MQL4 and 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 View and Controller components for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Containers

The View and Controller components for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Containers

In this article, we will discuss creating a "Container" control that supports scrolling its contents. Within the process, the already implemented classes of graphics library controls will be improved.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 45): Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG)

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 45): Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG)

In this article, we create an Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG) detection system in MQL5 that identifies bullish/bearish FVGs on recent bars with minimum gap size filtering, tracks their states as normal/mitigated/inverted based on price interactions (mitigation on far-side breaks, retracement on re-entry, inversion on close beyond far side from inside), and ignores overlaps while limiting tracked FVGs.
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Chaos Game Optimization (CGO)

Chaos Game Optimization (CGO)

The article presents a new metaheuristic algorithm, Chaos Game Optimization (CGO), which demonstrates a unique ability to maintain high efficiency when dealing with high-dimensional problems. Unlike most optimization algorithms, CGO not only does not lose, but sometimes even increases performance when scaling a problem, which is its key feature.
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From Novice to Expert: Developing a Geographic Market Awareness with MQL5 Visualization

From Novice to Expert: Developing a Geographic Market Awareness with MQL5 Visualization

Trading without session awareness is like navigating without a compass—you're moving, but not with purpose. Today, we're revolutionizing how traders perceive market timing by transforming ordinary charts into dynamic geographical displays. Using MQL5's powerful visualization capabilities, we'll build a live world map that illuminates active trading sessions in real-time, turning abstract market hours into intuitive visual intelligence. This journey sharpens your trading psychology and reveals professional-grade programming techniques that bridge the gap between complex market structure and practical, actionable insight.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 19): Deep Dive Into Moving Average Crossovers

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 19): Deep Dive Into Moving Average Crossovers

This article revisits the classic moving average crossover strategy and examines why it often fails in noisy, fast-moving markets. It presents five alternative filtering methods designed to strengthen signal quality and remove weak or unprofitable trades. The discussion highlights how statistical models can learn and correct the errors that human intuition and traditional rules miss. Readers leave with a clearer understanding of how to modernize an outdated strategy and of the pitfalls of relying solely on metrics like RMSE in financial modeling.
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Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 8): Rolling Windows Eigenvector Comparison for Portfolio Rebalancing

Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 8): Rolling Windows Eigenvector Comparison for Portfolio Rebalancing

This article proposes using Rolling Windows Eigenvector Comparison for early imbalance diagnostics and portfolio rebalancing in a mean-reversion statistical arbitrage strategy based on cointegrated stocks. It contrasts this technique with traditional In-Sample/Out-of-Sample ADF validation, showing that eigenvector shifts can signal the need for rebalancing even when IS/OOS ADF still indicates a stationary spread. While the method is intended mainly for live trading monitoring, the article concludes that eigenvector comparison could also be integrated into the scoring system—though its actual contribution to performance remains to be tested.
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Currency pair strength indicator in pure MQL5

Currency pair strength indicator in pure MQL5

We are going to develop a professional indicator for currency strength analysis in MQL5. This step-by-step guide will show you how to develop a powerful trading tool with a visual dashboard for MetaTrader 5. You will learn how to calculate the strength of currency pairs across multiple timeframes (H1, H4, D1), implement dynamic data updates, and create a user-friendly interface.
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Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 05): The Logging module from Python, Log Like a Pro

Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 05): The Logging module from Python, Log Like a Pro

Integrating Python's logging module with MQL5 empowers traders with a systematic logging approach, simplifying the process of monitoring, debugging, and documenting trading activities. This article explains the adaptation process, offering traders a powerful tool for maintaining clarity and organization in trading software development.
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The View and Controller components for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Simple controls

The View and Controller components for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Simple controls

The article covers simple controls as components of more complex graphical elements of the View component within the framework of table implementation in the MVC (Model-View-Controller) paradigm. The basic functionality of the Controller is implemented for interaction of elements with the user and with each other. This is the second article on the View component and the fourth one in a series of articles on creating tables for the MetaTrader 5 client terminal.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Structs (II)

From Basic to Intermediate: Structs (II)

In this article, we will try to understand why programming languages like MQL5 have structures, and why in some cases structures are the ideal way to pass values between functions and procedures, while in other cases they may not be the best way to do it.
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Capital management in trading and the trader's home accounting program with a database

