Elite Crystal Evolution Algorithm (CEO-inspired): Theory
A new original population-based algorithm, ECEA, is presented. Inspired by the process of water freezing, it adapts ideas from the Crystal Energy Optimizer (CEO) algorithm, which uses graph-based search, for general optimization problems. The algorithm uses a dynamic elite group, three search strategies, and a periodic diversification mechanism.
The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 14): Building a Dynamic Hedge EA with the ALGLIB Port (ap.mqh)
This article introduces ap.mqh, the ALGLIB port for MQL5, and demonstrates its use in multi‑asset workflows that require robust linear algebra. It covers why built-in indicators fall short, then implements polynomial regression, a rolling correlation matrix indicator, and an adaptive hedge ratio estimator using ridge regression with Cholesky. Practical code shows how to compute spread z‑scores and execute coordinated pairs trades entirely within MetaTrader 5.
Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 9): Entropy-Based Adaptive Volatility
This work presents an end-to-end pipeline: collect MetaTrader 5 data, engineer entropy/volatility/trend features, train a PyTorch classifier, and expose predictions through a Flask API. An MQL5 EA posts rolling prices each tick, receives probability and regime, and applies adaptive position sizing and stop distances. The result is a clear recipe for integrating ML inference with MetaTrader 5.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 37): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (XI)
In this article, we show how to send authenticated requests to the Binance API using MQL5 to retrieve your account balance for all assets. Learn how to use your API key, server time, and signature to securely access account data, and how to save the response to a file for future use.
Building an Object-Oriented ONNX Inference Engine in MQL5
This article shows how to run Python-trained models natively in MetaTrader 5 via the terminal's ONNX functions. We build an MQL5 class that encapsulates session creation, fixes input/output tensor shapes, applies min-max feature normalization to mirror training, and executes OnnxRun once per bar to protect the CPU, the result is a reliable, maintainable inference path for live charts and the Strategy Tester without sockets or DLLs.
Competitive Learning Algorithm (CLA)
The article presents the Competitive Learning Algorithm (CLA), a new metaheuristic optimization method based on simulating the educational process. The algorithm organizes the population of solutions into classes with students and teachers, where agents learn through three mechanisms: following the best in the class, using personal experience, and sharing knowledge between classes.
Body in Connexus (Part 4): Adding HTTP body support
In this article, we explored the concept of body in HTTP requests, which is essential for sending data such as JSON and plain text. We discussed and explained how to use it correctly with the appropriate headers. We also introduced the ChttpBody class, part of the Connexus library, which will simplify working with the body of requests.
Custom Debugging and Profiling Tools for MQL5 Development (Part III): Regression Gates for Performance and Trading Rules
This article adds a regression gate to the MQL5 debugging and profiling workflow. It keeps the Part II profiler, TestLite runner, and trading math helper as contracts, then compares current profiler evidence with an accepted baseline. The workflow also adds symbol-aware assertions, compact status files, and report tables so performance drift, missing tests, and broker-assumption problems are visible before a build is accepted.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 34): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (VIII)
In this article, you will learn how to create an interactive control panel in MetaTrader 5. We cover the basics of adding input fields, action buttons, and labels to display text. Using a project-based approach, you will see how to set up a panel where users can type messages and eventually display server responses from an API.
Cricket Algorithm (CA)
The article discusses the Cricket Algorithm, a metaheuristic optimization method that combines elements of the Bat Algorithm and the Firefly Algorithm with the physical laws governing the propagation of sound in the atmosphere. The algorithm simulates the behavior of crickets that navigate by the chirping of their conspecifics, using Dolbear's law and acoustic formulas to guide the search for best solutions.
Developing an MQTT client for Metatrader 5: a TDD approach — Part 6
This article is the sixth part of a series describing our development steps of a native MQL5 client for the MQTT 5.0 protocol. In this part we comment on the main changes in our first refactoring, how we arrived at a viable blueprint for our packet-building classes, how we are building PUBLISH and PUBACK packets, and the semantics behind the PUBACK Reason Codes.
Connexus Observer (Part 8): Adding a Request Observer
In this final installment of our Connexus library series, we explored the implementation of the Observer pattern, as well as essential refactorings to file paths and method names. This series covered the entire development of Connexus, designed to simplify HTTP communication in complex applications.
Market Simulation: (Part 11): Sockets (V)
We are beginning to implement the connection between Excel and MetaTrader 5, but first we need to understand some key points. This way, you won't have to rack your brains trying to figure out why something works or doesn't. And before you frown at the prospect of integrating Python and Excel, let's see how we can (to some extent) control MetaTrader 5 through Excel using xlwings. What we demonstrate here will primarily focus on educational objectives. However, don't think that we can only do what will be covered here.
Building a Broker-Agnostic Symbol Resolution Layer in MQL5
We implement a symbol resolution framework that abstracts broker naming differences in MetaTrader 5. Using a persistent mapping store, layered resolution with validation, a hash-indexed registry, and a cache, it returns selectable symbols with live market data and logs unresolved cases. Practically, you can deploy the same EA across brokers and keep symbol access consistent at low runtime cost.
