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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Rope Indicator by Erik Nayman
Rope Indicator by Erik Nayman

Rope Indicator by Erik Nayman

The article reveals how the "Rope" indicator is created based on "The Small Encyclopedia of Trader" by Erik L. Nayman. This indicator shows the direction of the trend using the calculated values of bulls and bears over a specified period of time. The article also contains principles of creating and calculating indicators along with the examples of codes. Other subjects covered include building an Expert Advisor based on the indicator, and the optimization of external parameters.
Universal Oscillator with a GUI
Universal Oscillator with a GUI

Universal Oscillator with a GUI

The article describes the process of creation of a universal indicator based on all oscillators available in the terminal, with its own graphical interface. The GUI allows users to quickly and easily change settings of each oscillator straight from the chart window (without having to open its properties), as well as to compare their values and to select an optimal option for a specific task.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIII): Pending trading requests - closing positions under certain conditions
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIII): Pending trading requests - closing positions under certain conditions

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXXIII): Pending trading requests - closing positions under certain conditions

We continue the development of the library functionality featuring trading using pending requests. We have already implemented sending conditional trading requests for opening positions and placing pending orders. In the current article, we will implement conditional position closure – full, partial and closing by an opposite position.
MQL5 Cookbook: Implementing an Associative Array or a Dictionary for Quick Data Access
MQL5 Cookbook: Implementing an Associative Array or a Dictionary for Quick Data Access

MQL5 Cookbook: Implementing an Associative Array or a Dictionary for Quick Data Access

This article describes a special algorithm allowing to gain access to elements by their unique keys. Any base data type can be used as a key. For example it may be represented as a string or an integer variable. Such data container is commonly referred to as a dictionary or an associative array. It provides easier and more efficient way of problem solving.
Graphical Interfaces I: Functions for the Form Buttons and Deleting Interface Elements (Chapter 4)
Graphical Interfaces I: Functions for the Form Buttons and Deleting Interface Elements (Chapter 4)

Graphical Interfaces I: Functions for the Form Buttons and Deleting Interface Elements (Chapter 4)

In this article, we are going to continue developing the CWindow class by adding methods, which will allow managing the form by clicking on its controls. We will enable the program to be closed by a form button as well as implement a minimizing and maximizing feature for the form.
Custom indicators and infographics in CCanvas
Custom indicators and infographics in CCanvas

Custom indicators and infographics in CCanvas

The article considers new types of indicators with more complex structural implementation. It also describes the development of pseudo-3D indicator types and dynamic infographics.
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MQL5 Cookbook – Economic Calendar

MQL5 Cookbook – Economic Calendar

The article highlights the programming features of the Economic Calendar and considers creating a class for a simplified access to the calendar properties and receiving event values. Developing an indicator using CFTC non-commercial net positions serves as a practical example.
Graphical Interfaces III: Groups of Simple and Multi-Functional Buttons (Chapter 2)
Graphical Interfaces III: Groups of Simple and Multi-Functional Buttons (Chapter 2)

Graphical Interfaces III: Groups of Simple and Multi-Functional Buttons (Chapter 2)

The first chapter of the series was about simple and multi-functional buttons. The second article will be dedicated to groups of interconnected buttons that will allow the creation of elements in an application when a user can select one of the option out of a set (group).
On Methods of Technical Analysis and Market Forecasting
On Methods of Technical Analysis and Market Forecasting

On Methods of Technical Analysis and Market Forecasting

The article demonstrates the capabilities and potential of a well-known mathematical method coupled with visual thinking and an "out of the box" market outlook. On the one hand, it serves to attract the attention of a wide audience as it can get the creative minds to reconsider the trading paradigm as such. And on the other, it can give rise to alternative developments and program code implementations regarding a wide range of tools for analysis and forecasting.
Creating a trading robot for Moscow Exchange. Where to start?
Creating a trading robot for Moscow Exchange. Where to start?

Creating a trading robot for Moscow Exchange. Where to start?

Many traders on Moscow Exchange would like to automate their trading algorithms, but they do not know where to start. The MQL5 language offers a huge range of trading functions, and it additionally provides ready classes that help users to make their first steps in algo trading.
Error Handling and Logging in MQL5
Error Handling and Logging in MQL5

Error Handling and Logging in MQL5

This article focuses on general issues linked to handling software errors. Furthermore, the logging term is brought up and the examples of logging implementation with MQL5 tools are shown.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXVII): Working with trading requests - placing pending orders
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXVII): Working with trading requests - placing pending orders

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXVII): Working with trading requests - placing pending orders

In this article, we will continue the development of trading requests, implement placing pending orders and eliminate detected shortcomings of the trading class operation.
MQL5 Cookbook - Programming moving channels
MQL5 Cookbook - Programming moving channels

MQL5 Cookbook - Programming moving channels

This article presents a method of programming the equidistant channel system. Certain details of building such channels are being considered here. Channel typification is provided, and a universal type of moving channels' method is suggested. Object-oriented programming (OOP) is used for code implementation.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 37): Timeseries collection - database of timeseries by symbols and periods
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 37): Timeseries collection - database of timeseries by symbols and periods

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 37): Timeseries collection - database of timeseries by symbols and periods

