Articles on strategy testing in MQL5

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How to develop, write and test a trading strategy, how to find the optimal system parameters and how to analyze the results? The MetaTrader platform offers developers of trading robots rich functionality for fast and accurate testing of trading ideas. Read these articles to learn how to test multi-currency robots and how to use MQL5 Cloud Network for optimization purposes.

Developers of automated trading systems are recommended to start with the testing fundamentals and tick generation algorithms in the strategy tester.

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Archery Algorithm (AA)

Archery Algorithm (AA)

The article takes a detailed look at the archery-inspired optimization algorithm, with an emphasis on using the roulette method as a mechanism for selecting promising areas for "arrows". The method allows evaluating the quality of solutions and selecting the most promising positions for further study.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 62): Playing the service (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 62): Playing the service (III)

In this article, we will begin to address the issue of tick excess that can impact application performance when using real data. This excess often interferes with the correct timing required to construct a one-minute bar in the appropriate window.
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Bacterial Chemotaxis Optimization (BCO)

Bacterial Chemotaxis Optimization (BCO)

The article presents the original version of the Bacterial Chemotaxis Optimization (BCO) algorithm and its modified version. We will take a closer look at all the differences, with a special focus on the new version of BCOm, which simplifies the bacterial movement mechanism, reduces the dependence on positional history, and uses simpler math than the computationally heavy original version. We will also conduct the tests and summarize the results.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 61): Playing the service (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 61): Playing the service (II)

In this article, we will look at changes that will allow the replay/simulation system to operate more efficiently and securely. I will also not leave without attention those who want to get the most out of using classes. In addition, we will consider a specific problem in MQL5 that reduces code performance when working with classes, and explain how to solve it.
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A New Approach to Custom Criteria in Optimizations (Part 1): Examples of Activation Functions

A New Approach to Custom Criteria in Optimizations (Part 1): Examples of Activation Functions

The first of a series of articles looking at the mathematics of Custom Criteria with a specific focus on non-linear functions used in Neural Networks, MQL5 code for implementation and the use of targeted and correctional offsets.
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Tabu Search (TS)

Tabu Search (TS)

The article discusses the Tabu Search algorithm, one of the first and most well-known metaheuristic methods. We will go through the algorithm operation in detail, starting with choosing an initial solution and exploring neighboring options, with an emphasis on using a tabu list. The article covers the key aspects of the algorithm and its features.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 17): Further preparation for real trading

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 17): Further preparation for real trading

Currently, our EA uses the database to obtain initialization strings for single instances of trading strategies. However, the database is quite large and contains a lot of information that is not needed for the actual EA operation. Let's try to ensure the EA's functionality without a mandatory connection to the database.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 60): Playing the Service (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 60): Playing the Service (I)

We have been working on just the indicators for a long time now, but now it's time to get the service working again and see how the chart is built based on the data provided. However, since the whole thing is not that simple, we will have to be attentive to understand what awaits us ahead.
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William Gann methods (Part III): Does Astrology Work?

William Gann methods (Part III): Does Astrology Work?

Do the positions of planets and stars affect financial markets? Let's arm ourselves with statistics and big data, and embark on an exciting journey into the world where stars and stock charts intersect.
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Artificial Algae Algorithm (AAA)

Artificial Algae Algorithm (AAA)

The article considers the Artificial Algae Algorithm (AAA) based on biological processes characteristic of microalgae. The algorithm includes spiral motion, evolutionary process and adaptation, which allows it to solve optimization problems. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the working principles of AAA and its potential in mathematical modeling, highlighting the connection between nature and algorithmic solutions.
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William Gann methods (Part II): Creating Gann Square indicator

William Gann methods (Part II): Creating Gann Square indicator

We will create an indicator based on the Gann's Square of 9, built by squaring time and price. We will prepare the code and test the indicator in the platform on different time intervals.
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Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) algorithm

Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) algorithm

The article is devoted to the AMO algorithm, which models the seasonal migration of animals in search of optimal conditions for life and reproduction. The main features of AMO include the use of topological neighborhood and a probabilistic update mechanism, which makes it easy to implement and flexible for various optimization tasks.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 59): A New Future

Developing a Replay System (Part 59): A New Future

Having a proper understanding of different ideas allows us to do more with less effort. In this article, we'll look at why it's necessary to configure a template before the service can interact with the chart. Also, what if we improve the mouse pointer so we can do more things with it?
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Robustness Testing on Expert Advisors