Downloading International Monetary Fund Data Using Python
Downloading international monetary fund data in Python: Mining IMF data for use in macroeconomic currency strategies. How can macroeconomics help an ordinary and an algorithmic trader?
Beyond GARCH (Part III): Building the MMAR and the Verdict
With the multifractal parameters from Part 2 in hand, this article builds the full MMAR process. We construct the multiplicative cascade for trading time, generate Fractional Brownian Motion via Davies-Harte FFT, and combine both into X(t) = B_H[theta(t)]. A 100-path Monte Carlo simulation produces the volatility forecast, which we then pit against GARCH on the same EURUSD M5 data. Does Mandelbrot's fractal architecture outforecast Engle's conditional variance framework? Part 3 of a eight-part series leading to a native MQL5 library and Expert Advisor.
Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 12): SQLite Storage and Deduplication
In this article, we replace the embedded CSV snapshot with a SQLite layer that persists calendar events and triggered trade IDs across restarts. The database lives in the common terminal folder and is shared by live charts and the strategy tester, so both modes read the same data without recompiling. An on-demand downloader with a canvas progress bar fetches history from the calendar API and stores it for offline reuse.
Developing a Terminal Manager (Part 1): Problem Statement
How can we conveniently monitor multiple terminals running Expert Advisors, especially when they are on different computers? Let's try to create a web interface for managing the launch of MetaTrader 5 trading terminals and viewing detailed information about the operation of each instance.
Market Simulation: Position View (III)
In previous articles, we mentioned that sometimes we need to set a value for the ZOrder property. But why? The reason is that many pieces of code that add objects to a chart simply do not use, or more precisely do not define, a value for this property. The point is that I am not here to say what every programmer should or should not do, or how they should or should not write their code. I am here to show you, dear reader, and everyone who truly wants to understand how these processes work internally, what actually happens behind the scenes.
Analysis of the Impact of Solar and Lunar Cycles on Currency Exchange Rates
What if lunar cycles and seasonal patterns influence the foreign exchange markets? This article shows how to translate astrological concepts into the language of mathematics and machine learning. I built a Python system with 88 features based on astronomical cycles, trained CatBoost on 15 years of EURUSD data, and obtained some intriguing results. The code is open-source, the methods are verifiable, and the conclusions are unexpected — ancient wisdom meets gradient boosting.
Market Simulation (Part 23): Getting Started with SQL (VI)
In this article, we will see how to visualize a database and, from that, understand how it is structured. This is done by analyzing the database’s internal structure. Although this may seem unnecessary at first, it is fully justified if we really want to become database administrators. After all, some people make a living maintaining and designing databases.
Eco-inspired Evolutionary Algorithm (ECO)
The article discusses the ECO optimization algorithm, which is based on ecological concepts: populations are grouped into habitats based on territorial proximity, exchange genetic material within habitats, and migrate between them. Despite its wide range of operators and elegant biological metaphor, the algorithm produced a certain result discussed below.
Elite Crystal Evolution Algorithm (CEO-inspired): Practical Implementation
Experimental evaluation on standard benchmark functions reveals the advantages and limitations of directly adapting combinatorial algorithms. The article provides a detailed description of the ECEA algorithm's mechanisms and test results.
Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 10): Deploying Python AutoML Pipelines for Strategy Testing
This article presents a reproducible MetaTrader 5 workflow: collect history, engineer nine context features, label simulated EMA crossover trades, train with FLAML, and export to ONNX with fixed opset and plain probabilities. The Expert Advisor loads the model natively, mirrors the Python feature contract, and uses a tunable confidence threshold as a trade filter. Readers can swap signals and features to reuse the same pipeline.
Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA)
The Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) is a metaheuristic inspired by the mechanisms of the innate immune system. Dendritic cells patrol the search space, accumulate signals about the quality of positions, and reach a collective decision: whether to exploit what they have found or to continue exploration. Let's take a look at how a biological model for detecting pathogens is transformed into an optimization algorithm.
Market Simulation: Position View (IX)
In this turning-point article, we will begin to explore in greater depth the interaction between the applications we are developing to ensure full support for the replay/simulation system. Here we will analyze a problem that, on the one hand, is quite unpleasant, but on the other hand, is very interesting to explain and solve. The problem is this: how can we restore the take-profit and stop-loss lines after they have been deleted, and do so without using the terminal by performing the operation directly on the chart? At first glance, it seems simple. However, there are several obstacles that must be overcome.
Market Simulation: Getting Started with SQL in MQL5 (V)
In the previous article, I showed how to proceed in order to add a query mechanism. This was needed so that, inside MQL5 code, you could fully use SQL and retrieve results using an SQL SELECT query. But there is still one last function we need to implement. This is the DatabaseReadBind function. Since understanding it properly requires a slightly more detailed explanation, it was decided to cover it not in the previous article, but in today's article. So, since the topic will be fairly extensive, let us proceed directly to the next section.
