Articles on strategy testing in MQL5
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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Population optimization algorithms: Simulated Isotropic Annealing (SIA) algorithm. Part II
The first part was devoted to the well-known and popular algorithm - simulated annealing. We have thoroughly considered its pros and cons. The second part of the article is devoted to the radical transformation of the algorithm, which turns it into a new optimization algorithm - Simulated Isotropic Annealing (SIA).
Developing a Replay System (Part 66): Playing the service (VII)
In this article, we will implement the first solution that will allow us to determine when a new bar may appear on the chart. This solution is applicable in a wide variety of situations. Understanding its development will help you grasp several important aspects. 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.
Developing a Replay System (Part 44): Chart Trade Project (III)
In the previous article I explained how you can manipulate template data for use in OBJ_CHART. In that article, I only outlined the topic without going into details, since in that version the work was done in a very simplified way. This was done to make it easier to explain the content, because despite the apparent simplicity of many things, some of them were not so obvious, and without understanding the simplest and most basic part, you would not be able to truly understand the entire picture.
Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)
In this article, we'll complicate things a little. Using what was shown in the previous articles, we will start to open up the template file so that the user can use their own template. However, I will be making changes gradually, as I will also be refining the indicator to reduce the load on MetaTrader 5.
Market Simulation (Part 16): Sockets (X)
We are close to completing this challenge. However, before we begin, I want you to try to understand these two articles—this one and the previous one. That way, you will truly understand the next article, in which I will cover exclusively the part related to MQL5 programming. But I will also try to make it understandable. If you do not understand these last two articles, it will be difficult for you to understand the next one, because the material accumulates. The more things there are to do, the more you need to create and understand in order to achieve the goal.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 07): First improvements (II)
In the previous article, we made some fixes and added tests to our replication system to ensure the best possible stability. We also started creating and using a configuration file for this system.
Population optimization algorithms: Boids Algorithm
The article considers Boids algorithm based on unique examples of animal flocking behavior. In turn, the Boids algorithm serves as the basis for the creation of the whole class of algorithms united under the name "Swarm Intelligence".
Developing a Replay System (Part 72): An Unusual Communication (I)
What we create today will be difficult to understand. Therefore, in this article I will only talk about the initial stage. Please read this article carefully, it is an important prerequisite before we proceed to the next step. The purpose of this material is purely didactic as we will only study and master the presented concepts, without practical application.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 12): Newton Polynomial
Newton’s polynomial, which creates quadratic equations from a set of a few points, is an archaic but interesting approach at looking at a time series. In this article we try to explore what aspects could be of use to traders from this approach as well as address its limitations.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 16): New class system
We need to organize our work better. The code is growing, and if this is not done now, then it will become impossible. Let's divide and conquer. MQL5 allows the use of classes which will assist in implementing this task, but for this we need to have some knowledge about classes. Probably the thing that confuses beginners the most is inheritance. In this article, we will look at how to use these mechanisms in a practical and simple way.
Population optimization algorithms: Resistance to getting stuck in local extrema (Part II)
We continue our 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. Research results are provided.
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.
Developing a Replay System (Part 47): Chart Trade Project (VI)
Finally, our Chart Trade indicator starts interacting with the EA, allowing information to be transferred interactively. Therefore, in this article, we will improve the indicator, making it functional enough to be used together with any EA. This will allow us to access the Chart Trade indicator and work with it as if it were actually connected with an EA. But we will do it in a much more interesting way than before.
Developing a Replay System (Part 62): Playing the service (III)
In this article, we will begin to address the issue of tick excess that can impact application performance when using real data. This excess often interferes with the correct timing required to construct a one-minute bar in the appropriate window.
Successful Restaurateur Algorithm (SRA)
Successful Restaurateur Algorithm (SRA) is an innovative optimization method inspired by restaurant business management principles. Unlike traditional approaches, SRA does not discard weak solutions, but improves them by combining with elements of successful ones. The algorithm shows competitive results and offers a fresh perspective on balancing exploration and exploitation in optimization problems.
Developing a Replay System (Part 50): Things Get Complicated (II)
We will solve the chart ID problem and at the same time we will begin to provide the user with the ability to use a personal template for the analysis and simulation of the desired asset. The materials presented here are for didactic purposes only and should in no way be considered as an application for any purpose other than studying and mastering the concepts presented.
Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) algorithm
The article is devoted to the AMO algorithm, which models the seasonal migration of animals in search of optimal conditions for life and reproduction. The main features of AMO include the use of topological neighborhood and a probabilistic update mechanism, which makes it easy to implement and flexible for various optimization tasks.
Creating an EMA Crossover Forward Simulation Indicator in MQL5
A custom forward simulation engine detects fast/slow EMA crossovers and immediately projects synthetic candles ahead of the signal bar. It generates bodies and wicks using controlled logic, draws them with chart objects, and refreshes on every new signal or anchor change. You get a clear forward-looking view to test timing, visualize scenarios, and manage invalidation on the chart.
Population optimization algorithms: Spiral Dynamics Optimization (SDO) algorithm
The article presents an optimization algorithm based on the patterns of constructing spiral trajectories in nature, such as mollusk shells - the spiral dynamics optimization (SDO) algorithm. I have thoroughly revised and modified the algorithm proposed by the authors. The article will consider the necessity of these changes.
