Articles with MQL5 programming examples

icon

Access a huge collection of articles with code examples showing how to create indicators and trading robots for the MetaTrader platform in the MQL5 language. Source codes are attached to the articles, so you can open them in MetaEditor and run them to see how the applications work.

These articles will be useful both for those who have just started exploring automated trading and for professional traders with programming experience. They feature not only examples, but also contain new ideas.

Add a new article
latest | best
Using Assertions in MQL5 Programs
Using Assertions in MQL5 Programs

Using Assertions in MQL5 Programs

This article covers the use of assertions in MQL5 language. It provides two examples of the assertion mechanism and some general guidance for implementing assertions.
preview
News Trading Made Easy (Part 2): Risk Management

News Trading Made Easy (Part 2): Risk Management

In this article, inheritance will be introduced into our previous and new code. A new database design will be implemented to provide efficiency. Additionally, a risk management class will be created to tackle volume calculations.
preview
News Trading Made Easy (Part 1): Creating a Database

News Trading Made Easy (Part 1): Creating a Database

News trading can be complicated and overwhelming, in this article we will go through steps to obtain news data. Additionally we will learn about the MQL5 Economic Calendar and what it has to offer.
Prices in DoEasy library (part 59): Object to store data of one tick
Prices in DoEasy library (part 59): Object to store data of one tick

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.
preview
DRAKON visual programming language — communication tool for MQL developers and customers

DRAKON visual programming language — communication tool for MQL developers and customers

DRAKON is a visual programming language designed to simplify interaction between specialists from different fields (biologists, physicists, engineers...) with programmers in Russian space projects (for example, in the Buran reusable spacecraft project). In this article, I will talk about how DRAKON makes the creation of algorithms accessible and intuitive, even if you have never encountered code, and also how it is easier for customers to explain their thoughts when ordering trading robots, and for programmers to make fewer mistakes in complex functions.
preview
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 6): Stop Out Prevention

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 6): Stop Out Prevention

Join us in our discussion today as we look for an algorithmic procedure to minimize the total number of times we get stopped out of winning trades. The problem we faced is significantly challenging, and most solutions given in community discussions lack set and fixed rules. Our algorithmic approach to solving the problem increased the profitability of our trades and reduced our average loss per trade. However, there are further advancements to be made to completely filter out all trades that will be stopped out, our solution is a good first step for anyone to try.
preview
Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning for Trading with EA and Backtesting with Python

Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning for Trading with EA and Backtesting with Python

In this article, we will introduce Sentiment Analysis and ONNX Models with Python to be used in an EA. One script runs a trained ONNX model from TensorFlow for deep learning predictions, while another fetches news headlines and quantifies sentiment using AI.
preview
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 28): Towards the future (III)

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.
preview
MQL5 Cookbook — Macroeconomic events database

MQL5 Cookbook — Macroeconomic events database

The article discusses the possibilities of handling databases based on the SQLite engine. The CDatabase class has been formed for convenience and efficient use of OOP principles. It is subsequently involved in the creation and management of the database of macroeconomic events. The article provides the examples of using multiple methods of the CDatabase class.
New Opportunities with MetaTrader 5
New Opportunities with MetaTrader 5

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.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 3): Creating bound controls

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.
preview
From Novice to Expert: Automating Base-Candle Geometry for Liquidity Zones in MQL5

From Novice to Expert: Automating Base-Candle Geometry for Liquidity Zones in MQL5

This article implements an MQL5 module that analyzes the lower‑timeframe bars inside each liquidity‑zone base candle. It detects swing points and applies objective rules to classify the internal structure as an ascending, descending, or symmetrical triangle; a rectangle; M; W; or undefined. The indicator displays geometry labels on the chart and adds the pattern to alerts, reducing manual lower‑timeframe inspection.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 93): Preparing functionality for creating composite graphical objects
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 93): Preparing functionality for creating composite graphical objects

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.
preview
Population optimization algorithms: Harmony Search (HS)

Population optimization algorithms: Harmony Search (HS)

In the current article, I will study and test the most powerful optimization algorithm - harmonic search (HS) inspired by the process of finding the perfect sound harmony. So what algorithm is now the leader in our rating?
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 11): Heikin Ashi Signal EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 11): Heikin Ashi Signal EA

MQL5 offers endless opportunities to develop automated trading systems tailored to your preferences. Did you know it can even perform complex mathematical calculations? In this article, we introduce the Japanese Heikin-Ashi technique as an automated trading strategy.
Population optimization algorithms
Population optimization algorithms

Population optimization algorithms

This is an introductory article on optimization algorithm (OA) classification. The article attempts to create a test stand (a set of functions), which is to be used for comparing OAs and, perhaps, identifying the most universal algorithm out of all widely known ones.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 6): Panel control, auto resizing the container to fit inner content

DoEasy. Controls (Part 6): Panel control, auto resizing the container to fit inner content

