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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Neural Networks in Trading: Spatio-Temporal Neural Network (STNN)

Neural Networks in Trading: Spatio-Temporal Neural Network (STNN)

In this article we will talk about using space-time transformations to effectively predict upcoming price movement. To improve the numerical prediction accuracy in STNN, a continuous attention mechanism is proposed that allows the model to better consider important aspects of the data.
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Neural Network in Practice: Pseudoinverse (II)

Neural Network in Practice: Pseudoinverse (II)

Since these articles are educational in nature and are not intended to show the implementation of specific functionality, we will do things a little differently in this article. Instead of showing how to apply factorization to obtain the inverse of a matrix, we will focus on factorization of the pseudoinverse. The reason is that there is no point in showing how to get the general coefficient if we can do it in a special way. Even better, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of why things happen the way they do. So, let's now figure out why hardware is replacing software over time.
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Integration of Broker APIs with Expert Advisors using MQL5 and Python

Integration of Broker APIs with Expert Advisors using MQL5 and Python

In this article, we will discuss the implementation of MQL5 in partnership with Python to perform broker-related operations. Imagine having a continuously running Expert Advisor (EA) hosted on a VPS, executing trades on your behalf. At some point, the ability of the EA to manage funds becomes paramount. This includes operations such as topping up your trading account and initiating withdrawals. In this discussion, we will shed light on the advantages and practical implementation of these features, ensuring seamless integration of fund management into your trading strategy. Stay tuned!
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Mastering Log Records (Part 3): Exploring Handlers to Save Logs

Mastering Log Records (Part 3): Exploring Handlers to Save Logs

In this article, we will explore the concept of handlers in the logging library, understand how they work, and create three initial implementations: Console, Database, and File. We will cover everything from the basic structure of handlers to practical testing, preparing the ground for their full functionality in future articles.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Dual-Attention-Based Trend Prediction Model

Neural Networks in Trading: Dual-Attention-Based Trend Prediction Model

We continue the discussion about the use of piecewise linear representation of time series, which was started in the previous article. Today we will see how to combine this method with other approaches to time series analysis to improve the price trend prediction quality.
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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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Hidden Markov Models for Trend-Following Volatility Prediction

Hidden Markov Models for Trend-Following Volatility Prediction

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are powerful statistical tools that identify underlying market states by analyzing observable price movements. In trading, HMMs enhance volatility prediction and inform trend-following strategies by modeling and anticipating shifts in market regimes. In this article, we will present the complete procedure for developing a trend-following strategy that utilizes HMMs to predict volatility as a filter.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 7): Signal Pulse EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 7): Signal Pulse EA

Unlock the potential of multi-timeframe analysis with 'Signal Pulse,' an MQL5 Expert Advisor that integrates Bollinger Bands and the Stochastic Oscillator to deliver accurate, high-probability trading signals. Discover how to implement this strategy and effectively visualize buy and sell opportunities using custom arrows. Ideal for traders seeking to enhance their judgment through automated analysis across multiple timeframes.
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Mastering Log Records (Part 2): Formatting Logs

Mastering Log Records (Part 2): Formatting Logs

In this article, we will explore how to create and apply log formatters in the library. We will see everything from the basic structure of a formatter to practical implementation examples. By the end, you will have the necessary knowledge to format logs within the library, and understand how everything works behind the scenes.
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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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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 6): Expanding the History Management EX5 Library with the Last Filled Pending Order Functions

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 6): Expanding the History Management EX5 Library with the Last Filled Pending Order Functions

Learn how to create an EX5 module of exportable functions that seamlessly query and save data for the most recently filled pending order. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will enhance the History Management EX5 library by developing dedicated and compartmentalized functions to retrieve essential properties of the last filled pending order. These properties include the order type, setup time, execution time, filling type, and other critical details necessary for effective pending orders trade history management and analysis.
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MetaTrader 5 on macOS

MetaTrader 5 on macOS

We provide a special installer for the MetaTrader 5 trading platform on macOS. It is a full-fledged wizard that allows you to install the application natively. The installer performs all the required steps: it identifies your system, downloads and installs the latest Wine version, configures it, and then installs MetaTrader within it. All steps are completed in the automated mode, and you can start using the platform immediately after installation.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Piecewise Linear Representation of Time Series