Capital management in trading and the trader's home accounting program with a database

How can a trader manage capital? How can a trader and investor keep track of expenses, income, assets, and liabilities? I am not just going to introduce you to accounting software; I am going to show you a tool that might become your reliable financial navigator in the stormy sea of trading.
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Developing a Trading Strategy: Using a Volume-Bound Approach

Developing a Trading Strategy: Using a Volume-Bound Approach

In the world of technical analysis, price often takes center stage. Traders meticulously map out support, resistance, and patterns, yet frequently ignore the critical force that drives these movements: volume. This article delves into a novel approach to volume analysis: the Volume Boundary indicator. This transformation, utilizing sophisticated smoothing functions like the butterfly and triple sine curves, allows for clearer interpretation and the development of systematic trading strategies.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 30): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (IV)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 30): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (IV)

Discover a step-by-step tutorial that simplifies the extraction, conversion, and organization of candle data from API responses within the MQL5 environment. This guide is perfect for newcomers looking to enhance their coding skills and develop robust strategies for managing market data efficiently.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 44): Change of Character (CHoCH) Detection with Swing High/Low Breaks

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 44): Change of Character (CHoCH) Detection with Swing High/Low Breaks

In this article, we develop a Change of Character (CHoCH) detection system in MQL5 that identifies swing highs and lows over a user-defined bar length, labels them as HH/LH for highs or LL/HL for lows to determine trend direction, and triggers trades on breaks of these swing points, indicating a potential reversal, and trades the breaks when the structure changes.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Multi-Task Learning Based on the ResNeXt Model

Neural Networks in Trading: Multi-Task Learning Based on the ResNeXt Model

A multi-task learning framework based on ResNeXt optimizes the analysis of financial data, taking into account its high dimensionality, nonlinearity, and time dependencies. The use of group convolution and specialized heads allows the model to effectively extract key features from the input data.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 5): Multiple Signal Expert

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 5): Multiple Signal Expert

In this session, we will build a sophisticated, multi-signal Expert Advisor using the MQL5 Standard Library. This approach allows us to seamlessly blend built-in signals with our own custom logic, demonstrating how to construct a powerful and flexible trading algorithm. For more, click to read further.
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The View component for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Base graphical element

The View component for tables in the MQL5 MVC paradigm: Base graphical element

The article covers the process of developing a base graphical element for the View component as part of the implementation of tables in the MVC (Model-View-Controller) paradigm in MQL5. This is the first article on the View component and the third one in a series of articles on creating tables for the MetaTrader 5 client terminal.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 43): Adaptive Linear Regression Channel Strategy

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 43): Adaptive Linear Regression Channel Strategy

In this article, we implement an adaptive Linear Regression Channel system in MQL5 that automatically calculates the regression line and standard deviation channel over a user-defined period, only activates when the slope exceeds a minimum threshold to confirm a clear trend, and dynamically recreates or extends the channel when the price breaks out by a configurable percentage of channel width.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 53): Pattern Density Heatmap for Support and Resistance Zone Discovery

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 53): Pattern Density Heatmap for Support and Resistance Zone Discovery

This article introduces the Pattern Density Heatmap, a price‑action mapping tool that transforms repeated candlestick pattern detections into statistically significant support and resistance zones. Rather than treating each signal in isolation, the EA aggregates detections into fixed price bins, scores their density with optional recency weighting, and confirms levels against higher‑timeframe data. The resulting heatmap reveals where the market has historically reacted—levels that can be used proactively for trade timing, risk management, and strategy confidence across any trading style.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 29): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (III)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 29): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (III)

In this article, we continue mastering API and WebRequest in MQL5 by retrieving candlestick data from an external source. We focus on splitting the server response, cleaning the data, and extracting essential elements such as opening time and OHLC values for multiple daily candles, preparing the data for further analysis.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 4): Custom Signal Library

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 4): Custom Signal Library

Today, we use the MQL5 Standard Library to build custom signal classes and let the MQL5 Wizard assemble a professional Expert Advisor for us. This approach simplifies development so that even beginner programmers can create robust EAs without in-depth coding knowledge, focusing instead on tuning inputs and optimizing performance. Join this discussion as we explore the process step by step.
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From Basic to Intermediate: Struct (I)

