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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Chaos optimization algorithm (COA): Continued

Chaos optimization algorithm (COA): Continued

We continue studying the chaotic optimization algorithm. The second part of the article deals with the practical aspects of the algorithm implementation, its testing and conclusions.
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Hybridization of population algorithms. Sequential and parallel structures

Hybridization of population algorithms. Sequential and parallel structures

Here we will dive into the world of hybridization of optimization algorithms by looking at three key types: strategy mixing, sequential and parallel hybridization. We will conduct a series of experiments combining and testing relevant optimization algorithms.
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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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Developing a Replay System (Part 33): Order System (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 33): Order System (II)

Today we will continue to develop the order system. As you will see, we will be massively reusing what has already been shown in other articles. Nevertheless, you will receive a small reward in this article. First, we will develop a system that can be used with a real trading server, both from a demo account or from a real one. We will make extensive use of the MetaTrader 5 platform, which will provide us with all the necessary support from the beginning.
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MQL5 Bootstrap (III): Simplified Functions for Working with News

MQL5 Bootstrap (III): Simplified Functions for Working with News

This article presents a unified news model and a set of reusable MQL5 classes for working with the MetaTrader 5 Economic Calendar. You will retrieve, filter, and cache events by time, currency, country, and importance using a single interface across three providers: built-in calendar, CSV, and SQLite. The framework supports export/import, next/previous event lookup, and reliable strategy‑tester backtesting without changing trading logic.
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Market Simulation (Part 17): Sockets (XI)

Market Simulation (Part 17): Sockets (XI)

The implementation of the part of the code that will run in MetaTrader 5 does not present any difficulty. However, there are several points that need to be taken into account. This is necessary so that you can make the system work. Remember one important thing: not just one program will be running. In reality, we will have to run three programs simultaneously. It is important to implement and structure each of them in such a way that they can interact and communicate with one another, and that each of them understands what the others are trying or intending to do.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 68): Getting the Time Right (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 68): Getting the Time Right (I)

Today we will continue working on getting the mouse pointer to tell us how much time is left on a bar during periods of low liquidity. Although at first glance it seems simple, in reality this task is much more difficult. This involves some obstacles that we will have to overcome. Therefore, it is important that you have a good understanding of the material in this first part of this subseries in order to understand the following parts.
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Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm 2 (NOA2)

Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm 2 (NOA2)

The new proprietary optimization algorithm NOA2 (Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm 2) combines the principles of swarm intelligence with neural control. NOA2 combines the mechanics of a neuroboid swarm with an adaptive neural system that allows agents to self-correct their behavior while searching for the optimum. The algorithm is under active development and demonstrates potential for solving complex optimization problems.
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Bivariate Copulae in MQL5 (Part 1): Implementing Gaussian and Student's t-Copulae for Dependency Modeling

Bivariate Copulae in MQL5 (Part 1): Implementing Gaussian and Student's t-Copulae for Dependency Modeling

This is the first part of an article series presenting the implementation of bivariate copulae in MQL5. This article presents code implementing Gaussian and Student's t-copulae. It also delves into the fundamentals of statistical copulae and related topics. The code is based on the Arbitragelab Python package by Hudson and Thames.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 10): Asymmetric Stop-Loss Logic Based on Pair-Specific Volatility Signatures

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 10): Asymmetric Stop-Loss Logic Based on Pair-Specific Volatility Signatures

The EA learns each symbol's volatility profile before trading by processing 1000 bars and summarizing candle ranges, bodies and wicks, noise ratio, trend runs, pullback size, and true‑range dispersion. A classifier assigns regime and structure labels per pair. The stop‑loss optimizer maps those labels to a symbol‑specific ATR multiplier, and the risk module sizes lots to maintain constant percentage risk.
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Role of random number generator quality in the efficiency of optimization algorithms

Role of random number generator quality in the efficiency of optimization algorithms

In this article, we will look at the Mersenne Twister random number generator and compare it with the standard one in MQL5. We will also find out the influence of the random number generator quality on the results of optimization algorithms.
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Trust Your Backtest Data First: Building a Reproducible Historical Data Audit in Python for MetaTrader 5

