MQL5 Programming Articles

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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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The correct way to choose an Expert Advisor from the Market

The correct way to choose an Expert Advisor from the Market

In this article, we will consider some of the essential points you should pay attention to when purchasing an Expert Advisor. We will also look for ways to increase profit, to spend money wisely, and to earn from this spending. Also, after reading the article, you will see that it is possible to earn even using simple and free products.
Learn how to design a trading system by RSI
Learn how to design a trading system by RSI

Learn how to design a trading system by RSI

In this article, I will share with you one of the most popular and commonly used indicators in the world of trading which is RSI. You will learn how to design a trading system using this indicator.
Learn how to design a trading system by Envelopes
Learn how to design a trading system by Envelopes

Learn how to design a trading system by Envelopes

In this article, I will share with you one of the methods of how to trade bands. This time we will consider Envelopes and will see how easy it is to create some strategies based on the Envelopes.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 93): Preparing functionality for creating composite graphical objects
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 93): Preparing functionality for creating composite graphical objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 93): Preparing functionality for creating composite graphical objects

In this article, I will start developing the functionality for creating composite graphical objects. The library will support creating composite graphical objects allowing those objects have any hierarchy of connections. I will prepare all the necessary classes for subsequent implementation of such objects.
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Visual evaluation of optimization results

Visual evaluation of optimization results

In this article, we will consider how to build graphs of all optimization passes and to select the optimal custom criterion. We will also see how to create a desired solution with little MQL5 knowledge, using the articles published on the website and forum comments.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch

In this article, we will discuss how to develop a trading robot with minimum programming. Of course, MetaTrader 5 provides a high level of control over trading positions. However, using only the manual ability to place orders can be quite difficult and risky for less experienced users.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history

In the article, I will create the class of the standard graphical object memory allowing the object to save its states when its properties are modified. In turn, this allows retracting to the previous graphical object states.
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An Analysis of Why Expert Advisors Fail

An Analysis of Why Expert Advisors Fail

This article presents an analysis of currency data to better understand why expert advisors can have good performance in some regions of time and poor performance in other regions of time.
Learn how to design a trading system by Bollinger Bands
Learn how to design a trading system by Bollinger Bands

Learn how to design a trading system by Bollinger Bands

In this article, we will learn about Bollinger Bands which is one of the most popular indicators in the trading world. We will consider technical analysis and see how to design an algorithmic trading system based on the Bollinger Bands indicator.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 91): Standard graphical object events. Object name change history
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 91): Standard graphical object events. Object name change history

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 91): Standard graphical object events. Object name change history

In this article, I will refine the basic functionality for providing control over graphical object events from a library-based program. I will start from implementing the functionality for storing the graphical object change history using the "Object name" property as an example.
Improved candlestick pattern recognition illustrated by the example of Doji
Improved candlestick pattern recognition illustrated by the example of Doji

Improved candlestick pattern recognition illustrated by the example of Doji

How to find more candlestick patterns than usual? Behind the simplicity of candlestick patterns, there is also a serious drawback, which can be eliminated by using the significantly increased capabilities of modern trading automation tools.
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Matrices and vectors in MQL5

Matrices and vectors in MQL5

By using special data types 'matrix' and 'vector', it is possible to create code which is very close to mathematical notation. With these methods, you can avoid the need to create nested loops or to mind correct indexing of arrays in calculations. Therefore, the use of matrix and vector methods increases the reliability and speed in developing complex programs.
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Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part V): Curve analysis

Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part V): Curve analysis

In this article, I decided to conduct a study related to the possibility of reducing multiple states to double-state systems. The main purpose of the article is to analyze and to come to useful conclusions that may help in the further development of scalable trading algorithms based on the probability theory. Of course, this topic involves mathematics. However, given the experience of previous articles, I see that generalized information is more useful than details.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 90): Standard graphical object events. Basic functionality
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 90): Standard graphical object events. Basic functionality

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 90): Standard graphical object events. Basic functionality

In this article, I will implement the basic functionality for tracking standard graphical object events. I will start from a double click event on a graphical object.
Learn how to design different Moving Average systems
Learn how to design different Moving Average systems

Learn how to design different Moving Average systems

There are many strategies that can be used to filter generated signals based on any strategy, even by using the moving average itself which is the subject of this article. So, the objective of this article is to share with you some of Moving Average Strategies and how to design an algorithmic trading system.
Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic
Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic

Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic

In this article, I decided to highlight the well-known Bernoulli scheme and to show how it can be used to describe trading-related data arrays. All this will then be used to create a self-adapting trading system. We will also look for a more generic algorithm, a special case of which is the Bernoulli formula, and will find an application for it.
Advanced EA constructor for MetaTrader - botbrains.app
Advanced EA constructor for MetaTrader - botbrains.app

Advanced EA constructor for MetaTrader - botbrains.app

In this article, we demonstrate features of botbrains.app - a no-code platform for trading robots development. To create a trading robot you don't need to write any code - just drag and drop the necessary blocks onto the scheme, set their parameters, and establish connections between them.
Universal regression model for market price prediction (Part 2): Natural, technological and social transient functions
Universal regression model for market price prediction (Part 2): Natural, technological and social transient functions

Universal regression model for market price prediction (Part 2): Natural, technological and social transient functions

This article is a logical continuation of the previous one. It highlights the facts that confirm the conclusions made in the first article. These facts were revealed within ten years after its publication. They are centered around three detected dynamic transient functions describing the patterns in market price changes.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 89): Programming standard graphical objects. Basic functionality
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 89): Programming standard graphical objects. Basic functionality

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 89): Programming standard graphical objects. Basic functionality

Currently, the library is able to track standard graphical objects on the client terminal chart, including their removal and modification of some of their parameters. At the moment, it lacks the ability to create standard graphical objects from custom programs.
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Learn Why and How to Design Your Algorithmic Trading System

Learn Why and How to Design Your Algorithmic Trading System

This article shows the basics of MQL for beginners to design their Algorithmic trading system (Expert Advisor) through designing a simple algorithmic trading system after mentioning some basics of MQL5
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WebSockets for MetaTrader 5 — Using the Windows API

WebSockets for MetaTrader 5 — Using the Windows API

In this article, we will use the WinHttp.dll to create a WebSocket client for MetaTrader 5 programs. The client will ultimately be implemented as a class and also tested against the Deriv.com WebSocket API.
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Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part III). Optimization and new tools

Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part III). Optimization and new tools

In this article, we will further develop the idea of drawing graphical objects on charts using keyboard shortcuts. New tools have been added to the library, including a straight line plotted through arbitrary vertices, and a set of rectangles that enable the evaluation of the reversal time and level. Also, the article shows the possibility to optimize code for improved performance. The implementation example has been rewritten, allowing the use of Shortcuts alongside other trading programs. Required code knowledge level: slightly higher than a beginner.
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MQL5 Cookbook – Economic Calendar

MQL5 Cookbook – Economic Calendar

The article highlights the programming features of the Economic Calendar and considers creating a class for a simplified access to the calendar properties and receiving event values. Developing an indicator using CFTC non-commercial net positions serves as a practical example.
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An attempt at developing an EA constructor

An attempt at developing an EA constructor

In this article, I offer my set of trading functions in the form of a ready-made EA. This method allows getting multiple trading strategies by simply adding indicators and changing inputs.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 88): Graphical object collection — two-dimensional dynamic array for storing dynamically changing object properties
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 88): Graphical object collection — two-dimensional dynamic array for storing dynamically changing object properties

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 88): Graphical object collection — two-dimensional dynamic array for storing dynamically changing object properties

In this article, I will create a dynamic multidimensional array class with the ability to change the amount of data in any dimension. Based on the created class, I will create a two-dimensional dynamic array to store some dynamically changed properties of graphical objects.
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Using AutoIt With MQL5

Using AutoIt With MQL5

Short description. In this article we will explore scripting the MetraTrader 5 terminal by integrating MQL5 with AutoIt. In it we will cover how to automate various tasks by manipulating the terminals' user interface and also present a class that uses the AutoItX library.
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Fix PriceAction Stoploss or Fixed RSI (Smart StopLoss)

Fix PriceAction Stoploss or Fixed RSI (Smart StopLoss)

Stop-loss is a major tool when it comes to money management in trading. Effective use of stop-loss, take profit and lot size can make a trader more consistent in trading and overall more profitable. Although stop-loss is a great tool, there are challenges that are encountered when being used. The major one being stop-loss hunt. This article looks on how to reduce stop-loss hunt in trade and compare with the classical stop-loss usage to determine its profitability.
Use MQL5.community channels and group chats
Use MQL5.community channels and group chats