From Basic to Intermediate: Struct (I)

Today we will begin to study structures in a simpler, more practical, and comfortable way. Structures are among the foundations of programming, whether they are structured or not. I know many people think of structures as just collections of data, but I assure you that they are much more than just structures. And here we will begin to explore this new universe in the most didactic way.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 42): Session-Based Opening Range Breakout (ORB) System

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 42): Session-Based Opening Range Breakout (ORB) System

In this article, we create a fully customizable session-based Opening Range Breakout (ORB) system in MQL5 that lets us set any desired session start time and range duration, automatically calculates the high and low of that opening period, and trades only confirmed breakouts in the direction of the move.
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MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 6): Engineering a Production-Grade Caching System

MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 6): Engineering a Production-Grade Caching System

Tired of watching progress bars instead of testing trading strategies? Traditional caching fails financial ML, leaving you with lost computations and frustrating restarts. We've engineered a sophisticated caching architecture that understands the unique challenges of financial data—temporal dependencies, complex data structures, and the constant threat of look-ahead bias. Our three-layer system delivers dramatic speed improvements while automatically invalidating stale results and preventing costly data leaks. Stop waiting for computations and start iterating at the pace the markets demand.
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Market Positioning Codex for VGT with Kendall's Tau and Distance Correlation

Market Positioning Codex for VGT with Kendall's Tau and Distance Correlation

In this article, we look to explore how a complimentary indicator pairing can be used to analyze the recent 5-year history of Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF. By considering two options of algorithms, Kendall’s Tau and Distance-Correlation, we look to select not just an ideal indicator pair for trading the VGT, but also suitable signal-pattern pairings of these two indicators.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 23): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (II)

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 23): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (II)

We aim to create a system for automatic periodic optimization of trading strategies used in one final EA. As the system evolves, it becomes increasingly complex, so it is necessary to look at it as a whole from time to time in order to identify bottlenecks and suboptimal solutions.
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Market Simulation (Part 07): Sockets (I)

Market Simulation (Part 07): Sockets (I)

Sockets. Do you know what they are for or how to use them in MetaTrader 5? If the answer is no, let's start by studying them. In today's article, we'll cover the basics. Since there are several ways to do the same thing, and we are always interested in the result, I want to show that there is indeed a simple way to transfer data from MetaTrader 5 to other programs, such as Excel. However, the main idea is not to transfer data from MetaTrader 5 to Excel, but the opposite, that is, to transfer data from Excel or any other program to MetaTrader 5.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Hierarchical Dual-Tower Transformer (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Hierarchical Dual-Tower Transformer (Final Part)

We continue to build the Hidformer hierarchical dual-tower transformer model designed for analyzing and forecasting complex multivariate time series. In this article, we will bring the work we started earlier to its logical conclusion — we will test the model on real historical data.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 52): Master Market Structure with Multi-Timeframe Visual Analysis

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 52): Master Market Structure with Multi-Timeframe Visual Analysis

This article presents the Multi‑Timeframe Visual Analyzer, an MQL5 Expert Advisor that reconstructs and overlays higher‑timeframe candles directly onto your active chart. It explains the implementation, key inputs, and practical outcomes, supported by an animated demo and chart examples showing instant toggling, multi‑timeframe confirmation, and configurable alerts. Read on to see how this tool can make chart analysis faster, clearer, and more efficient.
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Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 04): time, date, and datetime modules from Python

Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 04): time, date, and datetime modules from Python

Unlike MQL5, Python programming language offers control and flexibility when it comes to dealing with and manipulating time. In this article, we will implement similar modules for better handling of dates and time in MQL5 as in Python.
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Mastering Kagi Charts in MQL5 (Part I): Creating the Indicator

Mastering Kagi Charts in MQL5 (Part I): Creating the Indicator

Learn how to build a complete Kagi Chart engine in MQL5—constructing price reversals, generating dynamic line segments, and updating Kagi structures in real time. This first part teaches you how to render Kagi charts directly on MetaTrader 5, giving traders a clear view of trend shifts and market strength while preparing for automated Kagi-based trading logic in Part 2.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 8): Nonparametric Strategy Selection

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 8): Nonparametric Strategy Selection

