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
preview
Frequency domain representations of time series: The Power Spectrum

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).
preview
Population optimization algorithms: Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO)

Population optimization algorithms: Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO)

The amazing ability of weeds to survive in a wide variety of conditions has become the idea for a powerful optimization algorithm. IWO is one of the best algorithms among the previously reviewed ones.
preview
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Let's continue creating the system and controls. Without the ability to control the service, it is difficult to move forward and improve the system.
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
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
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.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling

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.
preview
Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 1): Currency Correlation and Inverse Correlation

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 1): Currency Correlation and Inverse Correlation

Dynamic multi pair Expert Advisor leverages both on correlation and inverse correlation strategies to optimize trading performance. By analyzing real-time market data, it identifies and exploits the relationship between currency pairs.
preview
Measuring Indicator Information

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.
preview
Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)

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.
preview
Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 2): MQL5 functions for HTTP interaction with the tic-tac-toe game REST API

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.
preview
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 2): Navigating Predefined Variables, Common Functions, and  Control Flow Statements

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!
preview
Developing A Custom Account Performace Matrix Indicator

Developing A Custom Account Performace 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
Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)

Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)

The article describes the principles, methods and possibilities of using the Electromagnetic Algorithm in various optimization problems. The EM algorithm is an efficient optimization tool capable of working with large amounts of data and multidimensional functions.
preview
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

In the article, complete development of objects of multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators. Using Ichimoku Kinko Hyo standard indicator example, analyze creation of compound custom indicators which have auxiliary drawn buffers for displaying data on the chart.
preview
Developing a Trading System Based on the Order Book (Part I): Indicator

Developing a Trading System Based on the Order Book (Part I): Indicator

Depth of Market is undoubtedly a very important element for executing fast trades, especially in High Frequency Trading (HFT) algorithms. In this series of articles, we will look at this type of trading events that can be obtained through a broker on many tradable symbols. We will start with an indicator, where you can customize the color palette, position and size of the histogram displayed directly on the chart. We will also look at how to generate BookEvent events to test the indicator under certain conditions. Other possible topics for future articles include how to store price distribution data and how to use it in a strategy tester.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)

Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)

In this article, we'll cover an important topic that few people understand: Custom Events. Dangers. Advantages and disadvantages of these elements. This topic is key for those who want to become a professional programmer in MQL5 or any other language. Here we will focus on MQL5 and MetaTrader 5.
preview
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 2): USDJPY Scalping Strategy

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 2): USDJPY Scalping Strategy

Join us today as we challenge ourselves to build a trading strategy around the USDJPY pair. We will trade candlestick patterns that are formed on the daily time frame because they potentially have more strength behind them. Our initial strategy was profitable, which encouraged us to continue refining the strategy and adding extra layers of safety, to protect the capital gained.
preview
Adaptive Smart Money Architecture (ASMA): Merging SMC Logic With Market Sentiment for Dynamic Strategy Switching

Adaptive Smart Money Architecture (ASMA): Merging SMC Logic With Market Sentiment for Dynamic Strategy Switching

This topic explores how to build an Adaptive Smart Money Architecture (ASMA)—an intelligent Expert Advisor that merges Smart Money Concepts (Order Blocks, Break of Structure, Fair Value Gaps) with real-time market sentiment to automatically choose the best trading strategy depending on current market conditions.
preview
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 98): Moving pivot points of extended standard graphical objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 98): Moving pivot points of extended standard graphical objects

In the article, I continue the development of extended standard graphical objects and create the functionality for moving pivot points of composite graphical objects using the control points for managing the coordinates of the graphical object pivot points.
preview
SP500 Trading Strategy in MQL5 For Beginners

SP500 Trading Strategy in MQL5 For Beginners

Discover how to leverage MQL5 to forecast the S&P 500 with precision, blending in classical technical analysis for added stability and combining algorithms with time-tested principles for robust market insights.
preview
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part III): Enhancing the GUI with Visual Styling (I)

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part III): Enhancing the GUI with Visual Styling (I)

In this article, we will focus on visually styling the graphical user interface (GUI) of our Trading Administrator Panel using MQL5. We’ll explore various techniques and features available in MQL5 that allow for customization and optimization of the interface, ensuring it meets the needs of traders while maintaining an attractive aesthetic.
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
Developing a Calendar-Based News Event Breakout Expert Advisor in MQL5

