MQL5 Programming Articles
Study the MQL5 language for programming trading strategies in numerous published articles mostly written by you - the community members. The articles are grouped into categories to help you quicker find answers to any questions related to programming: Integration, Tester, Trading Strategies, etc.
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Combination scalping: analyzing trades from the past to increase the performance of future trades
The article provides the description of the technology aimed at increasing the effectiveness of any automated trading system. It provides a brief explanation of the idea, as well as its underlying basics, possibilities and disadvantages.
MVC design pattern and its possible application
The article discusses a popular MVC pattern, as well as the possibilities, pros and cons of its usage in MQL programs. The idea is to split an existing code into three separate components: Model, View and Controller.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 69): Chart object collection class
With this article, I start the development of the chart object collection class. The class will store the collection list of chart objects with their subwindows and indicators providing the ability to work with any selected charts and their subwindows or with a list of several charts at once.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 68): Chart window object class and indicator object classes in the chart window
In this article, I will continue the development of the chart object class. I will add the list of chart window objects featuring the lists of available indicators.
Neural networks made easy (Part 13): Batch Normalization
In the previous article, we started considering methods aimed at improving neural network training quality. In this article, we will continue this topic and will consider another approach — batch data normalization.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 67): Chart object class
In this article, I will create the chart object class (of a single trading instrument chart) and improve the collection class of MQL5 signal objects so that each signal object stored in the collection updates all its parameters when updating the list.
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.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 66): MQL5.com Signals collection class
In this article, I will create the signal collection class of the MQL5.com Signals service with the functions for managing signals. Besides, I will improve the Depth of Market snapshot object class for displaying the total DOM buy and sell volumes.
Neural networks made easy (Part 12): Dropout
As the next step in studying neural networks, I suggest considering the methods of increasing convergence during neural network training. There are several such methods. In this article we will consider one of them entitled Dropout.
Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals
In this article, I will create the collection class of Depths of Market of all symbols and start developing the functionality for working with the MQL5.com Signals service by creating the signal object class.
Prices in DoEasy library (Part 64): Depth of Market, classes of DOM snapshot and snapshot series objects
In this article, I will create two classes (the class of DOM snapshot object and the class of DOM snapshot series object) and test creation of the DOM data series.
Machine learning in Grid and Martingale trading systems. Would you bet on it?
This article describes the machine learning technique applied to grid and martingale trading. Surprisingly, this approach has little to no coverage in the global network. After reading the article, you will be able to create your own trading bots.
Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests
I continue filling the algorithm with the minimum necessary functionality and testing the results. The profitability is quite low but the articles demonstrate the model of the fully automated profitable trading on completely different instruments traded on fundamentally different markets.
Useful and exotic techniques for automated trading
In this article I will demonstrate some very interesting and useful techniques for automated trading. Some of them may be familiar to you. I will try to cover the most interesting methods and will explain why they are worth using. Furthermore, I will show what these techniques are apt to in practice. We will create Expert Advisors and test all the described techniques using historic quotes.
Prices in DoEasy library (part 63): Depth of Market and its abstract request class
In the article, I will start developing the functionality for working with the Depth of Market. I will also create the class of the Depth of Market abstract order object and its descendants.
Neural networks made easy (Part 11): A take on GPT
Perhaps one of the most advanced models among currently existing language neural networks is GPT-3, the maximal variant of which contains 175 billion parameters. Of course, we are not going to create such a monster on our home PCs. However, we can view which architectural solutions can be used in our work and how we can benefit from them.
Prices in DoEasy library (part 62): Updating tick series in real time, preparation for working with Depth of Market
In this article, I will implement updating tick data in real time and prepare the symbol object class for working with Depth of Market (DOM itself is to be implemented in the next article).
Prices in DoEasy library (part 61): Collection of symbol tick series
Since a program may use different symbols in its work, a separate list should be created for each of them. In this article, I will combine such lists into a tick data collection. In fact, this will be a regular list based on the class of dynamic array of pointers to instances of CObject class and its descendants of the Standard library.
Prices in DoEasy library (part 60): Series list of symbol tick data
In this article, I will create the list for storing tick data of a single symbol and check its creation and retrieval of required data in an EA. Tick data lists that are individual for each used symbol will further constitute a collection of tick data.
Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm
The popularity of these two methods grows, so a lot of libraries have been developed in Matlab, R, Python, C++ and others, which receive a training set as input and automatically create an appropriate network for the problem. Let us try to understand how the basic neural network type works (including single-neuron perceptron and multilayer perceptron). We will consider an exciting algorithm which is responsible for network training - gradient descent and backpropagation. Existing complex models are often based on such simple network models.