Trust Your Backtest Data First: Building a Reproducible Historical Data Audit in Python for MetaTrader 5

A reproducible, read-only Python audit for MetaTrader 5 that verifies history quality before any backtest. It exports M5 data from multiple terminals, detects gaps and synthetic bars by timestamp spacing, and reports coverage per year. The same deterministic strategy then runs on three broker feeds over a common window to quantify result drift and decompose it into spread, data/price, and trade effects.
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Decoding Market Intent: Reading Structure, Liquidity, and Price Behavior

Decoding Market Intent: Reading Structure, Liquidity, and Price Behavior

We implement a five-stage MQL5 pipeline that quantifies market structure, liquidity interaction, and price behavior on four timeframes, then resolves them into a 0–100 Market Intent Score. Decision states (WAIT/WATCH/ACTION) are driven by explicit weights plus hard gates. The analytical core feeds a concise dashboard and, when AutoTrade is on, an execution layer with entry zones, invalidation and liquidity‑based targets.
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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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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (14): Multi Objective Timeseries Forecasting with STF

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (14): Multi Objective Timeseries Forecasting with STF

Spatial Temporal Fusion which is using both ‘space’ and time metrics in modelling data is primarily useful in remote-sensing, and a host of other visual based activities in gaining a better understanding of our surroundings. Thanks to a published paper, we take a novel approach in using it by examining its potential to traders.
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Population optimization algorithms: Charged System Search (CSS) algorithm

Population optimization algorithms: Charged System Search (CSS) algorithm

In this article, we will consider another optimization algorithm inspired by inanimate nature - Charged System Search (CSS) algorithm. The purpose of this article is to present a new optimization algorithm based on the principles of physics and mechanics.
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Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm (NOA)

Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm (NOA)

A new bioinspired optimization metaheuristic, NOA (Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm), combines the principles of collective intelligence and neural networks. Unlike conventional methods, the algorithm uses a population of self-learning "neuroboids", each with its own neural network that adapts its search strategy in real time. The article reveals the architecture of the algorithm, the mechanisms of self-learning of agents, and the prospects for applying this hybrid approach to complex optimization problems.
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Database Is Easy (Part 1): A Lightweight ORM Framework for MQL5 Using SQLite

Database Is Easy (Part 1): A Lightweight ORM Framework for MQL5 Using SQLite

This article presents a structured way to manage SQLite data in MQL5 through an ORM layer for MetaTrader 5. It introduces core classes for entity modeling and database access, a fluent CRUD API, reflection hooks for OnGet/OnSet, and macros to define models quickly. Practical code shows creating tables, binding fields, inserting, updating, querying, and deleting records. Developers gain reusable, type-safe components that minimize repetitive SQL.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 65): Playing the service (VI)

Developing a Replay System (Part 65): Playing the service (VI)

In this article, we will look at how to implement and solve the mouse pointer issue when using it in conjunction with a replay/simulation application. The content presented here is intended solely for educational purposes. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 13): Implementing the Math Solvers Library in Trading

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 13): Implementing the Math Solvers Library in Trading

We present a complete workflow for adaptive filtering in MQL5 using the CNlEq Levenberg–Marquardt–like solver. The EA fits a VAMAC model—two EWMAs with an ATR‑based scaling—by supplying residuals and a Jacobian through CNlEq's reverse‑communication loop, with optional numerical or analytical derivatives. Code, setup instructions, and GBPUSD H1 tests show how to replace static thresholds with on‑bar re‑estimation.
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Interactive Supply and Demand Zone Manager in MQL5 (Part III): Zone Analysis, Stateful Interaction, and Pending Event Management

Interactive Supply and Demand Zone Manager in MQL5 (Part III): Zone Analysis, Stateful Interaction, and Pending Event Management

