope indicator are momentum and support/resistance tools that can be paired when developing an Expert Advisor. We therefore examine on a pattern by pattern basis what could be of use and what potentially avoid. We are using, as always, a wizard assembled Expert Advisor together with the Patterns-Usage functions that are built into the Expert Signal Class.
How to Connect AI Agents to MQL5 Algo Forge via MCP
This article extends Part 1 by giving an AI access to the development lifecycle on MQL5 Algo Forge. We implement an MCP server over the Forgejo REST API so an agent can create repositories, commit Expert Advisors, branch from main, open pull requests, file issues, and tag releases. You will get a ready-to-run Python server, clear tools, and a safer, reversible workflow.
Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 1): Lack of Interoperable Metrics
There is a powerful and pervasive force quietly corrupting the collective efforts of our community to build reliable trading strategies that employ AI in any shape or form. This article establishes that part of the problems we face, are rooted in blind adherence to "best practices". By furnishing the reader with simple real-world market-based evidence, we will reason to the reader why we must refrain from such conduct, and rather adopt domain-bound best practices if our community should stand any chance of recovering the latent potential of AI.
Developing a Replay System (Part 47): Chart Trade Project (VI)
Finally, our Chart Trade indicator starts interacting with the EA, allowing information to be transferred interactively. Therefore, in this article, we will improve the indicator, making it functional enough to be used together with any EA. This will allow us to access the Chart Trade indicator and work with it as if it were actually connected with an EA. But we will do it in a much more interesting way than before.
Hilbert-Schmidt Independence Criterion (HSIC)
The article discusses the non-parametric HSIC (Hilbert-Schmidt Independence Criterion) statistical test designed to identify linear and non-linear dependencies in data. Implementations of two algorithms for calculating HSIC in the MQL5 language are proposed: the exact permutation test and the gamma approximation. The method efficiency is demonstrated on synthetic data modeling a non-linear relationship between features and the target variable.
Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 12): Building Linear Classifiers Using Matrix Factorization
This article explores the powerful role of matrix factorization in algorithmic trading, specifically within MQL5 applications. From regression models to multi-target classifiers, we walk through practical examples that demonstrate how easily these techniques can be integrated using built-in MQL5 functions. Whether you're predicting price direction or modeling indicator behavior, this guide lays a strong foundation for building intelligent trading systems using matrix methods.
Building Volatility Models in MQL5 (Part II): Implementing GJR-GARCH and TARCH in MQL5
The article implements GJR-GARCH and TARCH in an MQL5 volatility library and explains why asymmetry improves on standard ARCH/GARCH. It covers model formulation, parameterization, and usage through derived classes and scripts. Readers get code examples for calibration and one-step-ahead forecasting on real data to support risk and diagnostics.
Neural networks made easy (Part 61): Optimism issue in offline reinforcement learning
During the offline learning, we optimize the Agent's policy based on the training sample data. The resulting strategy gives the Agent confidence in its actions. However, such optimism is not always justified and can cause increased risks during the model operation. Today we will look at one of the methods to reduce these risks.
Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 5): Account-Level Risk Enforcement in MQL5
We introduce an MQL5 discipline engine that enforces risk consistently at the account level. It continuously scans positions from any source, validates SL/TP, equity-based exposure, and target R:R, and automatically corrects deviations by setting levels or adjusting volume. The result is uniform risk structure across manual and EA trades, supported by on-chart feedback and mode-based control.
Developing a Replay System (Part 62): Playing the service (III)
In this article, we will begin to address the issue of tick excess that can impact application performance when using real data. This excess often interferes with the correct timing required to construct a one-minute bar in the appropriate window.
Building a Megaphone Pattern Indicator in MQL5
Build a megaphone pattern indicator in MQL5 that detects expanding structures on the chart. The article walks through swing identification and refinement, trend line validation, breakout confirmation, and SL/TP projection, with chart objects for lines, labels, and signals. As a result, you get a rule-based implementation that automates pattern detection and produces actionable levels directly in MetaTrader 5.
Neural Networks in Trading: Memory Augmented Context-Aware Learning for Cryptocurrency Markets (Final Part)
The MacroHFT framework for high-frequency cryptocurrency trading uses context-aware reinforcement learning and memory to adapt to dynamic market conditions. At the end of this article, we will test the implemented approaches on real historical data to assess their effectiveness.