This article shows how to configure a black-box model to automatically uncover strong trading strategies using a data-driven approach. By using Mutual Information to prioritize the most learnable signals, we can build smarter and more adaptive models that outperform conventional methods. Readers will also learn to avoid common pitfalls like overreliance on surface-level metrics, and instead develop strategies rooted in meaningful statistical insight.
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Table and Header Classes based on a table model in MQL5: Applying the MVC concept

Table and Header Classes based on a table model in MQL5: Applying the MVC concept

This is the second part of the article devoted to the implementation of the table model in MQL5 using the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architectural paradigm. The article discusses the development of table classes and the table header based on a previously created table model. The developed classes will form the basis for further implementation of View and Controller components, which will be discussed in the following articles.
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Developing a Trading Strategy: The Flower Volatility Index Trend-Following Approach

Developing a Trading Strategy: The Flower Volatility Index Trend-Following Approach

The relentless quest to decode market rhythms has led traders and quantitative analysts to develop countless mathematical models. This article has introduced the Flower Volatility Index (FVI), a novel approach that transforms the mathematical elegance of Rose Curves into a functional trading tool. Through this work, we have shown how mathematical models can be adapted into practical trading mechanisms capable of supporting both analysis and decision-making in real market conditions.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 28): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (II)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 28): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (II)

This article teaches you how to retrieve and extract price data from external platforms using APIs and the WebRequest function in MQL5. You’ll learn how URLs are structured, how API responses are formatted, how to convert server data into readable strings, and how to identify and extract specific values from JSON responses.
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Analytical Volume Profile Trading (AVPT): Liquidity Architecture, Market Memory, and Algorithmic Execution

Analytical Volume Profile Trading (AVPT): Liquidity Architecture, Market Memory, and Algorithmic Execution

Analytical Volume Profile Trading (AVPT) explores how liquidity architecture and market memory shape price behavior, enabling more profound insight into institutional positioning and volume-driven structure. By mapping POC, HVNs, LVNs, and Value Areas, traders can identify acceptance, rejection, and imbalance zones with precision.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 51): Revolutionary Chart Search Technology for Candlestick Pattern Discovery

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 51): Revolutionary Chart Search Technology for Candlestick Pattern Discovery

This article is intended for algorithmic traders, quantitative analysts, and MQL5 developers interested in enhancing their understanding of candlestick pattern recognition through practical implementation. It provides an in‑depth exploration of the CandlePatternSearch.mq5 Expert Advisor—a complete framework for detecting, visualizing, and monitoring classical candlestick formations in MetaTrader 5. Beyond a line‑by‑line review of the code, the article discusses architectural design, pattern detection logic, GUI integration, and alert mechanisms, illustrating how traditional price‑action analysis can be automated efficiently.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 41): Candle Range Theory (CRT) – Accumulation, Manipulation, Distribution (AMD)

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 41): Candle Range Theory (CRT) – Accumulation, Manipulation, Distribution (AMD)

In this article, we develop a Candle Range Theory (CRT) trading system in MQL5 that identifies accumulation ranges on a specified timeframe, detects breaches with manipulation depth filtering, and confirms reversals for entry trades in the distribution phase. The system supports dynamic or static stop-loss and take-profit calculations based on risk-reward ratios, optional trailing stops, and limits on positions per direction for controlled risk management.
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Automating Black-Scholes Greeks: Advanced Scalping and Microstructure Trading

Automating Black-Scholes Greeks: Advanced Scalping and Microstructure Trading

Gamma and Delta were originally developed as risk-management tools for hedging options exposure, but over time they evolved into powerful instruments for advanced scalping, order-flow modeling, and microstructure trading. Today, they serve as real-time indicators of price sensitivity and liquidity behavior, enabling traders to anticipate short-term volatility with remarkable precision.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 7): Automatic Strategy Selection

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 7): Automatic Strategy Selection

This article demonstrates how to automatically identify potentially profitable trading strategies using MetaTrader 5. White-box solutions, powered by unsupervised matrix factorization, are faster to configure, more interpretable, and provide clear guidance on which strategies to retain. Black-box solutions, while more time-consuming, are better suited for complex market conditions that white-box approaches may not capture. Join us as we discuss how our trading strategies can help us carefully identify profitable strategies under any circumstance.