We extend the stateful supply and demand framework for MetaTrader 5 with a quantitative admission model and a dedicated interaction engine. Candidate zones are scored by structural symmetry, volume participation, and ATR‑normalized displacement, then classified into objective tiers. Admitted zones follow a deterministic lifecycle that tracks first touch, validates bounces, or confirms breakouts, with full telemetry for analysis and reproducibility.
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Population optimization algorithms: Binary Genetic Algorithm (BGA). Part I

Population optimization algorithms: Binary Genetic Algorithm (BGA). Part I

In this article, we will explore various methods used in binary genetic and other population algorithms. We will look at the main components of the algorithm, such as selection, crossover and mutation, and their impact on the optimization. In addition, we will study data presentation methods and their impact on optimization results.
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Graph Theory: Network Flow of Commodities (Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm), Used as a Liquidity-Capacity Engine

Graph Theory: Network Flow of Commodities (Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm), Used as a Liquidity-Capacity Engine

The article presents an MQL5 Expert Advisor that adapts the Ford–Fulkerson max-flow method into a liquidity-capacity filter. Market structures—Swing Highs/Lows, Fair Value Gaps, Order Blocks, and Liquidity Pools—form a directed graph with edge capacities from volume, price reaction, distance, and structure quality. Maximum flow qualifies ICT setups, filters weak paths, and drives dynamic position sizing for a consistent, two-stage decision process.
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Market Simulation (Part 03): A Matter of Performance

Market Simulation (Part 03): A Matter of Performance

Often we have to take a step back and then move forward. In this article, we will show all the changes necessary to ensure that the Mouse and Chart Trade indicators do not break. As a bonus, we'll also cover other changes that have occurred in other header files that will be widely used in the future.
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Population optimization algorithms: Artificial Multi-Social Search Objects (MSO)

Population optimization algorithms: Artificial Multi-Social Search Objects (MSO)

This is a continuation of the previous article considering the idea of social groups. The article explores the evolution of social groups using movement and memory algorithms. The results will help to understand the evolution of social systems and apply them in optimization and search for solutions.
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Market Simulation (Part 05): Creating the C_Orders Class (II)

Market Simulation (Part 05): Creating the C_Orders Class (II)

In this article, I will explain how Chart Trade, together with the Expert Advisor, will process a request to close all of the users' open positions. This may sound simple, but there are a few complications that you need to know how to manage.
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Artificial Showering Algorithm (ASHA)

Artificial Showering Algorithm (ASHA)

The article presents the Artificial Showering Algorithm (ASHA), a new metaheuristic method developed for solving general optimization problems. Based on simulation of water flow and accumulation processes, this algorithm constructs the concept of an ideal field, in which each unit of resource (water) is called upon to find an optimal solution. We will find out how ASHA adapts flow and accumulation principles to efficiently allocate resources in a search space, and see its implementation and test results.
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Development and Forward Testing of an Autonomous LLM Agent for Trading with SEAL

Development and Forward Testing of an Autonomous LLM Agent for Trading with SEAL

A hybrid architecture based on Llama 3.2 and SEAL is being tested on eight currency pairs (M15), with forward-period data isolation and information leakage control. The methodology combines adversarial self-play, curriculum learning, and class balancing to ensure stable training. The experiments confirm the gap between forecast accuracy and actual returns, providing readers with practical guidelines for testing strategies and accurately assessing their generalizability.
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Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA): From AOA to SOA (Simple Optimization Algorithm)

Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA): From AOA to SOA (Simple Optimization Algorithm)

In this article, we present the Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) based on simple arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These basic mathematical operations serve as the foundation for finding optimal solutions to various problems.
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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 Manual Backtesting Expert Advisor: Additional Features

Developing a Manual Backtesting Expert Advisor: Additional Features

We enhance the manual backtesting EA with real-time lot adjustment, an order module for buy/sell stops and limits, and a Trade Manager to modify TP/SL and close positions individually. The article explains control setup with CButton/CBmpButton/CEdit, logic in OnTick, and workarounds for Strategy Tester input constraints. Readers can reuse these components to speed up testing workflows and implement robust trade management.
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How to Detect and Normalize Chart Objects in MQL5 (Part 4): Fully Automated Analytical Objects System

