Articles on the MQL5 programming and use of trading robots

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Expert Advisors created for the MetaTrader platform perform a variety of functions implemented by their developers. Trading robots can track financial symbols 24 hours a day, copy deals, create and send reports, analyze news and even provide specific custom graphical interface.

The articles describe programming techniques, mathematical ideas for data processing, tips on creating and ordering of trading robots.

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A Generic Optimization Formulation (GOF) to Implement Custom Max with Constraints

A Generic Optimization Formulation (GOF) to Implement Custom Max with Constraints

In this article we will present a way to implement optimization problems with multiple objectives and constraints when selecting "Custom Max" in the Setting tab of the MetaTrader 5 terminal. As an example, the optimization problem could be: Maximize Profit Factor, Net Profit, and Recovery Factor, such that the Draw Down is less than 10%, the number of consecutive losses is less than 5, and the number of trades per week is more than 5.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 49): Reinforcement Learning with Proximal Policy Optimization

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 49): Reinforcement Learning with Proximal Policy Optimization

Proximal Policy Optimization is another algorithm in reinforcement learning that updates the policy, often in network form, in very small incremental steps to ensure the model stability. We examine how this could be of use, as we have with previous articles, in a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 9): Developing a First Run User Setup Wizard for Expert Advisors with Scrollable Guide

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 9): Developing a First Run User Setup Wizard for Expert Advisors with Scrollable Guide

In this article, we develop an MQL5 First Run User Setup Wizard for Expert Advisors, featuring a scrollable guide with an interactive dashboard, dynamic text formatting, and visual controls like buttons and a checkbox allowing users to navigate instructions and configure trading parameters efficiently. Users of the program get to have insight of what the program is all about and what to do on the first run, more like an orientation model.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Node-Adaptive Graph Representation with NAFS

Neural Networks in Trading: Node-Adaptive Graph Representation with NAFS

We invite you to get acquainted with the NAFS (Node-Adaptive Feature Smoothing) method, which is a non-parametric approach to creating node representations that does not require parameter training. NAFS extracts features of each node given its neighbors and then adaptively combines these features to form a final representation.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Hybrid Graph Sequence Models (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Hybrid Graph Sequence Models (Final Part)

We continue exploring hybrid graph sequence models (GSM++), which integrate the advantages of different architectures, providing high analysis accuracy and efficient distribution of computing resources. These models effectively identify hidden patterns, reducing the impact of market noise and improving forecasting quality.
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Codex Pipelines, from Python to MQL5, for Indicator Selection: A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the XLF ETF with Machine Learning

Codex Pipelines, from Python to MQL5, for Indicator Selection: A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the XLF ETF with Machine Learning

We continue our look at how the selection of indicators can be pipelined when facing a ‘none-typical’ MetaTrader asset. MetaTrader 5 is primarily used to trade forex, and that is good given the liquidity on offer, however the case for trading outside of this ‘comfort-zone’, is growing bolder with not just the overnight rise of platforms like Robinhood, but also the relentless pursuit of an edge for most traders. We consider the XLF ETF for this article and also cap our revamped pipeline with a simple MLP.
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Propensity score in causal inference

Propensity score in causal inference

The article examines the topic of matching in causal inference. Matching is used to compare similar observations in a data set. This is necessary to correctly determine causal effects and get rid of bias. The author explains how this helps in building trading systems based on machine learning, which become more stable on new data they were not trained on. The propensity score plays a central role and is widely used in causal inference.
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Alternative risk return metrics in MQL5

Alternative risk return metrics in MQL5

In this article we present the implementation of several risk return metrics billed as alternatives to the Sharpe ratio and examine hypothetical equity curves to analyze their characteristics.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 22): Building an Expert Advisor for the 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 22): Building an Expert Advisor for the 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

This article explains how to detect and trade the 5-0 harmonic pattern in MQL5, validate it using Fibonacci levels, and display it on the chart.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 74): Trajectory prediction with adaptation