Robustness Testing on Expert Advisors

In strategy development, there are many intricate details to consider, many of which are not highlighted for beginner traders. As a result, many traders, myself included, have had to learn these lessons the hard way. This article is based on my observations of common pitfalls that most beginner traders encounter when developing strategies on MQL5. It will offer a range of tips, tricks, and examples to help identify the disqualification of an EA and test the robustness of our own EAs in an easy-to-implement way. The goal is to educate readers, helping them avoid future scams when purchasing EAs as well as preventing mistakes in their own strategy development.
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Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA): Tests and results

Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA): Tests and results

In this article, we will continue exploring the Artificial Bee Hive Algorithm (ABHA) by diving into the code and considering the remaining methods. As you might remember, each bee in the model is represented as an individual agent whose behavior depends on internal and external information, as well as motivational state. We will test the algorithm on various functions and summarize the results by presenting them in the rating table.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 58): Returning to Work on the Service

Developing a Replay System (Part 58): Returning to Work on the Service

After a break in development and improvement of the service used for replay/simulator, we are resuming work on it. Now that we've abandoned the use of resources like terminal globals, we'll have to completely restructure some parts of it. Don't worry, this process will be explained in detail so that everyone can follow the development of our service.
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Custom Indicator: Plotting Partial Entry, Exit and Reversal Deals for Netting Accounts

Custom Indicator: Plotting Partial Entry, Exit and Reversal Deals for Netting Accounts

In this article, we will look at a non-standard way of creating an indicator in MQL5. Instead of focusing on a trend or chart pattern, our goal will be to manage our own positions, including partial entries and exits. We will make extensive use of dynamic matrices and some trading functions related to trade history and open positions to indicate on the chart where these trades were made.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 57): Understanding a Test Service

Developing a Replay System (Part 57): Understanding a Test Service

One point to note: although the service code is not included in this article and will only be provided in the next one, I'll explain it since we'll be using that same code as a springboard for what we're actually developing. So, be attentive and patient. Wait for the next article, because every day everything becomes more interesting.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 16): Impact of different quote histories on test results

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 16): Impact of different quote histories on test results

The EA under development is expected to show good results when trading with different brokers. But for now we have been using quotes from a MetaQuotes demo account to perform tests. Let's see if our EA is ready to work on a trading account with different quotes compared to those used during testing and optimization.
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Chaos theory in trading (Part 1): Introduction, application in financial markets and Lyapunov exponent

Chaos theory in trading (Part 1): Introduction, application in financial markets and Lyapunov exponent

Can chaos theory be applied to financial markets? In this article, we will consider how conventional Chaos theory and chaotic systems are different from the concept proposed by Bill Williams.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 15): Preparing EA for real trading

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 15): Preparing EA for real trading

As we gradually approach to obtaining a ready-made EA, we need to pay attention to issues that seem secondary at the stage of testing a trading strategy, but become important when moving on to real trading.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 56): Adapting the Modules

Developing a Replay System (Part 56): Adapting the Modules

Although the modules already interact with each other properly, an error occurs when trying to use the mouse pointer in the replay service. We need to fix this before moving on to the next step. Additionally, we will fix an issue in the mouse indicator code. So this version will be finally stable and properly polished.
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Adaptive Social Behavior Optimization (ASBO): Schwefel, Box-Muller Method

Adaptive Social Behavior Optimization (ASBO): Schwefel, Box-Muller Method

This article provides a fascinating insight into the world of social behavior in living organisms and its influence on the creation of a new mathematical model - ASBO (Adaptive Social Behavior Optimization). We will examine how the principles of leadership, neighborhood, and cooperation observed in living societies inspire the development of innovative optimization algorithms.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 55): Control Module

Developing a Replay System (Part 55): Control Module

In this article, we will implement a control indicator so that it can be integrated into the message system we are developing. Although it is not very difficult, there are some details that need to be understood about the initialization of this module. The material presented here is for educational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as an application for any purpose other than learning and mastering the concepts shown.
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Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA)

Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA)

The article presents an artificial electric field algorithm (AEFA) inspired by Coulomb's law of electrostatic force. The algorithm simulates electrical phenomena to solve complex optimization problems using charged particles and their interactions. AEFA exhibits unique properties in the context of other algorithms related to laws of nature.
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Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 10): Strategic Golden and Death Cross (EA)

Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 10): Strategic Golden and Death Cross (EA)