In the article, I will continue my work on the Panel WinForms object and implement its auto resizing to fit the general size of Dock objects located inside the panel. Besides, I will add the new properties to the Symbol library object.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 7): Text label control

DoEasy. Controls (Part 7): Text label control

In the current article, I will create the class of the WinForms text label control object. Such an object will have the ability to position its container anywhere, while its own functionality will repeat the functionality of the MS Visual Studio text label. We will be able to set font parameters for a displayed text.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 7): Signal Pulse EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 7): Signal Pulse EA

Unlock the potential of multi-timeframe analysis with 'Signal Pulse,' an MQL5 Expert Advisor that integrates Bollinger Bands and the Stochastic Oscillator to deliver accurate, high-probability trading signals. Discover how to implement this strategy and effectively visualize buy and sell opportunities using custom arrows. Ideal for traders seeking to enhance their judgment through automated analysis across multiple timeframes.
preview
Dynamic Swing Architecture: Market Structure Recognition from Swings to Automated Execution

Dynamic Swing Architecture: Market Structure Recognition from Swings to Automated Execution

This article introduces a fully automated MQL5 system designed to identify and trade market swings with precision. Unlike traditional fixed-bar swing indicators, this system adapts dynamically to evolving price structure—detecting swing highs and swing lows in real time to capture directional opportunities as they form.
preview
Bill Williams Strategy with and without other indicators and predictions

Bill Williams Strategy with and without other indicators and predictions

In this article, we will take a look to one the famous strategies of Bill Williams, and discuss it, and try to improve the strategy with other indicators and with predictions.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 48): Multi-period multi-symbol indicators on one buffer in a subwindow
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 48): Multi-period multi-symbol indicators on one buffer in a subwindow

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 48): Multi-period multi-symbol indicators on one buffer in a subwindow

The article considers an example of creating multi-symbol multi-period standard indicators using a single indicator buffer for construction and working in the indicator subwindow. I am going to prepare the library classes for working with standard indicators working in the program main window and having more than one buffer for displaying their data.
preview
Cycles and Forex

Cycles and Forex

Cycles are of great importance in our lives. Day and night, seasons, days of the week and many other cycles of different nature are present in the life of any person. In this article, we will consider cycles in financial markets.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 85): Graphical object collection - adding newly created objects
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 85): Graphical object collection - adding newly created objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 85): Graphical object collection - adding newly created objects

In this article, I will complete the development of the descendant classes of the abstract graphical object class and start implementing the ability to store these objects in the collection class. In particular, I will create the functionality for adding newly created standard graphical objects to the collection class.
preview
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 16): Double Bollinger Band Breakouts

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 16): Double Bollinger Band Breakouts

This article walks the reader through a reimagined version of the classical Bollinger Band breakout strategy. It identifies key weaknesses in the original approach, such as its well-known susceptibility to false breakouts. The article aims to introduce a possible solution: the Double Bollinger Band trading strategy. This relatively lesser known approach supplements the weaknesses of the classical version and offers a more dynamic perspective on financial markets. It helps us overcome the old limitations defined by the original rules, providing traders with a stronger and more adaptive framework.
preview
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 100): Making improvements in handling extended standard graphical objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 100): Making improvements in handling extended standard graphical objects

In the current article, I will eliminate obvious flaws in simultaneous handling of extended (and standard) graphical objects and form objects on canvas, as well as fix errors detected during the test performed in the previous article. The article concludes this section of the library description.
preview
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 21): Bollinger Bands And RSI Ensemble Strategy Discovery

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 21): Bollinger Bands And RSI Ensemble Strategy Discovery

This article explores the development of an ensemble algorithmic trading strategy for the EURUSD market that combines the Bollinger Bands and the Relative Strength Indicator (RSI). Initial rule-based strategies produced high-quality signals but suffered from low trade frequency and limited profitability. Multiple iterations of the strategy were evaluated, revealing flaws in our understanding of the market, increased noise, and degraded performance. By appropriately employing statistical learning algorithms, shifting the modeling target to technical indicators, applying proper scaling, and combining machine learning forecasts with classical trading rules, the final strategy achieved significantly improved profitability and trade frequency while maintaining acceptable signal quality.
preview
Population optimization algorithms: Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA)

Population optimization algorithms: Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA)

GSA is a population optimization algorithm inspired by inanimate nature. Thanks to Newton's law of gravity implemented in the algorithm, the high reliability of modeling the interaction of physical bodies allows us to observe the enchanting dance of planetary systems and galactic clusters. In this article, I will consider one of the most interesting and original optimization algorithms. The simulator of the space objects movement is provided as well.
preview
Creating an EMA Crossover Forward Simulation (Culmination): Interactive Synthetic Candles

Creating an EMA Crossover Forward Simulation (Culmination): Interactive Synthetic Candles