Neural networks made easy (Part 74): Trajectory prediction with adaptation

This article introduces a fairly effective method of multi-agent trajectory forecasting, which is able to adapt to various environmental conditions.
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Data Science and ML (Part 43): Hidden Patterns Detection in Indicators Data Using Latent Gaussian Mixture Models (LGMM)

Data Science and ML (Part 43): Hidden Patterns Detection in Indicators Data Using Latent Gaussian Mixture Models (LGMM)

Have you ever looked at the chart and felt that strange sensation… that there’s a pattern hidden just beneath the surface? A secret code that might reveal where prices are headed if only you could crack it? Meet LGMM, the Market’s Hidden Pattern Detector. A machine learning model that helps identify those hidden patterns in the market.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 24): Moving Averages

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 24): Moving Averages

Moving Averages are a very common indicator that are used and understood by most Traders. We explore possible use cases that may not be so common within MQL5 Wizard assembled Expert Advisors.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 18): Automating group selection considering forward period

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 18): Automating group selection considering forward period

Let's continue to automate the steps we previously performed manually. This time we will return to the automation of the second stage, that is, the selection of the optimal group of single instances of trading strategies, supplementing it with the ability to take into account the results of instances in the forward period.
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Graph Theory: Traversal Depth-First Search (DFS) Applied in Trading

Graph Theory: Traversal Depth-First Search (DFS) Applied in Trading

This article applies Depth-First Search to market structure by modeling swing highs and lows as graph nodes and tracking one structural path as deeply as conditions remain valid. When a key swing is broken, the algorithm backtracks and explores an alternative branch. Readers gain a practical framework to formalize structural bias and test whether the current path aligns with targets like liquidity pools or supply and demand zones.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 20): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (I)

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 20): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (I)

We have already created quite a few components that help arrange auto optimization. During the creation, we followed the traditional cyclical structure: from creating minimal working code to refactoring and obtaining improved code. It is time to start clearing up our database, which is also a key component in the system we are creating.
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Developing a quality factor for Expert Advisors

Developing a quality factor for Expert Advisors

In this article, we will see how to develop a quality score that your Expert Advisor can display in the strategy tester. We will look at two well-known calculation methods – Van Tharp and Sunny Harris.
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Building a Correlation-Aware Multi-EA Portfolio Scorer in MQL5

Building a Correlation-Aware Multi-EA Portfolio Scorer in MQL5

Most algo traders optimize Expert Advisors individually but never measure how they behave together on a single account. Correlated strategies amplify drawdowns instead of reducing them, and coverage gaps leave portfolios blind during entire trading sessions. This article builds a complete portfolio scorer in MQL5 that reads daily P&L from backtest CSV files, computes a full Pearson correlation matrix, maps trading activity by hour and weekday, evaluates asset class diversity, and outputs a composite grade from A+ to F. All source code is included; no external libraries are required.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 67): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 67): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range

The Triple Exponential Moving Average Oscillator (TRIX) and the Williams Percentage Range Oscillator are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. This indicator pair, like those we’ve covered recently, is also complementary given that TRIX defines the trend while Williams Percent Range affirms support and Resistance levels. As always, we use the MQL5 wizard to prototype any potential these two may have.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 71): Goal-Conditioned Predictive Coding (GCPC)

Neural networks made easy (Part 71): Goal-Conditioned Predictive Coding (GCPC)

In previous articles, we discussed the Decision Transformer method and several algorithms derived from it. We experimented with different goal setting methods. During the experiments, we worked with various ways of setting goals. However, the model's study of the earlier passed trajectory always remained outside our attention. In this article. I want to introduce you to a method that fills this gap.
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Example of Stochastic Optimization and Optimal Control

Example of Stochastic Optimization and Optimal Control

This Expert Advisor, named SMOC (likely standing for Stochastic Model Optimal Control), is a simple example of an advanced algorithmic trading system for MetaTrader 5. It uses a combination of technical indicators, model predictive control, and dynamic risk management to make trading decisions. The EA incorporates adaptive parameters, volatility-based position sizing, and trend analysis to optimize its performance across varying market conditions.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 3): Adding Currency, Importance, and Time Filters