Market Simulation (Part 21): First Steps with SQL (IV)
Many of you may have far more experience working with databases than I do, and therefore may have a different opinion. Since it was necessary to explain why databases are designed the way they are, and why SQL has the form it does—especially why primary and foreign keys emerged—some things had to remain somewhat abstract.
Developing a Replay System (Part 40): Starting the second phase (I)
Today we'll talk about the new phase of the replay/simulator system. At this stage, the conversation will become truly interesting and quite rich in content. I strongly recommend that you read the article carefully and use the links provided in it. This will help you understand the content better.
The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 8) : The Hybrid Trades Journal Logging with CFile
In this article, we explore the File Operations classes of the MQL5 Standard Library to build a robust reporting module that automatically generates Excel-ready CSV files. Along the way, we clearly distinguish between manually executed trades and algorithmically executed orders, laying the groundwork for reliable, auditable trade reporting.
Developing a Replay System (Part 43): Chart Trade Project (II)
Most people who want or dream of learning to program don't actually have a clue what they're doing. Their activity consists of trying to create things in a certain way. However, programming is not about tailoring suitable solutions. Doing it this way can create more problems than solutions. Here we will be doing something more advanced and therefore different.
Tabu Search (TS)
The article discusses the Tabu Search algorithm, one of the first and most well-known metaheuristic methods. We will go through the algorithm operation in detail, starting with choosing an initial solution and exploring neighboring options, with an emphasis on using a tabu list. The article covers the key aspects of the algorithm and its features.
Developing a Replay System (Part 46): Chart Trade Project (V)
Tired of wasting time searching for that very file that you application needs in order to work? How about including everything in the executable? This way you won't have to search for the things. I know that many people use this form of distribution and storage, but there is a much more suitable way. At least as far as the distribution of executable files and their storage is concerned. The method that will be presented here can be very useful, since you can use MetaTrader 5 itself as an excellent assistant, as well as MQL5. Furthermore, it is not that difficult to understand.
Population optimization algorithms: Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)
Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is a metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior and hunting strategies of humpback whales. The main idea of WOA is to mimic the so-called "bubble-net" feeding method, in which whales create bubbles around prey and then attack it in a spiral motion.
African Buffalo Optimization (ABO)
The article presents the African Buffalo Optimization (ABO) algorithm, a metaheuristic approach developed in 2015 based on the unique behavior of these animals. The article describes in detail the stages of the algorithm implementation and its efficiency in finding solutions to complex problems, which makes it a valuable tool in the field of optimization.
Developing a Replay System (Part 29): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (III)
After improving the C_Mouse class, we can focus on creating a class designed to create a completely new framework fr our analysis. We will not use inheritance or polymorphism to create this new class. Instead, we will change, or better said, add new objects to the price line. That's what we will do in this article. In the next one, we will look at how to change the analysis. All this will be done without changing the code of the C_Mouse class. Well, actually, it would be easier to achieve this using inheritance or polymorphism. However, there are other methods to achieve the same result.
Battle Royale Optimizer (BRO)
The article explores the Battle Royale Optimizer algorithm — a metaheuristic in which solutions compete with their nearest neighbors, accumulate “damage,” are replaced when a threshold is exceeded, and periodically shrink the search space around the current best solution. It presents both pseudocode and an MQL5 implementation of the CAOBRO class, including neighbor search, movement toward the best solution, and an adaptive delta interval. Test results on the Hilly, Forest, and Megacity functions highlight the strengths and limitations of the approach. The reader is provided with a ready-to-use foundation for experimentation and tuning key parameters such as popSize and maxDamage.
Developing a Replay System (Part 67): Refining the Control Indicator
In this article, we'll look at what can be achieved with a little code refinement. This refinement is aimed at simplifying our code, making more use of MQL5 library calls and, above all, making it much more stable, secure and easy to use in other projects that we may develop in the future.
Developing a Replay System (Part 69): Getting the Time Right (II)
Today we will look at why we need the iSpread feature. At the same time, we will understand how the system informs us about the remaining time of the bar when there is not a single tick available for it. 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.
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.
Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm (Part I): Process chemistry in optimization
In the first part of this article, we will dive into the world of chemical reactions and discover a new approach to optimization! Chemical reaction optimization (CRO) uses principles derived from the laws of thermodynamics to achieve efficient results. We will reveal the secrets of decomposition, synthesis and other chemical processes that became the basis of this innovative method.
Most notable Artificial Cooperative Search algorithm modifications (ACSm)
Here we will consider the evolution of the ACS algorithm: three modifications aimed at improving the convergence characteristics and the algorithm efficiency. Transformation of one of the leading optimization algorithms. From matrix modifications to revolutionary approaches regarding population formation.
Market Simulation (Part 19): First Steps with SQL (II)
As we explained in the first article about SQL, there is no point in spending time programming procedures to do what is already built into SQL. However, without knowing the basics, you won’t be able to do anything with SQL or take full advantage of everything this tool offers. Therefore, in this article, we will look at how to perform basic tasks in databases.
Market Simulation (Part 02): Cross Orders (II)
Unlike what was done in the previous article, here we will test the selection option using an Expert Advisor. Although this is not a final solution yet, it will be enough for now. With the help of this article, you will be able to understand how to implement one of the possible solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.