From Basic to Intermediate: Array (II)
In this article, we will look at what a dynamic array and a static array are. Is there a difference between using one or the other? Or are they always the same? When should you use one and when the other type? And what about constant arrays? We will try to understand what they are designed for and consider the risks of not initializing all the values in the array.
Simplifying Databases in MQL5 (Part 2): Using metaprogramming to create entities
We explored the advanced use of #define for metaprogramming in MQL5, creating entities that represent tables and column metadata (type, primary key, auto-increment, nullability, etc.). We centralized these definitions in TickORM.mqh, automating the generation of metadata classes and paving the way for efficient data manipulation by the ORM, without having to write SQL manually.
Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 9): Correlation-Based Feature Learning in Self-Supervised Finance
Self-supervised learning is a powerful paradigm of statistical learning that searches for supervisory signals generated from the observations themselves. This approach reframes challenging unsupervised learning problems into more familiar supervised ones. This technology has overlooked applications for our objective as a community of algorithmic traders. Our discussion, therefore, aims to give the reader an approachable bridge into the open research area of self-supervised learning and offers practical applications that provide robust and reliable statistical models of financial markets without overfitting to small datasets.
Analyzing binary code of prices on the exchange (Part II): Converting to BIP39 and writing GPT model
Continuing tries to decipher price movements... What about linguistic analysis of the "market dictionary" that we get by converting the binary price code to BIP39? In this article, we will delve into an innovative approach to exchange data analysis and consider how modern natural language processing techniques can be applied to the market language.
Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 3): Surviving Terminal Restarts During News Window
The article introduces a restart-safe storage model for news-time stop removal. Suspension state and original SL/TP per position are written to terminal global variables, reconstructed on OnInit, and cleaned after restoration. This lets the EA resume an active suspension window after recompiles or restarts and restore stops only when the news window ends.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 34): Price-Embedding with an Unconventional RBM
Restricted Boltzmann Machines are a form of neural network that was developed in the mid 1980s at a time when compute resources were prohibitively expensive. At its onset, it relied on Gibbs Sampling and Contrastive Divergence in order to reduce dimensionality or capture the hidden probabilities/properties over input training data sets. We examine how Backpropagation can perform similarly when the RBM ‘embeds’ prices for a forecasting Multi-Layer-Perceptron.
The case for using a Composite Data Set this Q4 in weighing SPDR XLY's next performance
We consider XLY, SPDR’s consumer discretionary spending ETF and see if with tools in MetaTrader’s IDE we can sift through an array of data sets in selecting what could work with a forecasting model with a forward outlook of not more than a year.
Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA): Theory and methods
In this article, we will consider the Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA) developed in 2009. The algorithm is aimed at solving continuous optimization problems. We will look at how ABHA draws inspiration from the behavior of a bee colony, where each bee has a unique role that helps them find resources more efficiently.
Developing a Replay System (Part 50): Things Get Complicated (II)
We will solve the chart ID problem and at the same time we will begin to provide the user with the ability to use a personal template for the analysis and simulation of the desired asset. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only and should in no way be considered as an application for any purpose other than studying and mastering the concepts presented.
Neural Networks in Trading: Piecewise Linear Representation of Time Series
This article is somewhat different from my earlier publications. In this article, we will talk about an alternative representation of time series. Piecewise linear representation of time series is a method of approximating a time series using linear functions over small intervals.
Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm
In this article, we will get acquainted with the Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm and discuss how an algorithm based on the irrational and adventurous behavior of participants in an anarchic society (an anomalous system of social interaction free from centralized power and various kinds of hierarchies) is able to explore the solution space and avoid the traps of local optimum. The article presents a unified ASO structure applicable to both continuous and discrete problems.
Successful Restaurateur Algorithm (SRA)
Successful Restaurateur Algorithm (SRA) is an innovative optimization method inspired by restaurant business management principles. Unlike traditional approaches, SRA does not discard weak solutions, but improves them by combining with elements of successful ones. The algorithm shows competitive results and offers a fresh perspective on balancing exploration and exploitation in optimization problems.
Forecasting exchange rates using classic machine learning methods: Logit and Probit models
In the article, an attempt is made to build a trading EA for predicting exchange rate quotes. The algorithm is based on classical classification models - logistic and probit regression. The likelihood ratio criterion is used as a filter for trading signals.