Did you know that the Golden Cross and Death Cross strategies, based on moving average crossovers, are some of the most reliable indicators for identifying long-term market trends? A Golden Cross signals a bullish trend when a shorter moving average crosses above a longer one, while a Death Cross indicates a bearish trend when the shorter average moves below. Despite their simplicity and effectiveness, manually applying these strategies often leads to missed opportunities or delayed trades.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 54): The Birth of the First Module

Developing a Replay System (Part 54): The Birth of the First Module

In this article, we will look at how to put together the first of a number of truly functional modules for use in the replay/simulator system that will also be of general purpose to serve other purposes. We are talking about the mouse module.
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Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm (Part II): Assembling and results

Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm (Part II): Assembling and results

In the second part, we will collect chemical operators into a single algorithm and present a detailed analysis of its results. Let's find out how the Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) method copes with solving complex problems on test functions.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)

Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)

In this article, we'll cover an important topic that few people understand: Custom Events. Dangers. Advantages and disadvantages of these elements. This topic is key for those who want to become a professional programmer in MQL5 or any other language. Here we will focus on MQL5 and MetaTrader 5.
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Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm (Part I): Process chemistry in optimization

Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm (Part I): Process chemistry in optimization

In the first part of this article, we will dive into the world of chemical reactions and discover a new approach to optimization! Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) uses principles derived from the laws of thermodynamics to achieve efficient results. We will reveal the secrets of decomposition, synthesis and other chemical processes that became the basis of this innovative method.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 52): Things Get Complicated (IV)

Developing a Replay System (Part 52): Things Get Complicated (IV)

In this article, we will change the mouse pointer to enable the interaction with the control indicator to ensure reliable and stable operation.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 13): Automating the second stage — selection into groups

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 13): Automating the second stage — selection into groups

We have already implemented the first stage of the automated optimization. We perform optimization for different symbols and timeframes according to several criteria and store information about the results of each pass in the database. Now we are going to select the best groups of parameter sets from those found at the first stage.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 51): Things Get Complicated (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 51): Things Get Complicated (III)

In this article, we will look into one of the most difficult issues in the field of MQL5 programming: how to correctly obtain a chart ID, and why objects are sometimes not plotted on the chart. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
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Most notable Artificial Cooperative Search algorithm modifications (ACSm)

Most notable Artificial Cooperative Search algorithm modifications (ACSm)

Here we will consider the evolution of the ACS algorithm: three modifications aimed at improving the convergence characteristics and the algorithm efficiency. Transformation of one of the leading optimization algorithms. From matrix modifications to revolutionary approaches regarding population formation.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 50): Things Get Complicated (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 50): Things Get Complicated (II)

We will solve the chart ID problem and at the same time we will begin to provide the user with the ability to use a personal template for the analysis and simulation of the desired asset. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only and should in no way be considered as an application for any purpose other than studying and mastering the concepts presented.
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Artificial Cooperative Search (ACS) algorithm

Artificial Cooperative Search (ACS) algorithm

Artificial Cooperative Search (ACS) is an innovative method using a binary matrix and multiple dynamic populations based on mutualistic relationships and cooperation to find optimal solutions quickly and accurately. ACS unique approach to predators and prey enables it to achieve excellent results in numerical optimization problems.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 44): Average True Range (ATR) technical indicator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 44): Average True Range (ATR) technical indicator

The ATR oscillator is a very popular indicator for acting as a volatility proxy, especially in the forex markets where volume data is scarce. We examine this, on a pattern basis as we have with prior indicators, and share strategies & test reports thanks to the MQL5 wizard library classes and assembly.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)

In this article, we'll complicate things a little. Using what was shown in the previous articles, we will start to open up the template file so that the user can use their own template. However, I will be making changes gradually, as I will also be refining the indicator to reduce the load on MetaTrader 5.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 48): Understanding the concept of a service

Developing a Replay System (Part 48): Understanding the concept of a service

How about learning something new? In this article, you will learn how to convert scripts into services and why it is useful to do so.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 47): Chart Trade Project (VI)

Developing a Replay System (Part 47): Chart Trade Project (VI)

Finally, our Chart Trade indicator starts interacting with the EA, allowing information to be transferred interactively. Therefore, in this article, we will improve the indicator, making it functional enough to be used together with any EA. This will allow us to access the Chart Trade indicator and work with it as if it were actually connected with an EA. But we will do it in a much more interesting way than before.