Articles with MQL5 programming examples

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Access a huge collection of articles with code examples showing how to create indicators and trading robots for the MetaTrader platform in the MQL5 language. Source codes are attached to the articles, so you can open them in MetaEditor and run them to see how the applications work.

These articles will be useful both for those who have just started exploring automated trading and for professional traders with programming experience. They feature not only examples, but also contain new ideas.

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MQL5 Cookbook: Handling BookEvent
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling BookEvent

MQL5 Cookbook: Handling BookEvent

This article considers BookEvent - a Depth of Market event, and the principle of its processing. An MQL program, handling states of Depth of Market, serves as an example. It is written using the object-oriented approach. Results of handling are displayed on the screen as a panel and Depth of Market levels.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 36): Object of timeseries for all used symbol periods
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 36): Object of timeseries for all used symbol periods

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 36): Object of timeseries for all used symbol periods

In this article, we will consider combining the lists of bar objects for each used symbol period into a single symbol timeseries object. Thus, each symbol will have an object storing the lists of all used symbol timeseries periods.
An Example of Developing a Spread Strategy for Moscow Exchange Futures
An Example of Developing a Spread Strategy for Moscow Exchange Futures

An Example of Developing a Spread Strategy for Moscow Exchange Futures

The MetaTrader 5 platform allows developing and testing trading robots that simultaneously trade multiple financial instruments. The built-in Strategy Tester automatically downloads required tick history from the broker's server taking into account contract specifications, so the developer does not need to do anything manually. This makes it possible to easily and reliably reproduce trading environment conditions, including even millisecond intervals between the arrival of ticks on different symbols. In this article we will demonstrate the development and testing of a spread strategy on two Moscow Exchange futures.
Graphical Interfaces X: Sorting, rebuilding the table and controls in the cells (build 11)
Graphical Interfaces X: Sorting, rebuilding the table and controls in the cells (build 11)

Graphical Interfaces X: Sorting, rebuilding the table and controls in the cells (build 11)

We continue to add new features to the rendered table: data sorting, managing the number of columns and rows, setting the table cell types to place controls into them.
Custom Graphical Controls. Part 3. Forms
Custom Graphical Controls. Part 3. Forms

Custom Graphical Controls. Part 3. Forms

This is the last of the three articles devoted to graphical controls. It covers the creation of the main graphical interface component - the form - and its use in combination with other controls. In addition to the form classes, CFrame, CButton, CLabel classes have been added to the control library.
Promote Your Development Projects Using EX5 Libraries
Promote Your Development Projects Using EX5 Libraries

Promote Your Development Projects Using EX5 Libraries

Hiding of the implementation details of classes/functions in an .ex5 file will enable you to share your know-how algorithms with other developers, set up common projects and promote them in the Web. And while the MetaQuotes team spares no effort to bring about the possibility of direct inheritance of ex5 library classes, we are going to implement it right now.
Graphical Interfaces IX: The Color Picker Control (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces IX: The Color Picker Control (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces IX: The Color Picker Control (Chapter 1)

With this article we begin chapter nine of series of articles dedicated to creating graphical interfaces in MetaTrader trading terminals. It consists of two chapters where new elements of controls and interface, such as color picker, color button, progress bar and line chart are presented.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 44): Building a VWMA Crossover Signal EA in MQL5

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 44): Building a VWMA Crossover Signal EA in MQL5

This article introduces a VWMA crossover signal tool for MetaTrader 5, designed to help traders identify potential bullish and bearish reversals by combining price action with trading volume. The EA generates clear buy and sell signals directly on the chart, features an informative panel, and allows for full user customization, making it a practical addition to your trading strategy.
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Implementing an ARIMA training algorithm in MQL5

Implementing an ARIMA training algorithm in MQL5

In this article we will implement an algorithm that applies the Box and Jenkins Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model by using Powells method of function minimization. Box and Jenkins stated that most time series could be modeled by one or both of two frameworks.
MQL5 Cookbook: Analyzing Position Properties in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester
MQL5 Cookbook: Analyzing Position Properties in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester

MQL5 Cookbook: Analyzing Position Properties in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester

We will present a modified version of the Expert Advisor from the previous article "MQL5 Cookbook: Position Properties on the Custom Info Panel". Some of the issues we will address include getting data from bars, checking for new bar events on the current symbol, including a trade class of the Standard Library to a file, creating a function to search for trading signals and a function for executing trading operations, as well as determining trade events in the OnTrade() function.
Graphical Interfaces XI: Integrating the Standard Graphics Library (build 16)
Graphical Interfaces XI: Integrating the Standard Graphics Library (build 16)

Graphical Interfaces XI: Integrating the Standard Graphics Library (build 16)

A new version of the graphics library for creating scientific charts (the CGraphic class) has been presented recently. This update of the developed library for creating graphical interfaces will introduce a version with a new control for creating charts. Now it is even easier to visualize data of different types.
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How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 2): Indicator Signals: Multi Timeframe Parabolic SAR Indicator

How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 2): Indicator Signals: Multi Timeframe Parabolic SAR Indicator

The Multi-Currency Expert Advisor in this article is Expert Advisor or trading robot that can trade (open orders, close orders and manage orders for example: Trailing Stop Loss and Trailing Profit) for more than 1 symbol pair only from one symbol chart. This time we will use only 1 indicator, namely Parabolic SAR or iSAR in multi-timeframes starting from PERIOD_M15 to PERIOD_D1.
Graphical Interfaces V: The List View Element (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces V: The List View Element (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces V: The List View Element (Chapter 2)

In the previous chapter, we wrote classes for creating vertical and horizontal scrollbars. In this chapter, we will implement them. We will write a class for creating the list view element, a compound part of which will be a vertical scrollbar.
Prices in DoEasy library (Part 64): Depth of Market, classes of DOM snapshot and snapshot series objects
Prices in DoEasy library (Part 64): Depth of Market, classes of DOM snapshot and snapshot series objects

Prices in DoEasy library (Part 64): Depth of Market, classes of DOM snapshot and snapshot series objects

In this article, I will create two classes (the class of DOM snapshot object and the class of DOM snapshot series object) and test creation of the DOM data series.
Movement continuation model - searching on the chart and execution statistics
Movement continuation model - searching on the chart and execution statistics

Movement continuation model - searching on the chart and execution statistics

This article provides programmatic definition of one of the movement continuation models. The main idea is defining two waves — the main and the correction one. For extreme points, I apply fractals as well as "potential" fractals - extreme points that have not yet formed as fractals.
HTML Walkthrough Using MQL4
HTML Walkthrough Using MQL4

HTML Walkthrough Using MQL4

HTML is nowadays one of the wide-spread types of documents. MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal allows you to save statements, test and optimization reports as .htm files. It is sometimes necessary to get information from such files in an MQL4 program. The article describes one of variations of how to get the tag structure and contents from HTML.
Better programmer (Part 05): How to become a faster developer
Better programmer (Part 05): How to become a faster developer

Better programmer (Part 05): How to become a faster developer

Every developer wants to be able to write code faster, and being able to code faster and effective is not some kind of special ability that only a few people are born with. It's a skill that can be learned, that is what I'm trying to teach in this article.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 4): Dynamic Position Sizing

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 4): Dynamic Position Sizing

Successfully employing algorithmic trading requires continuous, interdisciplinary learning. However, the infinite range of possibilities can consume years of effort without yielding tangible results. To address this, we propose a framework that gradually introduces complexity, allowing traders to refine their strategies iteratively rather than committing indefinite time to uncertain outcomes.
Graphical Interfaces XI: Text edit boxes and Combo boxes in table cells (build 15)
Graphical Interfaces XI: Text edit boxes and Combo boxes in table cells (build 15)

Graphical Interfaces XI: Text edit boxes and Combo boxes in table cells (build 15)