Use MQL5.community channels and group chats

The MQL5.com website brings together traders from all over the world. Users publish articles, share free codes, sell products in the Market, perform Freelance orders and copy trading signals. You can communicate with them on the Forum, in trader chats and in MetaTrader channels.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 87): Graphical object collection - managing object property modification on all open charts
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 87): Graphical object collection - managing object property modification on all open charts

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 87): Graphical object collection - managing object property modification on all open charts

In this article, I will continue my work on tracking standard graphical object events and create the functionality allowing users to control changes in the properties of graphical objects placed on any charts opened in the terminal.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 86): Graphical object collection - managing property modification
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 86): Graphical object collection - managing property modification

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 86): Graphical object collection - managing property modification

In this article, I will consider tracking property value modification, as well as removing and renaming graphical objects in the library.
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Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm (Part II): Implementation in Python and integration with MQL5

Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm (Part II): Implementation in Python and integration with MQL5

There is a Python package available for developing integrations with MQL, which enables a plethora of opportunities such as data exploration, creation and use of machine learning models. The built in Python integration in MQL5 enables the creation of various solutions, from simple linear regression to deep learning models. Let's take a look at how to set up and prepare a development environment and how to use use some of the machine learning libraries.
Better Programmer (Part 07): Notes on becoming a successful freelance developer
Better Programmer (Part 07): Notes on becoming a successful freelance developer

Better Programmer (Part 07): Notes on becoming a successful freelance developer

Do you wish to become a successful Freelance developer on MQL5? If the answer is yes, this article is right for you.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 85): Graphical object collection - adding newly created objects
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 85): Graphical object collection - adding newly created objects

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 85): Graphical object collection - adding newly created objects

In this article, I will complete the development of the descendant classes of the abstract graphical object class and start implementing the ability to store these objects in the collection class. In particular, I will create the functionality for adding newly created standard graphical objects to the collection class.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 84): Descendant classes of the abstract standard graphical object
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 84): Descendant classes of the abstract standard graphical object

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 84): Descendant classes of the abstract standard graphical object

In this article, I will consider creation of descendant objects for the terminal abstract standard graphical object. The class object describes the properties that are common for all graphical objects. So, it is simply some kind of a graphical object. To clarify its affiliation with a real graphical object, we need to set the properties inherent in this particular graphical object in the descendant object class.
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Programming a Deep Neural Network from Scratch using MQL Language

Programming a Deep Neural Network from Scratch using MQL Language

This article aims to teach the reader how to make a Deep Neural Network from scratch using the MQL4/5 language.
Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding
Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding

Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding

It's not always all about writing the code that leads to effective coding. There are certain habits that I have found in my experience that lead to effective coding. We are going to discuss some of them in detail in this article. This is a must-read article for every programmer who wants to improve their ability to write complex algorithms with less hassle.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 83): Class of the abstract standard graphical object
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 83): Class of the abstract standard graphical object

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 83): Class of the abstract standard graphical object

In this article, I will create the class of the abstract graphical object. This object is to serve as a basis for creating the class of standard graphical objects. Graphical objects feature multiple properties. Therefore, I will need to do a lot of preparatory work before actually creating the abstract graphical object class. This work includes setting the properties in the library enumerations.
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Dealing with Time (Part 2): The Functions

Dealing with Time (Part 2): The Functions

Determing the broker offset and GMT automatically. Instead of asking the support of your broker, from whom you will probably receive an insufficient answer (who would be willing to explain a missing hour), we simply look ourselves how they time their prices in the weeks of the time changes — but not cumbersome by hand, we let a program do it — why do we have a PC after all.
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

A logical continuation of the earlier discussed topic would be the development of multifunctional mathematical models for trading tasks. In this article, I will describe the entire process related to the development of the first mathematical model describing fractals, from scratch. This model should become an important building block and be multifunctional and universal. It will build up our theoretical basis for further development of this idea.
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Dealing with Time (Part 1): The Basics

Dealing with Time (Part 1): The Basics

Functions and code snippets that simplify and clarify the handling of time, broker offset, and the changes to summer or winter time. Accurate timing may be a crucial element in trading. At the current hour, is the stock exchange in London or New York already open or not yet open, when does the trading time for Forex trading start and end? For a trader who trades manually and live, this is not a big problem.