Market Simulation: Position View (XII)
In this article, you will learn how to create a visual signal on your trading platform so you can determine directly on the chart whether a position is long or short, without having to open the Terminal. In addition, the article also explains how to implement a feature that improves the display when moving Take Profit and Stop Loss lines by hiding the horizontal line that follows the mouse cursor while these lines are being moved, to avoid confusion. The article provides practical insight into setting up market simulation systems.
Dandelion Optimizer (DO)
The Dandelion Optimizer (DO) turns the simple flight of a seed carried by the wind into a mathematical search strategy. The three phases — vortex rising, drift toward the center of the population, and landing along a Lévy-flight trajectory — form an elegant metaphor that yields interesting results in practice.
Market Simulation: Getting started with SQL in MQL5 (I)
In today's article we will begin studying the use of SQL in MQL5 code. We will also look at how to create a database. Or, more precisely, how to create a SQLite database file using the features built into MQL5. We will also see how to create a table, and then how to establish a relationship between tables by using primary and foreign keys. All of this, once again, will be done with MQL5. We will see how easy it is to create code that can later be migrated to other SQL implementations by using a class that helps hide the implementation being created. And, most importantly, we will see that at various points we may face the risk that something will go wrong when using SQL. This happens because, in MQL5 code, SQL code will always be placed inside a string.
Market Simulation: Position View (XIII)
In this article, we will look at how to easily implement an indicator that shows whether a position is generating a profit or a loss. The procedure is simple and effective. Even without in-depth expertise, this indicator will allow you to easily recognize when to close a position. This way, you will avoid unexpected results, since the calculation reflects the actual outcome you would get if you closed the position.
Ecological Cycle Optimizer (ECO)
The ECO (Ecological Cycle Optimizer) algorithm offers an interesting metaphor for applying the concept of the ecological cycle to the field of metaheuristic optimization. The idea of dividing a population into trophic levels — producers, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers — creates a hierarchical search structure, in which each group contributes to the overall optimization process.
Combining 3D Bars, Quantum Computing, and Machine Learning into a Unified Trading System
The article presents the full integration of the 3D-bar module into a quantum-enhanced trading system for forecasting the movement of currency pairs. The system combines stationary four-dimensional features, an 8-qubit quantum encoder, and CatBoost gradient boosting with 52+ features. The system is implemented in Python using MetaTrader 5, Qiskit, CatBoost, and optional integration with the Llama 3.2 LLM for interpreting forecasts.
Market Simulation: Position View (VIII)
In the previous article, we considered how to implement a position indicator that allows you to close an open position directly from the chart by interacting with an object available on the chart. After completing and testing the first mechanism, we began making changes to ensure that take-profit and stop-loss levels could be removed for an open position. However, since the necessary changes required detailed explanations, in that same article I showed only the changes that needed to be made to the expert advisor; I still needed to show the changes that needed to be made to the position indicator.
Market Simulation: Position View (VII)
In this article, we'll start making some improvements to the position indicator so that we can interact with it and modify price lines or close a position directly through the position indicator. Before we move on to the implementation, there are a few things worth clarifying, especially for those who aren't familiar with this. The indicator cannot be used in any way to change anything on the trading server. This is because MetaTrader 5 has a security system in place that allows only Expert Advisors to modify orders and positions. No application other than an Expert Advisor can manipulate orders or positions.
Building Your Personal Expert Advisor (Part 4): Risk Management III—Risk Models and Order Execution
The EA now defines risk by percentage, fixed cash, or fixed lot and can measure percentage against balance or equity. It supports market, limit, and stop orders, sizes from the planned entry, and enforces spread‑aware stop minima. Additional safeguards include downward volume rounding, explicit handling when the minimum lot exceeds target risk, and pending‑order distance/expiry checks, organized under a Plan–Validate–Execute structure.
Market Simulation: Position View (IV)
Here we will start bringing together different components or applications that were previously completely isolated from each other. Chart Trade, the mouse indicator, and the Expert Advisor had already been linked to one another, but there was still no way to directly display on the chart the positions open on the trading server, which are often managed using a cross-order system. From this point on, this becomes possible, opening the way for various ideas and future implementations. Although we are only beginning to put these components into operation, we already have a direction for further development.
Deterministic Dendritic Cell Algorithm (dDCA)
The article presents an adaptation of the Deterministic Dendritic Cell Algorithm (dDCA) for continuous optimization problems. The algorithm, inspired by the immune system's Danger Theory, uses a signal accumulation mechanism to automatically balance exploration and exploitation within the search space.
Master MQL5 — From Beginner to Pro (Part VII): Principles of Debugging MQL Applications
Debugging is an integral part of the programming cycle. This article discusses common techniques for debugging any application running in the MetaTrader 5 environment.
Bidirectional LSTM and Quantum Computing for Predicting the Direction of Price Movement
The article presents a reproducible implementation of a hybrid quantum-neural network model for algorithmic trading on Forex without using real quantum hardware. A fixed three-qubit quantum circuit in IBM Qiskit converts sliding-window statistics (mean returns, volatility, and range) into a probability distribution, from which seven quantum metrics are calculated. These features are integrated into a bidirectional LSTM architecture with regularization and mechanisms to address class imbalance, including focal loss and a sampler.