Neural Networks in Trading: Piecewise Linear Representation of Time Series

This article is somewhat different from my earlier publications. In this article, we will talk about an alternative representation of time series. Piecewise linear representation of time series is a method of approximating a time series using linear functions over small intervals.
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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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Developing A Swing Entries Monitoring (EA)

Developing A Swing Entries Monitoring (EA)

As the year approaches its end, long-term traders often reflect on market history to analyze its behavior and trends, aiming to project potential future movements. In this article, we will explore the development of a long-term entry monitoring Expert Advisor (EA) using MQL5. The objective is to address the challenge of missed long-term trading opportunities caused by manual trading and the absence of automated monitoring systems. We'll use one of the most prominently traded pairs as an example to strategize and develop our solution effectively.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5  (Part 3): Dynamic Trend Following and Mean Reversion Strategies

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 3): Dynamic Trend Following and Mean Reversion Strategies

Financial markets are typically classified as either in a range mode or a trending mode. This static view of the market may make it easier for us to trade in the short run. However, it is disconnected from the reality of the market. In this article, we look to better understand how exactly financial markets move between these 2 possible modes and how we can use our new understanding of market behavior to gain confidence in our algorithmic trading strategies.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 97): Training Models With MSFformer

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 97): Training Models With MSFformer

When exploring various model architecture designs, we often devote insufficient attention to the process of model training. In this article, I aim to address this gap.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 52): Accelerator Oscillator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 52): Accelerator Oscillator

The Accelerator Oscillator is another Bill Williams Indicator that tracks price momentum's acceleration and not just its pace. Although much like the Awesome oscillator we reviewed in a recent article, it seeks to avoid the lagging effects by focusing more on acceleration as opposed to just speed. We examine as always what patterns we can get from this and also what significance each could have in trading via a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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Ensemble methods to enhance classification tasks in MQL5

Ensemble methods to enhance classification tasks in MQL5

In this article, we present the implementation of several ensemble classifiers in MQL5 and discuss their efficacy in varying situations.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 13): Minimizing The Lag in Moving Average Cross-Overs

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 13): Minimizing The Lag in Moving Average Cross-Overs

Moving average cross-overs are widely known by traders in our community, and yet the core of the strategy has changed very little since its inception. In this discussion, we will present you with a slight adjustment to the original strategy, that aims to minimize the lag present in the trading strategy. All fans of the original strategy, could consider revising the strategy in accordance with the insights we will discuss today. By using 2 moving averages with the same period, we reduce the lag in the trading strategy considerably, without violating the foundational principles of the strategy.
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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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News Trading Made Easy (Part 6): Performing Trades (III)

News Trading Made Easy (Part 6): Performing Trades (III)

In this article news filtration for individual news events based on their IDs will be implemented. In addition, previous SQL queries will be improved to provide additional information or reduce the query's runtime. Furthermore, the code built in the previous articles will be made functional.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 14): Adaptive volume change in risk manager

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 14): Adaptive volume change in risk manager

The previously developed risk manager contained only basic functionality. Let's try to consider possible ways of its development, allowing us to improve trading results without interfering with the logic of trading strategies.
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Forex spread trading using seasonality

Forex spread trading using seasonality

The article examines the possibilities of generating and providing reporting data on the use of the seasonality factor when trading spreads on Forex.
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Econometric tools for forecasting volatility: GARCH model

Econometric tools for forecasting volatility: GARCH model

The article describes the properties of the non-linear model of conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH). The iGARCH indicator has been built on its basis for predicting volatility one step ahead. The ALGLIB numerical analysis library is used to estimate the model parameters.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 96): Multi-Scale Feature Extraction (MSFformer)

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 96): Multi-Scale Feature Extraction (MSFformer)

Efficient extraction and integration of long-term dependencies and short-term features remain an important task in time series analysis. Their proper understanding and integration are necessary to create accurate and reliable predictive models.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 3): The Zone Recovery RSI System for Dynamic Trade Management

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 3): The Zone Recovery RSI System for Dynamic Trade Management

In this article, we create a Zone Recovery RSI EA System in MQL5, using RSI signals to trigger trades and a recovery strategy to manage losses. We implement a "ZoneRecovery" class to automate trade entries, recovery logic, and position management. The article concludes with backtesting insights to optimize performance and enhance the EA’s effectiveness.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 6): Mean Reversion Signal Reaper