Developing a Calendar-Based News Event Breakout Expert Advisor in MQL5

Volatility tends to peak around high-impact news events, creating significant breakout opportunities. In this article, we will outline the implementation process of a calendar-based breakout strategy. We'll cover everything from creating a class to interpret and store calendar data, developing realistic backtests using this data, and finally, implementing execution code for live trading.
preview
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis

How best can we combine multiple strategies to create a powerful ensemble strategy? Join us in this discussion as we look to fit together three different strategies into our trading application. Traders often employ specialized strategies for opening and closing positions, and we want to know if our machines can perform this task better. For our opening discussion, we will get familiar with the faculties of the strategy tester and the principles of OOP we will need for this task.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 26): Finalizing the ToolTip WinForms object and moving on to ProgressBar development

DoEasy. Controls (Part 26): Finalizing the ToolTip WinForms object and moving on to ProgressBar development

In this article, I will complete the development of the ToolTip control and start the development of the ProgressBar WinForms object. While working on objects, I will develop universal functionality for animating controls and their components.
preview
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 05): Adding Previews

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.
preview
Expert Advisor based on the universal MLP approximator

Expert Advisor based on the universal MLP approximator

The article presents a simple and accessible way to use a neural network in a trading EA that does not require deep knowledge of machine learning. The method eliminates the target function normalization, as well as overcomes "weight explosion" and "network stall" issues offering intuitive training and visual control of the results.
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
MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 3): Developing a Pending Orders Management EX5 Library

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 3): Developing a Pending Orders Management EX5 Library

Learn how to develop and implement a comprehensive pending orders EX5 library in your MQL5 code or projects. This article will show you how to create an extensive pending orders management EX5 library and guide you through importing and implementing it by building a trading panel or graphical user interface (GUI). The expert advisor orders panel will allow users to open, monitor, and delete pending orders associated with a specified magic number directly from the graphical interface on the chart window.
preview
Chart Synchronization for Easier Technical Analysis

Chart Synchronization for Easier Technical Analysis

Chart Synchronization for Easier Technical Analysis is a tool that ensures all chart timeframes display consistent graphical objects like trendlines, rectangles, or indicators across different timeframes for a single symbol. Actions such as panning, zooming, or symbol changes are mirrored across all synced charts, allowing traders to seamlessly view and compare the same price action context in multiple timeframes.
preview
Wrapping ONNX models in classes

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.
preview
Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 5): Adaptive Learning and Flexibility

Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 5): Adaptive Learning and Flexibility

This part focuses on building a flexible, adaptive trading model trained on historical XAUUSD data, preparing it for ONNX export and potential integration into live trading systems.
preview
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 27): Towards the future (II)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 27): Towards the future (II)

Let's move on to a more complete order system directly on the chart. In this article, I will show a way to fix the order system, or rather, to make it more intuitive.
preview
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors With MQL5 And Python (Part II): Tuning Deep Neural Networks

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors With MQL5 And Python (Part II): Tuning Deep Neural Networks

Machine learning models come with various adjustable parameters. In this series of articles, we will explore how to customize your AI models to fit your specific market using the SciPy library.
preview
From Novice to Expert: Predictive Price Pathways

From Novice to Expert: Predictive Price Pathways

Fibonacci levels provide a practical framework that markets often respect, highlighting price zones where reactions are more likely. In this article, we build an expert advisor that applies Fibonacci retracement logic to anticipate likely future moves and trade retracements with pending orders. Explore the full workflow—from swing detection to level plotting, risk controls, and execution.
preview
StringFormat(). Review and ready-made examples

StringFormat(). Review and ready-made examples

The article continues the review of the PrintFormat() function. We will briefly look at formatting strings using StringFormat() and their further use in the program. We will also write templates to display symbol data in the terminal journal. The article will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers.
preview
Example of Auto Optimized Take Profits and Indicator Parameters with SMA and EMA

Example of Auto Optimized Take Profits and Indicator Parameters with SMA and EMA

This article presents a sophisticated Expert Advisor for forex trading, combining machine learning with technical analysis. It focuses on trading Apple stock, featuring adaptive optimization, risk management, and multiple strategies. Backtesting shows promising results with high profitability but also significant drawdowns, indicating potential for further refinement.
preview
DoEasy. Controls (Part 23): Improving TabControl and SplitContainer WinForms objects

DoEasy. Controls (Part 23): Improving TabControl and SplitContainer WinForms objects

In this article, I will add new mouse events relative to the boundaries of the working areas of WinForms objects and fix some shortcomings in the functioning of the TabControl and SplitContainer controls.
preview
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 5): Volatility Navigator EA

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.