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 3): Adding Currency, Importance, and Time Filters

In this article, we implement filters in the MQL5 Economic Calendar dashboard to refine news event displays by currency, importance, and time. We first establish filter criteria for each category and then integrate these into the dashboard to display only relevant events. Finally, we ensure each filter dynamically updates to provide traders with focused, real-time economic insights.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 83): The "Conformer" Spatio-Temporal Continuous Attention Transformer Algorithm

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 83): The "Conformer" Spatio-Temporal Continuous Attention Transformer Algorithm

This article introduces the Conformer algorithm originally developed for the purpose of weather forecasting, which in terms of variability and capriciousness can be compared to financial markets. Conformer is a complex method. It combines the advantages of attention models and ordinary differential equations.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques You should know (Part 86): Speeding Up Data Access with a Sparse Table for a Custom Trailing Class

MQL5 Wizard Techniques You should know (Part 86): Speeding Up Data Access with a Sparse Table for a Custom Trailing Class

We revamp our earlier articles on testing trade setups with the MQL5 Wizard by putting a bit more emphasis on input data quality, cleaning, and handling. In the earlier articles we had looked at a lot of custom signal classes, usable by the wizard, so we now shift our focus to a custom trailing class, given that exiting is also a very important part in any trading system. Our broad theme for this particular piece data-efficiency and the O(1) range-query; the core ‘tech’ is MQL5, SQLite, Python-Polars; the Algorithm is the Sparse-Table while we will seek validation from the ATR Indicator.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 3): Expert Standard Deviation Channel

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 3): Expert Standard Deviation Channel

In this discussion, we will develop an Expert Advisor using the CTrade and CChartObjectStdDevChannel classes, while applying several filters to enhance profitability. This stage puts our previous discussion into practical application. Additionally, I’ll introduce another simple approach to help you better understand the MQL5 Standard Library and its underlying codebase. Join the discussion to explore these concepts in action.
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Connexus Helper (Part 5): HTTP Methods and Status Codes

Connexus Helper (Part 5): HTTP Methods and Status Codes

In this article, we will understand HTTP methods and status codes, two very important pieces of communication between client and server on the web. Understanding what each method does gives you the control to make requests more precisely, informing the server what action you want to perform and making it more efficient.
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Position Management: Safe Pyramiding with a Unified Stop in MQL5

Position Management: Safe Pyramiding with a Unified Stop in MQL5

This article presents CPyramidEngine, a reusable MQL5 class that adds disciplined pyramiding to any Expert Advisor with about six lines of integration. The engine enforces three constraints: strictly decreasing lot sizes, a single unified stop that advances after each add-on, and broker-level validation of every modification. It explains common failure modes in naive implementations and shows how to keep total account risk quantifiable and controlled as positions are added.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 4): Spans, Experiments, and Compositions

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 4): Spans, Experiments, and Compositions

Category Theory is a diverse and expanding branch of Mathematics which as of yet is relatively uncovered in the MQL5 community. These series of articles look to introduce and examine some of its concepts with the overall goal of establishing an open library that provides insight while hopefully furthering the use of this remarkable field in Traders' strategy development.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 95): Reducing Memory Consumption in Transformer Models

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 95): Reducing Memory Consumption in Transformer Models

Transformer architecture-based models demonstrate high efficiency, but their use is complicated by high resource costs both at the training stage and during operation. In this article, I propose to get acquainted with algorithms that allow to reduce memory usage of such models.
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Package-based approach with KnitPkg for MQL5 development

Package-based approach with KnitPkg for MQL5 development

For maximum reliability and productivity in MetaTrader products built with MQL, this article advocates a development approach based on reusable “packages” managed by KnitPkg, a project manager for MQL5/MQL4. A package can be used as a building block for other packages or as the foundation for final artifacts that run directly on the MetaTrader platform, such as EAs, indicators, and more.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Complex Trajectory Prediction Method (Traj-LLM)

