Articles on strategy testing in MQL5

icon

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.

Add a new article
latest | best
preview
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.
preview
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.
preview
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.
preview
Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 8): Time-of-Day Capital Rotation Approach

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 8): Time-of-Day Capital Rotation Approach

This article presents a Time-of-Day capital rotation engine for MQL5 that allocates risk by trading session instead of using uniform exposure. We detail session budgets within a daily risk cap, dynamic lot sizing from remaining session risk, and automatic daily resets. Execution uses session-specific breakout and fade logic with ATR-based volatility confirmation. Readers gain a practical template to deploy capital where session conditions are statistically strongest while keeping exposure controlled throughout the day.
preview
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.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 57): Understanding a Test Service

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

One point to note: although the service code is not included in this article and will only be provided in the next one, I'll explain it since we'll be using that same code as a springboard for what we're actually developing. So, be attentive and patient. Wait for the next article, because every day everything becomes more interesting.
preview
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.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 60): Playing the Service (I)

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

We have been working on just the indicators for a long time now, but now it's time to get the service working again and see how the chart is built based on the data provided. However, since the whole thing is not that simple, we will have to be attentive to understand what awaits us ahead.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 45): Chart Trade Project (IV)

Developing a Replay System (Part 45): Chart Trade Project (IV)

The main purpose of this article is to introduce and explain the C_ChartFloatingRAD class. We have a Chart Trade indicator that works in a rather interesting way. As you may have noticed, we still have a fairly small number of objects on the chart, and yet we get the expected functionality. The values present in the indicator can be edited. The question is, how is this possible? This article will start to make things clearer.
preview
Atmosphere Clouds Model Optimization (ACMO): Practice

Atmosphere Clouds Model Optimization (ACMO): Practice

In this article, we will continue diving into the implementation of the ACMO (Atmospheric Cloud Model Optimization) algorithm. In particular, we will discuss two key aspects: the movement of clouds into low-pressure regions and the rain simulation, including the initialization of droplets and their distribution among clouds. We will also look at other methods that play an important role in managing the state of clouds and ensuring their interaction with the environment.
preview
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.
preview
Population optimization algorithms: Bacterial Foraging Optimization - Genetic Algorithm (BFO-GA)

Population optimization algorithms: Bacterial Foraging Optimization - Genetic Algorithm (BFO-GA)

The article presents a new approach to solving optimization problems by combining ideas from bacterial foraging optimization (BFO) algorithms and techniques used in the genetic algorithm (GA) into a hybrid BFO-GA algorithm. It uses bacterial swarming to globally search for an optimal solution and genetic operators to refine local optima. Unlike the original BFO, bacteria can now mutate and inherit genes.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 35): Making Adjustments (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 35): Making Adjustments (I)

Before we can move forward, we need to fix a few things. These are not actually the necessary fixes but rather improvements to the way the class is managed and used. The reason is that failures occurred due to some interaction within the system. Despite attempts to find out the cause of such failures in order to eliminate them, all these attempts were unsuccessful. Some of these cases make no sense, for example, when we use pointers or recursion in C/C++, the program crashes.
preview
Markets Positioning Codex in MQL5 (Part 2):  Bitwise Learning, with Multi-Patterns for Nvidia

Markets Positioning Codex in MQL5 (Part 2): Bitwise Learning, with Multi-Patterns for Nvidia

We continue our new series on Market-Positioning, where we study particular assets, with specific trade directions over manageable test windows. We started this by considering Nvidia Corp stock in the last article, where we covered 5 signal patterns from the complimentary pairing of the RSI and DeMarker oscillators. For this article, we cover the remaining 5 patterns and also delve into multi-pattern options that not only feature untethered combinations of all ten, but also specialized combinations of just a pair.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 39): Paving the Path (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 39): Paving the Path (III)

Before we proceed to the second stage of development, we need to revise some ideas. Do you know how to make MQL5 do what you need? Have you ever tried to go beyond what is contained in the documentation? If not, then get ready. Because we will be doing something that most people don't normally do.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 41): Starting the second phase (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 41): Starting the second phase (II)

If everything seemed right to you up to this point, it means you're not really thinking about the long term, when you start developing applications. Over time you will no longer need to program new applications, you will just have to make them work together. So let's see how to finish assembling the mouse indicator.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 34): Order System (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 34): Order System (III)

In this article, we will complete the first phase of construction. Although this part is fairly quick to complete, I will cover details that were not discussed previously. I will explain some points that many do not understand. Do you know why you have to press the Shift or Ctrl key?
preview
The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 6): Optimizing a generated Expert Advisor

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 6): Optimizing a generated Expert Advisor

In this discussion, we follow up on the previously developed multi-signal Expert Advisor with the objective of exploring and applying available optimization methods. The aim is to determine whether the trading performance of the EA can be meaningfully improved through systematic optimization based on historical data.
preview
Price-Driven CGI Model: Advanced Data Post-Processing and Implementation

Price-Driven CGI Model: Advanced Data Post-Processing and Implementation

In this article, we will explore the development of a fully customizable Price Data export script using MQL5, marking new advancements in the simulation of the Price Man CGI Model. We have implemented advanced refinement techniques to ensure that the data is user-friendly and optimized for animation purposes. Additionally, we will uncover the capabilities of Blender 3D in effectively working with and visualizing price data, demonstrating its potential for creating dynamic and engaging animations.
preview
Population optimization algorithms: Resistance to getting stuck in local extrema (Part I)

Population optimization algorithms: Resistance to getting stuck in local extrema (Part I)

This article presents a unique experiment that aims to examine the behavior of population optimization algorithms in the context of their ability to efficiently escape local minima when population diversity is low and reach global maxima. Working in this direction will provide further insight into which specific algorithms can successfully continue their search using coordinates set by the user as a starting point, and what factors influence their success.
preview
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.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 63): Playing the service (IV)

Developing a Replay System (Part 63): Playing the service (IV)

In this article, we will finally solve the problems with the simulation of ticks on a one-minute bar so that they can coexist with real ticks. This will help us avoid problems in the future. The material presented here is for educational purposes only. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
preview
Developing a Replay System (Part 58): Returning to Work on the Service

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

After a break in development and improvement of the service used for replay/simulator, we are resuming work on it. Now that we've abandoned the use of resources like terminal globals, we'll have to completely restructure some parts of it. Don't worry, this process will be explained in detail so that everyone can follow the development of our service.
preview
Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 4): Accurate Backtesting with Static Data

Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 4): Accurate Backtesting with Static Data

This article implements a static, CSV-based news source for the Strategy Tester, so historical economic news events can be preloaded and queried during backtesting. It replaces live calendar calls in tester mode with a fast in-memory search, preserves the live logic for trading, and delivers deterministic, repeatable results with explicit control over included events, enabling reliable validation of news-aware filters, stop suspension, and trade-blocking rules.
preview
Developing a Multi-Currency Advisor (Part 27): Component for Displaying Multi-Line Text

Developing a Multi-Currency Advisor (Part 27): Component for Displaying Multi-Line Text

If there is a need to display text on a chart, we can use the Comment() function. But its capabilities are quite limited. Therefore, in this article, we will create our own component - a full-screen dialog window capable of displaying multi-line text with flexible font settings and scrolling support.