Articles on trading system automation in MQL5

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Read articles on the trading systems with a wide variety of ideas at the core. Learn how to use statistical methods and patterns on candlestick charts, how to filter signals and where to use semaphore indicators.

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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 54): Descendant classes of abstract base indicator

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 54): Descendant classes of abstract base indicator

The article considers creation of classes of descendant objects of base abstract indicator. Such objects will provide access to features of creating indicator EAs, collecting and getting data value statistics of various indicators and prices. Also, create indicator object collection from which getting access to properties and data of each indicator created in the program will be possible.
Grid and martingale: what are they and how to use them?
Grid and martingale: what are they and how to use them?

Grid and martingale: what are they and how to use them?

In this article, I will try to explain in detail what grid and martingale are, as well as what they have in common. Besides, I will try to analyze how viable these strategies really are. The article features mathematical and practical sections.
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Brute force approach to pattern search

Brute force approach to pattern search

In this article, we will search for market patterns, create Expert Advisors based on the identified patterns, and check how long these patterns remain valid, if they ever retain their validity.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 53): Abstract base indicator class

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 53): Abstract base indicator class

The article considers creation of an abstract indicator which further will be used as the base class to create objects of library’s standard and custom indicators.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 52): Cross-platform nature of multi-period multi-symbol  single-buffer standard indicators

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 52): Cross-platform nature of multi-period multi-symbol single-buffer standard indicators

In the article, consider creation of multi-symbol multi-period standard indicator Accumulation/Distribution. Slightly improve library classes with respect to indicators so that, the programs developed for outdated platform MetaTrader 4 based on this library could work normally when switching over to MetaTrader 5.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 3): Convolutional networks

Neural networks made easy (Part 3): Convolutional networks

As a continuation of the neural network topic, I propose considering convolutional neural networks. This type of neural network are usually applied to analyzing visual imagery. In this article, we will consider the application of these networks in the financial markets.
Basic math behind Forex trading
Basic math behind Forex trading

Basic math behind Forex trading

The article aims to describe the main features of Forex trading as simply and quickly as possible, as well as share some basic ideas with beginners. It also attempts to answer the most tantalizing questions in the trading community along with showcasing the development of a simple indicator.
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Advanced resampling and selection of CatBoost models by brute-force method

Advanced resampling and selection of CatBoost models by brute-force method

This article describes one of the possible approaches to data transformation aimed at improving the generalizability of the model, and also discusses sampling and selection of CatBoost models.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

In the article, complete development of objects of multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators. Using Ichimoku Kinko Hyo standard indicator example, analyze creation of compound custom indicators which have auxiliary drawn buffers for displaying data on the chart.
A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms
A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms

A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms

The article considers the methodology for developing trading algorithms, in which a consistent scientific approach is used to analyze possible price patterns and to build trading algorithms based on these patterns. Development ideals are demonstrated using examples.
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CatBoost machine learning algorithm from Yandex with no Python or R knowledge required

CatBoost machine learning algorithm from Yandex with no Python or R knowledge required

The article provides the code and the description of the main stages of the machine learning process using a specific example. To obtain the model, you do not need Python or R knowledge. Furthermore, basic MQL5 knowledge is enough — this is exactly my level. Therefore, I hope that the article will serve as a good tutorial for a broad audience, assisting those interested in evaluating machine learning capabilities and in implementing them in their programs.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 2): Network training and testing

Neural networks made easy (Part 2): Network training and testing

In this second article, we will continue to study neural networks and will consider an example of using our created CNet class in Expert Advisors. We will work with two neural network models, which show similar results both in terms of training time and prediction accuracy.
What is a trend and is the market structure based on trend or flat?
What is a trend and is the market structure based on trend or flat?

What is a trend and is the market structure based on trend or flat?

Traders often talk about trends and flats but very few of them really understand what a trend/flat really is and even fewer are able to clearly explain these concepts. Discussing these basic terms is often beset by a solid set of prejudices and misconceptions. However, if we want to make profit, we need to understand the mathematical and logical meaning of these concepts. In this article, I will take a closer look at the essence of trend and flat, as well as try to define whether the market structure is based on trend, flat or something else. I will also consider the most optimal strategies for making profit on trend and flat markets.
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Gradient Boosting (CatBoost) in the development of trading systems. A naive approach

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.
Using cryptography with external applications
Using cryptography with external applications

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.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 47): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 47): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 47): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