In this update of the library, the Table control (the CTable class) will be supplemented with new options. The lineup of controls in the table cells is expanded, this time adding text edit boxes and combo boxes. As an addition, this update also introduces the ability to resize the window of an MQL application during its runtime.
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How to Integrate Smart Money Concepts (BOS) Coupled with the RSI Indicator into an EA

How to Integrate Smart Money Concepts (BOS) Coupled with the RSI Indicator into an EA

Smart Money Concept (Break Of Structure) coupled with the RSI Indicator to make informed automated trading decisions based on the market structure.
Equivolume Charting Revisited
Equivolume Charting Revisited

Equivolume Charting Revisited

The article dwells on the method of constructing charts, at which each bar consists of the equal number of ticks.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 86): Graphical object collection - managing property modification
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 86): Graphical object collection - managing property modification

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 86): Graphical object collection - managing property modification

In this article, I will consider tracking property value modification, as well as removing and renaming graphical objects in the library.
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The Inverse Fair Value Gap Trading Strategy

The Inverse Fair Value Gap Trading Strategy

An inverse fair value gap(IFVG) occurs when price returns to a previously identified fair value gap and, instead of showing the expected supportive or resistive reaction, fails to respect it. This failure can signal a potential shift in market direction and offer a contrarian trading edge. In this article, I'm going to introduce my self-developed approach to quantifying and utilizing inverse fair value gap as a strategy for MetaTrader 5 expert advisors.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 83): Class of the abstract standard graphical object
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 83): Class of the abstract standard graphical object

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 83): Class of the abstract standard graphical object

In this article, I will create the class of the abstract graphical object. This object is to serve as a basis for creating the class of standard graphical objects. Graphical objects feature multiple properties. Therefore, I will need to do a lot of preparatory work before actually creating the abstract graphical object class. This work includes setting the properties in the library enumerations.
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CGrid Class
Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CGrid Class

Using Layouts and Containers for GUI Controls: The CGrid Class

This article presents an alternative method of GUI creation based on layouts and containers, using one layout manager — the CGrid class. The CGrid class is an auxiliary control that acts as a container for other containers and controls using a grid layout.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 1): First steps

DoEasy. Controls (Part 1): First steps

This article starts an extensive topic of creating controls in Windows Forms style using MQL5. My first object of interest is creating the panel class. It is already becoming difficult to manage things without controls. Therefore, I will create all possible controls in Windows Forms style.
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Matrix and Vector operations in MQL5

Matrix and Vector operations in MQL5

Matrices and vectors have been introduced in MQL5 for efficient operations with mathematical solutions. The new types offer built-in methods for creating concise and understandable code that is close to mathematical notation. Arrays provide extensive capabilities, but there are many cases in which matrices are much more efficient.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 95): Composite graphical object controls
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 95): Composite graphical object controls

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 95): Composite graphical object controls

In this article, I will consider the toolkit for managing composite graphical objects - controls for managing an extended standard graphical object. Today, I will slightly digress from relocating a composite graphical object and implement the handler of change events on a chart featuring a composite graphical object. Besides, I will focus on the controls for managing a composite graphical object.
Drawing Indicator's Emissions in MQL5
Drawing Indicator's Emissions in MQL5

Drawing Indicator's Emissions in MQL5

In this article, we will consider the emission of indicators - a new approach to the market research. The calculation of emission is based on the intersection of different indicators: more and more points with different colors and shapes appear after each tick. They form numerous clusters like nebulae, clouds, tracks, lines, arcs, etc. These shapes help to detect the invisible springs and forces that affect the movement of market prices.
Optimization. A Few Simple Ideas
Optimization. A Few Simple Ideas

Optimization. A Few Simple Ideas

The optimization process can require significant resources of your computer or even of the MQL5 Cloud Network test agents. This article comprises some simple ideas that I use for work facilitation and improvement of the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester. I got these ideas from the documentation, forum and articles.
Effective Averaging Algorithms with Minimal Lag: Use in Indicators
Effective Averaging Algorithms with Minimal Lag: Use in Indicators