Neural Networks in Trading: A Complex Trajectory Prediction Method (Traj-LLM)

In this article, I would like to introduce you to an interesting trajectory prediction method developed to solve problems in the field of autonomous vehicle movements. The authors of the method combined the best elements of various architectural solutions.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 31): Creating an Interactive Tools Palette in MQL5

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 31): Creating an Interactive Tools Palette in MQL5

We turn the Tools Palette sidebar from a static shell into an interactive MQL5 system. The article implements flyout menus per category, a chart event handler, a multi-click drawing engine (one-, two-, and three-click tools), and mouse interactions including drag, bottom-edge resize, scrolling, hover states, and live theme toggling. You will be able to select a tool and place chart objects directly from the palette for analysis
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Neural networks made easy (Part 42): Model procrastination, reasons and solutions

Neural networks made easy (Part 42): Model procrastination, reasons and solutions

In the context of reinforcement learning, model procrastination can be caused by several reasons. The article considers some of the possible causes of model procrastination and methods for overcoming them.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 4): Custom Signal Library

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 4): Custom Signal Library

Today, we use the MQL5 Standard Library to build custom signal classes and let the MQL5 Wizard assemble a professional Expert Advisor for us. This approach simplifies development so that even beginner programmers can create robust EAs without in-depth coding knowledge, focusing instead on tuning inputs and optimizing performance. Join this discussion as we explore the process step by step.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 72): Using Patterns of MACD and the OBV with Supervised Learning

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 72): Using Patterns of MACD and the OBV with Supervised Learning

We follow up on our last article, where we introduced the indicator pair of the MACD and the OBV, by looking at how this pairing could be enhanced with Machine Learning. MACD and OBV are a trend and volume complimentary pairing. Our machine learning approach uses a convolution neural network that engages the Exponential kernel in sizing its kernels and channels, when fine-tuning the forecasts of this indicator pairing. As always, this is done in a custom signal class file that works with the MQL5 wizard to assemble an Expert Advisor.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 10): Automating Smash Day Reversal Patterns

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 10): Automating Smash Day Reversal Patterns

We implement Larry Williams’ Smash Day reversal patterns in MQL5 by building a rule-based Expert Advisor with dynamic risk management, breakout confirmation logic, and one trade at a time execution. Readers can backtest, reproduce, and study parameter effects using the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester and the provided source.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 24): Adding a new strategy (I)

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 24): Adding a new strategy (I)

In this article, we will look at how to connect a new strategy to the auto optimization system we have created. Let's see what kind of EAs we need to create and whether it will be possible to do without changing the EA library files or minimize the necessary changes.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Directional Diffusion Models (DDM)

Neural Networks in Trading: Directional Diffusion Models (DDM)

In this article, we discuss Directional Diffusion Models that exploit data-dependent anisotropic and directed noise in a forward diffusion process to capture meaningful graph representations.
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Data label for time series mining (Part 4):Interpretability Decomposition Using Label Data

Data label for time series mining (Part 4):Interpretability Decomposition 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!
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Neural networks made easy (Part 57): Stochastic Marginal Actor-Critic (SMAC)

Neural networks made easy (Part 57): Stochastic Marginal Actor-Critic (SMAC)

Here I will consider the fairly new Stochastic Marginal Actor-Critic (SMAC) algorithm, which allows building latent variable policies within the framework of entropy maximization.
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Sending Messages from MQL5 to Discord, Creating a Discord-MetaTrader 5 Bot

Sending Messages from MQL5 to Discord, Creating a Discord-MetaTrader 5 Bot

Similar to Telegram, Discord is capable of receiving information and messages in JSON format using it's communication API's, In this article, we are going to explore how you can use discord API's to send trading signals and updates from MetaTrader 5 to your Discord trading community.