In this article, I will start developing the methods of working with standard indicators, which will ultimately allow creating multi-symbol multi-period standard indicators based on library classes. Besides, I will add the "Skipped bars" event to the timeseries classes and eliminate excessive load from the main program code by moving the library preparation functions to CEngine class.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 46): Multi-period multi-symbol indicator buffers
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 46): Multi-period multi-symbol indicator buffers

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 46): Multi-period multi-symbol indicator buffers

In this article, I am going to improve the classes of indicator buffer objects to work in the multi-symbol mode. This will pave the way for creating multi-symbol multi-period indicators in custom programs. I will add the missing functionality to the calculated buffer objects allowing us to create multi-symbol multi-period standard indicators.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 45): Multi-period indicator buffers
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 45): Multi-period indicator buffers

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 45): Multi-period indicator buffers

In this article, I will start the improvement of the indicator buffer objects and collection class for working in multi-period and multi-symbol modes. I am going to consider the operation of buffer objects for receiving and displaying data from any timeframe on the current symbol chart.
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Practical application of neural networks in trading. It's time to practice

Practical application of neural networks in trading. It's time to practice

The article provides a description and instructions for the practical use of neural network modules on the Matlab platform. It also covers the main aspects of creation of a trading system using the neural network module. In order to be able to introduce the complex within one article, I had to modify it so as to combine several neural network module functions in one program.
Practical application of neural networks in trading
Practical application of neural networks in trading

Practical application of neural networks in trading

In this article, we will consider the main aspects of integration of neural networks and the trading terminal, with the purpose of creating a fully featured trading robot.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 42): Abstract indicator buffer object class
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 42): Abstract indicator buffer object class

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 42): Abstract indicator buffer object class

In this article, we start the development of the indicator buffer classes for the DoEasy library. We will create the base class of the abstract buffer which is to be used as a foundation for the development of different class types of indicator buffers.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 40): Library-based indicators - updating data in real time
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 40): Library-based indicators - updating data in real time

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 40): Library-based indicators - updating data in real time

The article considers the development of a simple multi-period indicator based on the DoEasy library. Let's improve the timeseries classes to receive data from any timeframes to display it on the current chart period.
Developing a cross-platform grid EA: testing a multi-currency EA
Developing a cross-platform grid EA: testing a multi-currency EA

Developing a cross-platform grid EA: testing a multi-currency EA

Markets dropped down by more that 30% within one month. It seems to be the best time for testing grid- and martingale-based Expert Advisors. This article is an unplanned continuation of the series "Creating a Cross-Platform Grid EA". The current market provides an opportunity to arrange a stress rest for the grid EA. So, let's use this opportunity and test our Expert Advisor.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 39): Library-based indicators - preparing data and timeseries events
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 39): Library-based indicators - preparing data and timeseries events

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 39): Library-based indicators - preparing data and timeseries events

The article deals with applying DoEasy library for creating multi-symbol multi-period indicators. We are going to prepare the library classes to work within indicators and test creating timeseries to be used as data sources in indicators. We will also implement creating and sending timeseries events.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 38): Timeseries collection - real-time updates and accessing data from the program
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 38): Timeseries collection - real-time updates and accessing data from the program

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 38): Timeseries collection - real-time updates and accessing data from the program

The article considers real-time update of timeseries data and sending messages about the "New bar" event to the control program chart from all timeseries of all symbols for the ability to handle these events in custom programs. The "New tick" class is used to determine the need to update timeseries for the non-current chart symbol and periods.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 37): Timeseries collection - database of timeseries by symbols and periods
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 37): Timeseries collection - database of timeseries by symbols and periods

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 37): Timeseries collection - database of timeseries by symbols and periods

The article deals with the development of the timeseries collection of specified timeframes for all symbols used in the program. We are going to develop the timeseries collection, the methods of setting collection's timeseries parameters and the initial filling of developed timeseries with historical data.
Forecasting Time Series (Part 2): Least-Square Support-Vector Machine (LS-SVM)
Forecasting Time Series (Part 2): Least-Square Support-Vector Machine (LS-SVM)

Forecasting Time Series (Part 2): Least-Square Support-Vector Machine (LS-SVM)

This article deals with the theory and practical application of the algorithm for forecasting time series, based on support-vector method. It also proposes its implementation in MQL and provides test indicators and Expert Advisors. This technology has not been implemented in MQL yet. But first, we have to get to know math for it.
Projects assist in creating profitable trading robots! Or at least, so it seems
Projects assist in creating profitable trading robots! Or at least, so it seems