Effective Averaging Algorithms with Minimal Lag: Use in Indicators

The article describes custom averaging functions of higher quality developed by the author: JJMASeries(), JurXSeries(), JLiteSeries(), ParMASeries(), LRMASeries(), T3Series(). The article also deals with application of the above functions in indicators. The author introduces a rich indicators library based on the use of these functions.
Visual Optimization of Indicator and Signal Profitability
Visual Optimization of Indicator and Signal Profitability

Visual Optimization of Indicator and Signal Profitability

This article is a continuation and development of my previous article "Visual Testing of Profitability of Indicators and Alerts". Having added some interactivity to the parameter changing process and having reworked the study objectives, I have managed to get a new tool that does not only show the prospective trade results based on the signals used but also allows you to immediately get a layout of deals, balance chart and the end result of trading by moving virtual sliders that act as controls for signal parameter values in the main chart.
Custom Graphical Controls. Part 2. Control Library
Custom Graphical Controls. Part 2. Control Library

Custom Graphical Controls. Part 2. Control Library

The second article of the "Custom Graphical Controls" series introduces a control library for handling the main problems arising in interaction between a program (Expert Advisor, script, indicator) and a user. The library contains a great number of classes (CInputBox, CSpinInputBox, CCheckBox, CRadioGroup, CVSсrollBar, CHSсrollBar, CList, CListMS, CComBox, CHMenu, CVMenu, CHProgress, CDialer, CDialerInputBox, CTable) and examples of their use.
Recipes for Neuronets
Recipes for Neuronets

Recipes for Neuronets

The article is intended for beginners in baking "multi-layered" cakes.
Multiple Null Bar Re-Count in Some Indicators
Multiple Null Bar Re-Count in Some Indicators

Multiple Null Bar Re-Count in Some Indicators

The article is concerned with the problem of re-counting of the indicator value in the MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal when the null bar changes. It outlines general idea of how to add to the indicator code some extra program items that allow to restore program code saved before multiple re-counting.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 6): Experimenting with the neural network learning rate

Neural networks made easy (Part 6): Experimenting with the neural network learning rate

We have previously considered various types of neural networks along with their implementations. In all cases, the neural networks were trained using the gradient decent method, for which we need to choose a learning rate. In this article, I want to show the importance of a correctly selected rate and its impact on the neural network training, using examples.
Graphical Interfaces II: Setting Up the Event Handlers of the Library (Chapter 3)
Graphical Interfaces II: Setting Up the Event Handlers of the Library (Chapter 3)

Graphical Interfaces II: Setting Up the Event Handlers of the Library (Chapter 3)

The previous articles contain the implementation of the classes for creating constituent parts of the main menu. Now, it is time to take a close look at the event handlers in the principle base classes and in the classes of the created controls. We will also pay special attention to managing the state of the chart depending on the location of the mouse cursor.
Graphical Interfaces XI: Rendered controls (build 14.2)
Graphical Interfaces XI: Rendered controls (build 14.2)

Graphical Interfaces XI: Rendered controls (build 14.2)

In the new version of the library, all controls will be drawn on separate graphical objects of the OBJ_BITMAP_LABEL type. We will also continue to describe the optimization of code: changes in the core classes of the library will be discussed.
Creating Information Boards Using Standard Library Classes and Google Chart API
Creating Information Boards Using Standard Library Classes and Google Chart API

Creating Information Boards Using Standard Library Classes and Google Chart API

The MQL5 programming language primarily targets the creation of automated trading systems and complex instruments of technical analyses. But aside from this, it allows us to create interesting information systems for tracking market situations, and provides a return connection with the trader. The article describes the MQL5 Standard Library components, and shows examples of their use in practice for reaching these objectives. It also demonstrates an example of using Google Chart API for the creation of charts.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part VII): StopLimit order activation events, preparing the functionality for order and position modification events
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part VII): StopLimit order activation events, preparing the functionality for order and position modification events

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part VII): StopLimit order activation events, preparing the functionality for order and position modification events

In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the sixth part, we trained the library to work with positions on netting accounts. Here we will implement tracking StopLimit orders activation and prepare the functionality to track order and position modification events.