Beginner Question About Learning MQL5 & Building First EA

Osmar Sandoval Espinosa 2026.03.31 19:11 #1

I'll recommend Rene Balke channel on Youtube, he has very interesting tutorials...

Then trying to code an strategy and optimizing.

Ryan L Johnson 2026.03.31 19:53 #2

Hellen charless:
Should I focus on learning MQL5 syntax first, or start by modifying existing code from the CodeBase?

Personally, I started out by modifying MQL4 codes written by others decades ago. Then, I bought a book which eased my transition over to MQL5. MQL5 is much less like the old MQL4 today, so that path ceases to exist. If I were new today, I would likely start by reading the free MQL5 programming book:

MQL5 Programming for Traders – MetaTrader 5 algorithmic/automatic trading language manual

with code examples at:

MQL5Book / README.md at main - Marsel - MQL5 Algo Forge

Hellen charless:
What are the most common mistakes beginners make when creating their first EA?

The most common mistake when I started was copying and pasting code about which I had zero knowledge at that time. Today, the most common mistake is likely relying on AI-generated code─again, about which the user has no knowledge. Without at least basic code knowledge, you can't really inspect the code for logic flaws, hard errors, nor correct them... assuming that you can even adapt the code for your particular purpose.

Hellen charless:
Is it better to start with a simple strategy (like moving averages), or try something more advanced from the beginning?

That's a great way to start. A simple moving averages strategy will be easy to confirm proper operation thereof and/or troubleshoot. Implementing the MQL5 standard iMA() function will introduce you to indicator handles, CopyBuffer(), and arrays. A similar protocol is used for custom indicators by way of the MQL5 standard iCustom() function. Almost everyone codes their first EA this way.

Sound alert MQL4 Timeframe Dataset Question Discussion of article "Introduction

Pasi Hakamaki 2026.03.31 19:55 #3

Hellen charless:

Hello everyone,

I’m relatively new to the MQL5 community and have recently started exploring algorithmic trading. From what I understand, MQL5 is a powerful language used to develop trading robots, indicators, and automated strategies within MetaTrader 5 .

I’m currently at the learning stage and trying to figure out the best approach to build my first simple Expert Advisor (EA). There are a lot of tutorials out there, but I’m not sure which path is the most practical for beginners.

I would really appreciate some guidance from experienced members:

Should I focus on learning MQL5 syntax first, or start by modifying existing code from the CodeBase?
What are the most common mistakes beginners make when creating their first EA?
Is it better to start with a simple strategy (like moving averages), or try something more advanced from the beginning?

I’m genuinely interested in learning properly and not just copying code without understanding it. Any advice, resources, or personal experiences would mean a lot.

Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to learning from this community 🙌

When I first started learning I found out the best way was to start with super simple examples and uset the debuger to go the code through line by line. It really helped me understand some of the basics. Here is an older thread I made back then: https://www.mql5.com/en/forum/10481

Simple calculating candle stats

2013.02.04
www.mql5.com

Hi, My first post, just joined the forums...

I really want to Problems checking for open How do I learn

Thomas Eduard Van Der Jagt 2026.03.31 23:30 #4

Hellen charless:

Hello everyone,

I’m relatively new to the MQL5 community and have recently started exploring algorithmic trading. From what I understand, MQL5 is a powerful language used to develop trading robots, indicators, and automated strategies within MetaTrader 5 .

I’m currently at the learning stage and trying to figure out the best approach to build my first simple Expert Advisor (EA). There are a lot of tutorials out there, but I’m not sure which path is the most practical for beginners.

I would really appreciate some guidance from experienced members:

Should I focus on learning MQL5 syntax first, or start by modifying existing code from the CodeBase?
What are the most common mistakes beginners make when creating their first EA?
Is it better to start with a simple strategy (like moving averages), or try something more advanced from the beginning?

I’m genuinely interested in learning properly and not just copying code without understanding it. Any advice, resources, or personal experiences would mean a lot.

Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to learning from this community 🙌

Hi and welcome!

Great to see you taking the time to actually understand things instead of just copying code, that will pay off a lot in the long run.

To your questions:

1. Syntax vs modifying existing code
Do both, but don’t stay too long in “just reading syntax.” The best way is:

learn the basics (variables, conditions, loops, functions)
then quickly move to modifying simple EAs from the CodeBase

You’ll learn much faster by breaking and fixing things than by only studying.

2. Common beginner mistakes

Overcomplicating the first EA
Ignoring risk management (this is a big one)
Not understanding how the backtester works
Writing code without logging/debugging (use Print() a lot)
Thinking a strategy is profitable too quickly based on small tests

3. Simple vs advanced strategy
Start very simple. For example:

Moving average crossover
Simple breakout
Basic RSI logic

Not because they’re “good strategies,” but because they teach you:

order execution
conditions
debugging
structure of an EA

Once you understand those, you can build anything more advanced on top.

One extra tip:

Try to fully understand one small EA from start to finish (every line). That’s way more valuable than looking at 10 complex ones.

You’re already on the right track with your mindset, keep it up 👍

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