MQL and Visual Studio integration

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[Deleted] 2012.11.12 08:47

Is there a way to create expert advisors in Visual Studio ?

I wish there was a plugin that allows syntax highlighting, debugging etc.

I've found some libraries which allow coding expert advisors in C#, but it's not exactly MQL.

If I choose to use C# for doing the job, which solution is the best ?

So far I've tried http://www.nquotes.net and http://tradeplatform.codeplex.com

Which version of Visual Studio C++ to download for : 1 - Learn the syntax of C + + and try to use my new knowledge in MetaEditor. 2 - Maybe develop C + + code in Visual Studio and then use it in MetaTrader 4.
[WARNING CLOSED!] Any newbie question, so as not to clutter up the forum. Professionals, don't go by. Can't go anywhere without you.
new Compiler

William Roeder 2012.11.12 13:14 #1

There is no debugging in mql4. All you have is Print, and logging via debug view

/** Log
* send information to OutputDebugString() to be viewed and logged by
* SysInternal's DebugView (free download from microsoft) This is ideal for
* debugging as an alternative to Print(). The function will take up to 10
* stringa (or numeric) arguments to be concatenated into one debug message.
//*/
#import "kernel32.dll"
   void OutputDebugStringA(string msg);
#import
void Log(string s1,    string s2="", string s3="", string s4="", string s5="",
         string s6="", string s7="", string s8="", string s9="", string s10=""){
    if (IsDllsAllowed()){
        string out  = WindowExpertName() + ": "
                    + s1 + s2 + s3 + s4 + s5 + s6 + s7 + s8 + s9 + s10;
        OutputDebugStringA(out);
    }
}

You can also pause the tester using

#include <WinUser32.mqh>
#import "user32.dll"
  int GetAncestor(int, int);
#import
void PauseTest(){   datetime now = TimeCurrent();   static datetime oncePerTick;
    if( oncePerTick != now  )if( IsTesting()
    )if( IsVisualMode()     )if( IsDllsAllowed()    ){  oncePerTick = now;
        for(int i=0; i<200000; i++){        // Delay required for speed=32 (max)
            if (IsStopped()) break;         // https://forum.mql4.com/32837 WH-DL
            int main = GetAncestor(WindowHandle(Symbol(), Period()), 2);//GA_ROOT
            if (i==0) PostMessageA(main, WM_COMMAND, 0x57a, 0); // 1402. Pause
    }   }
    // The PostMessage above sends the command to the main terminal. Thus it
    // only affects the active chart window. To maximize a window for example
    // must activate it first. https://forum.mql4.com/35336#538848
    // See also SetForgroundWindow(h) https://www.mql5.com/en/code/10146
}

I use Notepad2 for syntax highlighting. Others recommend notepad++.

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