Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification
Traders don't always have ability and desire to seat at the trading terminal for hours. Especially, if trading system is more or less formalized and can automatically identify some of the market states. This article describes how to generate a report of trade results (using Expert Advisor, Indicator or Script) as HTML-file and upload it via FTP to WWW-server. We will also consider sending notification of trade events as SMS to mobile phone.
Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 6): Auto optimizer's logical part and structure
We have previously considered the creation of automatic walk-forward optimization. This time, we will proceed to the internal structure of the auto optimizer tool. The article will be useful for all those who wish to further work with the created project and to modify it, as well as for those who wish to understand the program logic. The current article contains UML diagrams which present the internal structure of the project and the relationships between objects. It also describes the process of optimization start, but it does not contain the description of the optimizer implementation process.
MQL Parsing by Means of MQL
The article describes a preprocessor, a scanner, and a parser to be used in parsing the MQL-based source codes. MQL implementation is attached.
Guide to writing a DLL for MQL5 in Delphi
The article examines the mechanism of creating a DLL module, using the popular programming language of ObjectPascal, within a Delphi programming environment. The materials, provided in this article, are designed to primarily target beginner programmers, who are working with problems, which breach the boundaries of the embedded programming language of MQL5, by connecting the outside DLL modules.
Brute force approach to pattern search (Part IV): Minimal functionality
The article presents an improved brute force version, based on the goals set in the previous article. I will try to cover this topic as broadly as possible using Expert Advisors with settings obtained using this method. A new program version is attached to this article.
Connecting NeuroSolutions Neuronets
In addition to creation of neuronets, the NeuroSolutions software suite allows exporting them as DLLs. This article describes the process of creating a neuronet, generating a DLL and connecting it to an Expert Advisor for trading in MetaTrader 5.
Using cloud storage services for data exchange between terminals
Cloud technologies are becoming more popular. Nowadays, we can choose between paid and free storage services. Is it possible to use them in trading? This article proposes a technology for exchanging data between terminals using cloud storage services.
Building a Social Technology Startup, Part II: Programming an MQL5 REST Client
Let's now shape the PHP-based Twitter idea which was introduced in the first part of this article. We are assembling the different parts of the SDSS. Regarding the client side of the system architecture, we are relying on the new MQL5 WebRequest() function for sending trading signals via HTTP.
Drawing Dial Gauges Using the CCanvas Class
We can find dial gauges in cars and airplanes, in industrial production and everyday life. They are used in all spheres which require quick response to behavior of a controlled value. This article describes the library of dial gauges for MetaTrader 5.
Technical Indicators and Digital Filters
In this article, technical indicators are treated as digital filters. Operation principles and basic characteristics of digital filters are explained. Also, some practical ways of receiving the filter kernel in MetaTrader 5 terminal and integration with a ready-made spectrum analyzer proposed in the article "Building a Spectrum Analyzer" are considered. Pulse and spectrum characteristics of the typical digital filters are used as examples.
Extending MQL5 Standard Library and Reusing Code
MQL5 Standard Library makes your life as a developer easier. Nevertheless, it does not implement all the needs of all developers in the world, so if you feel that you need some more custom stuff you can take a step further and extend. This article walks you through integrating MetaQuotes' Zig-Zag technical indicator into the Standard Library. We get inspired by MetaQuotes' design philosophy to achieve our goal.
Neural networks made easy (Part 9): Documenting the work
We have already passed a long way and the code in our library is becoming bigger and bigger. This makes it difficult to keep track of all connections and dependencies. Therefore, I suggest creating documentation for the earlier created code and to keep it updating with each new step. Properly prepared documentation will help us see the integrity of our work.
Brute force approach to pattern search (Part III): New horizons
This article provides a continuation to the brute force topic, and it introduces new opportunities for market analysis into the program algorithm, thereby accelerating the speed of analysis and improving the quality of results. New additions enable the highest-quality view of global patterns within this approach.
Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction
This article is a continuation of the series of articles about deep neural networks. Here we will consider selecting samples (removing noise), reducing the dimensionality of input data and dividing the data set into the train/val/test sets during data preparation for training the neural network.
Gradient Boosting (CatBoost) in the development of trading systems. A naive approach
Training the CatBoost classifier in Python and exporting the model to mql5, as well as parsing the model parameters and a custom strategy tester. The Python language and the MetaTrader 5 library are used for preparing the data and for training the model.
Promote Your Development Projects Using EX5 Libraries
Hiding of the implementation details of classes/functions in an .ex5 file will enable you to share your know-how algorithms with other developers, set up common projects and promote them in the Web. And while the MetaQuotes team spares no effort to bring about the possibility of direct inheritance of ex5 library classes, we are going to implement it right now.
Practical Application Of Databases For Markets Analysis
Working with data has become the main task for modern software - both for standalone and network applications. To solve this problem a specialized software were created. These are Database Management Systems (DBMS), that can structure, systematize and organize data for their computer storage and processing. As for trading, the most of analysts don't use databases in their work. But there are tasks, where such a solution would have to be handy. This article provides an example of indicators, that can save and load data from databases both with client-server and file-server architectures.
Tips from a professional programmer (Part I): Code storing, debugging and compiling. Working with projects and logs
These are some tips from a professional programmer about methods, techniques and auxiliary tools which can make programming easier.
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CGrid Class
This article presents an alternative method of GUI creation based on layouts and containers, using one layout manager — the CGrid class. The CGrid class is an auxiliary control that acts as a container for other containers and controls using a grid layout.
Building a Social Technology Startup, Part I: Tweet Your MetaTrader 5 Signals
Today we will learn how to link an MetaTrader 5 terminal with Twitter so that you can tweet your EAs' trading signals. We are developing a Social Decision Support System in PHP based on a RESTful web service. This idea comes from a particular conception of automatic trading called computer-assisted trading. We want the cognitive abilities of human traders to filter those trading signals which otherwise would be automatically placed on the market by the Expert Advisors.
Calculating mathematical expressions (Part 1). Recursive descent parsers
The article considers the basic principles of mathematical expression parsing and calculation. We will implement recursive descent parsers operating in the interpreter and fast calculation modes, based on a pre-built syntax tree.
Creating Information Boards Using Standard Library Classes and Google Chart API
The MQL5 programming language primarily targets the creation of automated trading systems and complex instruments of technical analyses. But aside from this, it allows us to create interesting information systems for tracking market situations, and provides a return connection with the trader. The article describes the MQL5 Standard Library components, and shows examples of their use in practice for reaching these objectives. It also demonstrates an example of using Google Chart API for the creation of charts.
Using Pseudo-Templates as Alternative to C++ Templates
The article describes a way of programming without using templates but keeping the style of programming iherenet to them. It tells about implementation of templates using custom methods and has a ready-made script attached for creating a code on the basis of specified templates.
Creating Documentation Based on MQL5 Source Code
This article considers creation of documentation for MQL5 code starting with the automated markup of required tags. It also provides the description of how to use the Doxygen software, how to properly configure it and how to receive results in different formats, including html, HtmlHelp and PDF.
Handling ZIP Archives in Pure MQL5
The MQL5 language keeps evolving, and its new features for working with data are constantly being added. Due to innovation it has recently become possible to operate with ZIP archives using regular MQL5 tools without getting third party DLL libraries involved. This article focuses on how this is done and provides the CZip class, which is a universal tool for reading, creating and modifying ZIP archives, as an example.
Brute force approach to pattern search (Part II): Immersion
In this article we will continue discussing the brute force approach. I will try to provide a better explanation of the pattern using the new improved version of my application. I will also try to find the difference in stability using different time intervals and timeframes.