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 6): Mean Reversion Signal Reaper

While some concepts may seem straightforward at first glance, bringing them to life in practice can be quite challenging. In the article below, we'll take you on a journey through our innovative approach to automating an Expert Advisor (EA) that skillfully analyzes the market using a mean reversion strategy. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of this exciting automation process.
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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 5): Expanding the History Management EX5 Library with Position Functions

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 5): Expanding the History Management EX5 Library with Position Functions

Discover how to create exportable EX5 functions to efficiently query and save historical position data. In this step-by-step guide, we will expand the History Management EX5 library by developing modules that retrieve key properties of the most recently closed position. These include net profit, trade duration, pip-based stop loss, take profit, profit values, and various other important details.
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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. By automating them within the Trend Constraint EA using MQL5, these strategies can operate independently to handle market reversals efficiently, while constrained strategies align with broader trends. This approach revolutionizes performance by ensuring precise execution and seamless integration of reversal and trend-following systems.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 51): Reinforcement Learning with SAC

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 51): Reinforcement Learning with SAC

Soft Actor Critic is a Reinforcement Learning algorithm that utilizes 3 neural networks. An actor network and 2 critic networks. These machine learning models are paired in a master slave partnership where the critics are modelled to improve the forecast accuracy of the actor network. While also introducing ONNX in these series, we explore how these ideas could be put to test as a custom signal of a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs (III) – Adapter-Tuning

Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs (III) – Adapter-Tuning

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence today, language models (LLMs) are an important part of artificial intelligence, so we should think about how to integrate powerful LLMs into our algorithmic trading. For most people, it is difficult to fine-tune these powerful models according to their needs, deploy them locally, and then apply them to algorithmic trading. This series of articles will take a step-by-step approach to achieve this goal.
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Integrating Discord with MetaTrader 5: Building a Trading Bot with Real-Time Notifications

Integrating Discord with MetaTrader 5: Building a Trading Bot with Real-Time Notifications

In this article, we will see how to integrate MetaTrader 5 and a discord server in order to receive trading notifications in real time from any location. We will see how to configure the platform and Discord to enable the delivery of alerts to Discord. We will also cover security issues which arise in connection with the use of WebRequests and webhooks for such alerting solutions.
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Mastering File Operations in MQL5: From Basic I/O to Building a Custom CSV Reader

Mastering File Operations in MQL5: From Basic I/O to Building a Custom CSV Reader

This article focuses on essential MQL5 file-handling techniques, spanning trade logs, CSV processing, and external data integration. It offers both conceptual understanding and hands-on coding guidance. Readers will learn to build a custom CSV importer class step-by-step, gaining practical skills for real-world applications.
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Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 4): Big Data Handling

Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 4): Big Data Handling

Exploring advanced techniques to integrate MQL5 with powerful data processing tools, this part focuses on efficient handling of big data to enhance trading analysis and decision-making.
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How to build and optimize a volume-based trading system (Chaikin Money Flow - CMF)

How to build and optimize a volume-based trading system (Chaikin Money Flow - CMF)

In this article, we will provide a volume-based indicator, Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) after identifying how it can be constructed, calculated, and used. We will understand how to build a custom indicator. We will share some simple strategies that can be used and then test them to understand which one is better.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 2): The Kumo Breakout System with Ichimoku and Awesome Oscillator

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 2): The Kumo Breakout System with Ichimoku and Awesome Oscillator

In this article, we create an Expert Advisor (EA) that automates the Kumo Breakout strategy using the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo indicator and the Awesome Oscillator. We walk through the process of initializing indicator handles, detecting breakout conditions, and coding automated trade entries and exits. Additionally, we implement trailing stops and position management logic to enhance the EA's performance and adaptability to market conditions.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 2): USDJPY Scalping Strategy

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 2): USDJPY Scalping Strategy

Join us today as we challenge ourselves to build a trading strategy around the USDJPY pair. We will trade candlestick patterns that are formed on the daily time frame because they potentially have more strength behind them. Our initial strategy was profitable, which encouraged us to continue refining the strategy and adding extra layers of safety, to protect the capital gained.