This article finalizes the Forward Simulation Engine for MetaTrader 5 by calibrating synthetic candles to recent market volatility instead of using slope-only sizing. It samples average body, upper wick, and lower wick from closed bars, applies a sine-envelope with decay, proportional wicks, gaps between candles, and periodic counter-trend injections. The result is a live projection that advances one bar ahead, with code you can reuse for calibrated, anchor-based forward rendering and automatic cleanup.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 56): Reading Session Acceptance and Rejection with CPI

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 56): Reading Session Acceptance and Rejection with CPI

This article presents a session-based analytical framework that combines time-defined market sessions with the Candle Pressure Index (CPI) to classify acceptance and rejection behavior at session boundaries using closed-candle data and clearly defined rules.
preview
Risk manager for manual trading

Risk manager for manual trading

In this article we will discuss in detail how to write a risk manager class for manual trading from scratch. This class can also be used as a base class for inheritance by algorithmic traders who use automated programs.
preview
Color buffers in multi-symbol multi-period indicators

Color buffers in multi-symbol multi-period indicators

In this article, we will review the structure of the indicator buffer in multi-symbol, multi-period indicators and organize the display of colored buffers of these indicators on the chart.
preview
Algorithmic Trading Without the Routine: Quick Trade Analysis in MetaTrader 5 with SQLite

Algorithmic Trading Without the Routine: Quick Trade Analysis in MetaTrader 5 with SQLite

The article presents a minimal working set for maintaining a trading journal in MQL5 using SQLite: a table structure for trades, signals, and events, indices, prepared statements and trades, as well as standard analytical SQL queries. Integration with the statistics dashboard in MetaTrader 5 and working with the database via MetaEditor are demonstrated. The approach allows automating the journal, accelerating calculations, and performing analysis without complicating the EA code.
preview
Swing Extremes and Pullbacks in MQL5 (Part 2): Automating the Strategy with an Expert Advisor

Swing Extremes and Pullbacks in MQL5 (Part 2): Automating the Strategy with an Expert Advisor

Built on lower-timeframe market structure, and then orchestrated on the higher-timeframe, this indicator detects swing extremes where price becomes statistically vulnerable to reversal. It visualizes overextension and pullback zones, offering early insight into mean-reversion behavior.
preview
From Novice to Expert: Enhancing Liquidity Strategies with Multi-Timeframe Structural Confirmation in MQL5

From Novice to Expert: Enhancing Liquidity Strategies with Multi-Timeframe Structural Confirmation in MQL5

The alignment of higher-timeframe liquidity structures with lower-timeframe reversal patterns can greatly influence both the likelihood and direction of the next price movement. By integrating structural liquidity zones from higher timeframes with precise reversal confirmations on lower timeframes, traders can improve entry timing and overall trade quality. This article demonstrates how to reinforce liquidity-based trading strategies through higher-timeframe structural confirmation—and how to implement this approach effectively using MQL5.
preview
Developing A Custom Account Performance Matrix Indicator

Developing A Custom Account Performance Matrix Indicator

This indicator acts as a discipline enforcer by tracking account equity, profit/loss, and drawdown in real-time while displaying a performance dashboard. It can help traders stay consistent, avoid overtrading, and comply with prop-firm challenge rules.
preview
Implementing the Janus factor in MQL5

Implementing the Janus factor in MQL5

Gary Anderson developed a method of market analysis based on a theory he dubbed the Janus Factor. The theory describes a set of indicators that can be used to reveal trends and assess market risk. In this article we will implement these tools in mql5.
preview
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part I): Building a Messaging Interface

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part I): Building a Messaging Interface

This article discusses the creation of a Messaging Interface for MetaTrader 5, aimed at System Administrators, to facilitate communication with other traders directly within the platform. Recent integrations of social platforms with MQL5 allow for quick signal broadcasting across different channels. Imagine being able to validate sent signals with just a click—either "YES" or "NO." Read on to learn more.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 61): Structural Slanted Trendline Breakouts with 3-Swing Validation

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 61): Structural Slanted Trendline Breakouts with 3-Swing Validation

We present a slanted trendline breakout tool that relies on three‑swing validation to generate objective, price‑action signals. The system automates swing detection, trendline construction, and breakout confirmation using crossing logic to reduce noise and standardize execution. The article explains the strategy rules, shows the MQL5 implementation, and reviews testing results; the tool is intended for analysis and signal confirmation, not automated trading.
preview
From Novice to Expert: Auto-Geometric Analysis System

From Novice to Expert: Auto-Geometric Analysis System

Geometric patterns offer traders a concise way to interpret price action. Many analysts draw trend lines, rectangles, and other shapes by hand, and then base trading decisions on the formations they see. In this article, we explore an automated alternative: harnessing MQL5 to detect and analyze the most popular geometric patterns. We’ll break down the methodology, discuss implementation details, and highlight how automated pattern recognition can sharpen a trader's market insights.