The Group Method of Data Handling: Implementing the Combinatorial Algorithm in MQL5
In this article we continue our exploration of the Group Method of Data Handling family of algorithms, with the implementation of the Combinatorial Algorithm along with its refined incarnation, the Combinatorial Selective Algorithm in MQL5.
Mastering Log Records (Part 6): Saving logs to database
This article explores the use of databases to store logs in a structured and scalable way. It covers fundamental concepts, essential operations, configuration and implementation of a database handler in MQL5. Finally, it validates the results and highlights the benefits of this approach for optimization and efficient monitoring.
Market Simulation (Part 04): Creating the C_Orders Class (I)
In this article, we will start creating the C_Orders class to be able to send orders to the trading server. We'll do this little by little, as our goal is to explain in detail how this will happen through the messaging system.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 19): Naturality Square Induction
We continue our look at natural transformations by considering naturality square induction. Slight restraints on multicurrency implementation for experts assembled with the MQL5 wizard mean we are showcasing our data classification abilities with a script. Principle applications considered are price change classification and thus its forecasting.
Feature Engineering With Python And MQL5 (Part III): Angle Of Price (2) Polar Coordinates
In this article, we take our second attempt to convert the changes in price levels on any market, into a corresponding change in angle. This time around, we selected a more mathematically sophisticated approach than we selected in our first attempt, and the results we obtained suggest that our change in approach may have been the right decision. Join us today, as we discuss how we can use Polar coordinates to calculate the angle formed by changes in price levels, in a meaningful way, regardless of which market you are analyzing.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 21): Natural Transformations with LDA
This article, the 21st in our series, continues with a look at Natural Transformations and how they can be implemented using linear discriminant analysis. We present applications of this in a signal class format, like in the previous article.
Neural Networks in Trading: Injection of Global Information into Independent Channels (InjectTST)
Most modern multimodal time series forecasting methods use the independent channels approach. This ignores the natural dependence of different channels of the same time series. Smart use of two approaches (independent and mixed channels) is the key to improving the performance of the models.
Ensemble methods to enhance numerical predictions in MQL5
In this article, we present the implementation of several ensemble learning methods in MQL5 and examine their effectiveness across different scenarios.
Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) algorithm
The article is devoted to the AMO algorithm, which models the seasonal migration of animals in search of optimal conditions for life and reproduction. The main features of AMO include the use of topological neighborhood and a probabilistic update mechanism, which makes it easy to implement and flexible for various optimization tasks.
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part X): External resource-based interface
Today, we are harnessing the capabilities of MQL5 to utilize external resources—such as images in the BMP format—to create a uniquely styled home interface for the Trading Administrator Panel. The strategy demonstrated here is particularly useful when packaging multiple resources, including images, sounds, and more, for streamlined distribution. Join us in this discussion as we explore how these features are implemented to deliver a modern and visually appealing interface for our New_Admin_Panel EA.
Neural Networks in Trading: Effective Feature Extraction for Accurate Classification (Mantis)
Meet Mantis — a lightweight foundation model for time series classification based on a Transformer architecture, featuring contrastive pre-training and hybrid attention that deliver record-breaking accuracy and scalability.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 32): Regularization
Regularization is a form of penalizing the loss function in proportion to the discrete weighting applied throughout the various layers of a neural network. We look at the significance, for some of the various regularization forms, this can have in test runs with a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part IV): SP500 and US Treasury Notes
In this series of articles, we analyze classical trading strategies using modern algorithms to determine whether we can improve the strategy using AI. In today's article, we revisit a classical approach for trading the SP500 using the relationship it has with US Treasury Notes.
Neural Networks in Trading: Exploring the Local Structure of Data
Effective identification and preservation of the local structure of market data in noisy conditions is a critical task in trading. The use of the Self-Attention mechanism has shown promising results in processing such data; however, the classical approach does not account for the local characteristics of the underlying structure. In this article, I introduce an algorithm capable of incorporating these structural dependencies.
Neural Networks in Trading: Point Cloud Analysis (PointNet)
Direct point cloud analysis avoids unnecessary data growth and improves the performance of models in classification and segmentation tasks. Such approaches demonstrate high performance and robustness to perturbations in the original data.