How to Detect and Normalize Chart Objects in MQL5 (Part 4): Fully Automated Analytical Objects System

This part extends the series with a modular, event-driven MQL5 pipeline: swing detection feeds an object placer for trendlines, SR, Fibonacci, channels, and pitchforks; evaluators monitor interactions and generate signals; adaptive logic executes trades with valid stops per instrument. The topology manager synchronizes placement, scanning, and processing. The code is structured into reusable components for easy reuse and scaling.
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Population optimization algorithms: Micro Artificial immune system (Micro-AIS)

Population optimization algorithms: Micro Artificial immune system (Micro-AIS)

The article considers an optimization method based on the principles of the body's immune system - Micro Artificial Immune System (Micro-AIS) - a modification of AIS. Micro-AIS uses a simpler model of the immune system and simple immune information processing operations. The article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of Micro-AIS compared to conventional AIS.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 18): Neural Architecture Search with Eigen Vectors

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 18): Neural Architecture Search with Eigen Vectors

Neural Architecture Search, an automated approach at determining the ideal neural network settings can be a plus when facing many options and large test data sets. We examine how when paired Eigen Vectors this process can be made even more efficient.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 64): Playing the service (V)

Developing a Replay System (Part 64): Playing the service (V)

In this article, we will look at how to fix two errors in the code. However, I will try to explain them in a way that will help you, beginner programmers, understand that things don't always go as you expect. Anyway, this is an opportunity to learn. The content presented here is intended solely for educational purposes. In no way should this application be considered as a final document with any purpose other than to explore the concepts presented.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 30): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (IV)

Developing a Replay System (Part 30): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (IV)

Today we will learn a technique that can help us a lot in different stages of our professional life as a programmer. Often it is not the platform itself that is limited, but the knowledge of the person who talks about the limitations. This article will tell you that with common sense and creativity you can make the MetaTrader 5 platform much more interesting and versatile without resorting to creating crazy programs or anything like that, and create simple yet safe and reliable code. We will use our creativity to modify existing code without deleting or adding a single line to the source code.
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Creating an HTML Dashboard for Strategy Tester and Prop Firm Challenge Analysis in MQL5

Creating an HTML Dashboard for Strategy Tester and Prop Firm Challenge Analysis in MQL5

This article demonstrates how to build a reusable prop‑firm evaluation module for MQL5 Expert Advisors and export results to an HTML dashboard. The module monitors balance and equity during backtests, simulates single or rolling challenges, checks profit target, daily and overall drawdown, and minimum trading days, then outputs both a terminal summary and a browser‑readable report.
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Market Simulation: Position View (V)

Market Simulation: Position View (V)

Despite what was shown in the previous article, all of this may seem simple at first. In reality, several problems remain, along with many tasks that still need to be completed. You, dear reader, may imagine that everything is easy and straightforward. Out of inexperience, you may simply accept whatever is presented to you. And that is a mistake you should try to avoid. Even worse is trying to use something without truly understanding what exactly you are using. Beginners often pass through a copy-and-paste stage. If you do not want to remain stuck at that stage forever, you should learn how to use certain tools. One of the tools most often used by programmers is documentation. The second is testing, supported by log files. Here we will see how to do this.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 23): CNNs

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 23): CNNs

Convolutional Neural Networks are another machine learning algorithm that tend to specialize in decomposing multi-dimensioned data sets into key constituent parts. We look at how this is typically achieved and explore a possible application for traders in another MQL5 wizard signal class.
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Atmosphere Clouds Model Optimization (ACMO): Theory

Atmosphere Clouds Model Optimization (ACMO): Theory

The article is devoted to the metaheuristic Atmosphere Clouds Model Optimization (ACMO) algorithm, which simulates the behavior of clouds to solve optimization problems. The algorithm uses the principles of cloud generation, movement and propagation, adapting to the "weather conditions" in the solution space. The article reveals how the algorithm's meteorological simulation finds optimal solutions in a complex possibility space and describes in detail the stages of ACMO operation, including "sky" preparation, cloud birth, cloud movement, and rain concentration.