Self-adapting algorithm (Part III): Abandoning optimization
It is impossible to get a truly stable algorithm if we use optimization based on historical data to select parameters. A stable algorithm should be aware of what parameters are needed when working on any trading instrument at any time. It should not forecast or guess, it should know for sure.
Practical application of neural networks in trading (Part 2). Computer vision
The use of computer vision allows training neural networks on the visual representation of the price chart and indicators. This method enables wider operations with the whole complex of technical indicators, since there is no need to feed them digitally into the neural network.
Neural networks made easy (Part 10): Multi-Head Attention
We have previously considered the mechanism of self-attention in neural networks. In practice, modern neural network architectures use several parallel self-attention threads to find various dependencies between the elements of a sequence. Let us consider the implementation of such an approach and evaluate its impact on the overall network performance.
Developing a self-adapting algorithm (Part II): Improving efficiency
In this article, I will continue the development of the topic by improving the flexibility of the previously created algorithm. The algorithm became more stable with an increase in the number of candles in the analysis window or with an increase in the threshold percentage of the overweight of falling or growing candles. I had to make a compromise and set a larger sample size for analysis or a larger percentage of the prevailing candle excess.
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.
Finding seasonal patterns in the forex market using the CatBoost algorithm
The article considers the creation of machine learning models with time filters and discusses the effectiveness of this approach. The human factor can be eliminated now by simply instructing the model to trade at a certain hour of a certain day of the week. Pattern search can be provided by a separate algorithm.
The market and the physics of its global patterns
In this article, I will try to test the assumption that any system with even a small understanding of the market can operate on a global scale. I will not invent any theories or patterns, but I will only use known facts, gradually translating these facts into the language of mathematical analysis.
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.
Developing a self-adapting algorithm (Part I): Finding a basic pattern
In the upcoming series of articles, I will demonstrate the development of self-adapting algorithms considering most market factors, as well as show how to systematize these situations, describe them in logic and take them into account in your trading activity. I will start with a very simple algorithm that will gradually acquire theory and evolve into a very complex project.
Neural networks made easy (Part 8): Attention mechanisms
In previous articles, we have already tested various options for organizing neural networks. We also considered convolutional networks borrowed from image processing algorithms. In this article, I suggest considering Attention Mechanisms, the appearance of which gave impetus to the development of language models.
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.
Using spreadsheets to build trading strategies
The article describes the basic principles and methods that allow you to analyze any strategy using spreadsheets (Excel, Calc, Google). The obtained results are compared with MetaTrader 5 tester.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 58): Timeseries of indicator buffer data
In conclusion of the topic of working with timeseries organise storage, search and sort of data stored in indicator buffers which will allow to further perform the analysis based on values of the indicators to be created on the library basis in programs. The general concept of all collection classes of the library allows to easily find necessary data in the corresponding collection. Respectively, the same will be possible in the class created today.
Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part II). Chart graphics drawing tools
This is the next article within the series, in which I show how I created a convenient library for manual application of chart graphics by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. The tools used include straight lines and their combinations. In this part, we will view how the drawing tools are applied using the functions described in the first part. The library can be connected to any Expert Advisor or indicator which will greatly simplify the charting tasks. This solution DOES NOT use external dlls, while all the commands are implemented using built-in MQL tools.
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.
How to make $1,000,000 off algorithmic trading? Use MQL5.com services!
All traders visit the market with the goal of earning their first million dollars. How to do that without excessive risk and start-up budget? MQL5 services provide such opportunity for developers and traders from around the world.
Neural networks made easy (Part 7): Adaptive optimization methods
In previous articles, we used stochastic gradient descent to train a neural network using the same learning rate for all neurons within the network. In this article, I propose to look towards adaptive learning methods which enable changing of the learning rate for each neuron. We will also consider the pros and cons of this approach.
Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels
Thomas DeMark Sequential is good at showing balance changes in the price movement. This is especially evident if we combine its signals with a level indicator, for example, Murray levels. The article is intended mostly for beginners and those who still cannot find their "Grail". I will also display some features of building levels that I have not seen on other forums. So, the article will probably be useful for advanced traders as well... Suggestions and reasonable criticism are welcome...
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).
Neural networks made easy (Part 6): Experimenting with the neural network learning rate
We have previously considered various types of neural networks along with their implementations. In all cases, the neural networks were trained using the gradient decent method, for which we need to choose a learning rate. In this article, I want to show the importance of a correctly selected rate and its impact on the neural network training, using examples.