Tracing, Debugging and Structural Analysis of Source Code
The entire complex of problems of creating a structure of an executed code and its tracing can be solved without serious difficulties. This possibility has appeared in MetaTrader 5 due to the new feature of the MQL5 language - automatic creation of variables of complex type of data (structures and classes) and their elimination when going out of local scope. The article contains the description of the methodology and the ready-made tool.
Gradient boosting in transductive and active machine learning
In this article, we will consider active machine learning methods utilizing real data, as well discuss their pros and cons. Perhaps you will find these methods useful and will include them in your arsenal of machine learning models. Transduction was introduced by Vladimir Vapnik, who is the co-inventor of the Support-Vector Machine (SVM).
The Role of Statistical Distributions in Trader's Work
This article is a logical continuation of my article Statistical Probability Distributions in MQL5 which set forth the classes for working with some theoretical statistical distributions. Now that we have a theoretical base, I suggest that we should directly proceed to real data sets and try to make some informational use of this base.
Matrix and Vector operations in MQL5
Matrices and vectors have been introduced in MQL5 for efficient operations with mathematical solutions. The new types offer built-in methods for creating concise and understandable code that is close to mathematical notation. Arrays provide extensive capabilities, but there are many cases in which matrices are much more efficient.
Neural networks made easy (Part 26): Reinforcement Learning
We continue to study machine learning methods. With this article, we begin another big topic, Reinforcement Learning. This approach allows the models to set up certain strategies for solving the problems. We can expect that this property of reinforcement learning will open up new horizons for building trading strategies.
How to create and test custom MOEX symbols in MetaTrader 5
The article describes the creation of a custom exchange symbol using the MQL5 language. In particular, it considers the use of exchange quotes from the popular Finam website. Another option considered in this article is the possibility to work with an arbitrary format of text files used in the creation of the custom symbol. This allows working with any financial symbols and data sources. After creating a custom symbol, we can use all the capabilities of the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester to test trading algorithms for exchange instruments.
Connection of Expert Advisor with ICQ in MQL5
This article describes the method of information exchange between the Expert Advisor and ICQ users, several examples are presented. The provided material will be interesting for those, who wish to receive trading information remotely from a client terminal, through an ICQ client in their mobile phone or PDA.
Working with GSM Modem from an MQL5 Expert Advisor
There is currently a fair number of means for a comfortable remote monitoring of a trading account: mobile terminals, push notifications, working with ICQ. But it all requires Internet connection. This article describes the process of creating an Expert Advisor that will allow you to stay in touch with your trading terminal even when mobile Internet is not available, through calls and text messaging.
Using cryptography with external applications
In this article, we consider encryption/decryption of objects in MetaTrader and in external applications. Our purpose is to determine the conditions under which the same results will be obtained with the same initial data.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 15): Accessing data on the web (I)
How to access online data via MetaTrader 5? There are a lot of websites and places on the web, featuring a huge amount information. What you need to know is where to look and how best to use this information.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 16): Accessing data on the web (II)
Knowing how to input data from the Web into an Expert Advisor is not so obvious. It is not so easy to do without understanding all the possibilities offered by MetaTrader 5.
Calculating mathematical expressions (Part 2). Pratt and shunting yard parsers
In this article, we consider the principles of mathematical expression parsing and evaluation using parsers based on operator precedence. We will implement Pratt and shunting-yard parser, byte-code generation and calculations by this code, as well as view how to use indicators as functions in expressions and how to set up trading signals in Expert Advisors based on these indicators.
Metamodels in machine learning and trading: Original timing of trading orders
Metamodels in machine learning: Auto creation of trading systems with little or no human intervention — The model decides when and how to trade on its own.
DirectX Tutorial (Part I): Drawing the first triangle
It is an introductory article on DirectX, which describes specifics of operation with the API. It should help to understand the order in which its components are initialized. The article contains an example of how to write an MQL5 script which renders a triangle using DirectX.