Projects assist in creating profitable trading robots! Or at least, so it seems

A big program starts with a small file, which then grows in size as you keep adding more functions and objects. Most robot developers utilize include files to handle this problem. However, there is a better solution: start developing any trading application in a project. There are so many reasons to do so.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 36): Object of timeseries for all used symbol periods
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 36): Object of timeseries for all used symbol periods

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 36): Object of timeseries for all used symbol periods

In this article, we will consider combining the lists of bar objects for each used symbol period into a single symbol timeseries object. Thus, each symbol will have an object storing the lists of all used symbol timeseries periods.
Forecasting Time Series (Part 1): Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) Method
Forecasting Time Series (Part 1): Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) Method

Forecasting Time Series (Part 1): Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) Method

This article deals with the theory and practical use of the algorithm for forecasting time series, based on the empirical decomposition mode. It proposes the MQL implementation of this method and presents test indicators and Expert Advisors.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list

This article starts a new series about the creation of the DoEasy library for easy and fast program development. In the current article, we will implement the library functionality for accessing and working with symbol timeseries data. We are going to create the Bar object storing the main and extended timeseries bar data, and place bar objects to the timeseries list for convenient search and sorting of the objects.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIV): Pending trading requests - removing and modifying orders and positions under certain conditions
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIV): Pending trading requests - removing and modifying orders and positions under certain conditions

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIV): Pending trading requests - removing and modifying orders and positions under certain conditions

In this article, we will complete the description of the pending request trading concept and create the functionality for removing pending orders, as well as modifying orders and positions under certain conditions. Thus, we are going to have the entire functionality enabling us to develop simple custom strategies, or rather EA behavior logic activated upon user-defined conditions.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIII): Pending trading requests - closing positions under certain conditions
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIII): Pending trading requests - closing positions under certain conditions

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIII): Pending trading requests - closing positions under certain conditions

We continue the development of the library functionality featuring trading using pending requests. We have already implemented sending conditional trading requests for opening positions and placing pending orders. In the current article, we will implement conditional position closure – full, partial and closing by an opposite position.
Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies
Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies

Applying OLAP in trading (part 3): Analyzing quotes for the development of trading strategies

In this article we will continue dealing with the OLAP technology applied to trading. We will expand the functionality presented in the first two articles. This time we will consider the operational analysis of quotes. We will put forward and test the hypotheses on trading strategies based on aggregated historical data. The article presents Expert Advisors for studying bar patterns and adaptive trading.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXII): Pending trading requests - placing orders under certain conditions
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXII): Pending trading requests - placing orders under certain conditions

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXII): Pending trading requests - placing orders under certain conditions

We continue the development of the functionality allowing users to trade using pending requests. In this article, we are going to implement the ability to place pending orders under certain conditions.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXI): Pending trading requests - opening positions under certain conditions
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXI): Pending trading requests - opening positions under certain conditions

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXI): Pending trading requests - opening positions under certain conditions

Starting with this article, we are going to develop a functionality allowing users to trade using pending requests under certain conditions, for example, when reaching a certain time limit, exceeding a specified profit or closing a position by stop loss.
Econometric approach to finding market patterns: Autocorrelation, Heat Maps and Scatter Plots
Econometric approach to finding market patterns: Autocorrelation, Heat Maps and Scatter Plots

Econometric approach to finding market patterns: Autocorrelation, Heat Maps and Scatter Plots

The article presents an extended study of seasonal characteristics: autocorrelation heat maps and scatter plots. The purpose of the article is to show that "market memory" is of seasonal nature, which is expressed through maximized correlation of increments of arbitrary order.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXX): Pending trading requests - managing request objects
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXX): Pending trading requests - managing request objects

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXX): Pending trading requests - managing request objects

In the previous article, we have created the classes of pending request objects corresponding to the general concept of library objects. This time, we are going to deal with the class allowing the management of pending request objects.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIX): Pending trading requests - request object classes
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIX): Pending trading requests - request object classes

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIX): Pending trading requests - request object classes

In the previous articles, we checked the concept of pending trading requests. A pending request is, in fact, a common trading order executed by a certain condition. In this article, we are going to create full-fledged classes of pending request objects — a base request object and its descendants.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXVIII): Closure, removal and modification of pending trading requests
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXVIII): Closure, removal and modification of pending trading requests

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXVIII): Closure, removal and modification of pending trading requests

This is the third article about the concept of pending requests. We are going to complete the tests of pending trading requests by creating the methods for closing positions, removing pending orders and modifying position and pending order parameters.