The article deals with the development of the timeseries collection of specified timeframes for all symbols used in the program. We are going to develop the timeseries collection, the methods of setting collection's timeseries parameters and the initial filling of developed timeseries with historical data.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVII): Interactivity of library objects
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVII): Interactivity of library objects

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVII): Interactivity of library objects

In this article, we are going to finish the development of the base object of all library objects, so that any library object based on it is able to interact with a user. For example, users will be able to set the maximum acceptable size of a spread for opening a position and a price level, upon reaching which an event from a symbol object is sent to the program with the spread or price level-based signal.
Improving Panels: Adding transparency, changing background color and inheriting from CAppDialog/CWndClient
Improving Panels: Adding transparency, changing background color and inheriting from CAppDialog/CWndClient

Improving Panels: Adding transparency, changing background color and inheriting from CAppDialog/CWndClient

In this article, we continue studying the use of CAppDialog. Now we will learn how to set color for the background, borders and header of the dialog box. Also, this article provides a step-by-step description of how to add transparency for an application window when dragging it within the chart. We will consider how to create child classes of CAppDialog or CWndClient and analyze new specifics of working with controls. Finally, we will review new Projects from a new perspective.
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WebSockets for MetaTrader 5 — Using the Windows API

WebSockets for MetaTrader 5 — Using the Windows API

In this article, we will use the WinHttp.dll to create a WebSocket client for MetaTrader 5 programs. The client will ultimately be implemented as a class and also tested against the Deriv.com WebSocket API.
OOP in MQL5 by Example: Processing Warning and Error Codes
OOP in MQL5 by Example: Processing Warning and Error Codes

OOP in MQL5 by Example: Processing Warning and Error Codes

The article describes an example of creating a class for working with the trade server return codes and all the errors that occur during the MQL-program run. Read the article, and you will learn how to work with classes and objects in MQL5. At the same time, this is a convenient tool for handling errors; and you can further change this tool according to your specific needs.
Graphical Interfaces X: Updates for Easy And Fast Library (Build 2)
Graphical Interfaces X: Updates for Easy And Fast Library (Build 2)

Graphical Interfaces X: Updates for Easy And Fast Library (Build 2)

Since the publication of the previous article in the series, Easy And Fast library has received some new features. The library structure and code have been partially optimized slightly reducing CPU load. Some recurring methods in many control classes have been moved to the CElement base class.
Charts and diagrams in HTML
Charts and diagrams in HTML

Charts and diagrams in HTML

Today it is difficult to find a computer that does not have an installed web-browser. For a long time browsers have been evolving and improving. This article discusses the simple and safe way to create of charts and diagrams, based on the the information, obtained from MetaTrader 5 client terminal for displaying them in the browser.
Developing graphical interfaces based on .Net Framework and C# (part 2): Additional graphical elements
Developing graphical interfaces based on .Net Framework and C# (part 2): Additional graphical elements

Developing graphical interfaces based on .Net Framework and C# (part 2): Additional graphical elements

The article is a follow-up of the previous publication "Developing graphical interfaces for Expert Advisors and indicators based on .Net Framework and C#". It introduces new graphical elements for creating graphical interfaces.
An Insight Into Accumulation/Distribution And Where It Can Get You
An Insight Into Accumulation/Distribution And Where It Can Get You

An Insight Into Accumulation/Distribution And Where It Can Get You

The Accumulation/Distribution (A/D) Indicator has one interesting feature - a breakout of the trend line plotted in this indicator chart suggests, with a certain degree of probability, a forthcoming breakout of the trend line in the price chart. This article will be useful and interesting for those who are new to programming in MQL4. Having this in view, I have tried to present the information in an easy to grasp manner and use the simplest code structures.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIV): Base trading class - auto correction of invalid parameters
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIV): Base trading class - auto correction of invalid parameters

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XXIV): Base trading class - auto correction of invalid parameters

In this article, we will have a look at the handler of invalid trading order parameters and improve the trading event class. Now all trading events (both single ones and the ones occurred simultaneously within one tick) will be defined in programs correctly.
Easy Stock Market Trading with MetaTrader
Easy Stock Market Trading with MetaTrader

Easy Stock Market Trading with MetaTrader

This article raises the issues of automated trading on the stock market. Examples of MetaTrader 4 and QUIK integration are provided for your information. In addition to that, you can familiarize yourself with MetaTrader advantages aimed at solving this issue, and see how a trading robot can perform operations on MICEX.
Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding
Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding

Better Programmer (Part 06): 9 habits that lead to effective coding

It's not always all about writing the code that leads to effective coding. There are certain habits that I have found in my experience that lead to effective coding. We are going to discuss some of them in detail in this article. This is a must-read article for every programmer who wants to improve their ability to write complex algorithms with less hassle.
A Method of Drawing the Support/Resistance Levels
A Method of Drawing the Support/Resistance Levels

A Method of Drawing the Support/Resistance Levels

This article describes the process of creating a simple script for detecting the support/resistance levels. It is written for beginners, so you can find the detailed explanation of every stage of the process. However, though the script is very simple, the article will be also useful for advanced traders and the users of the MetaTrader 4 platform. It contains the examples of the data export into the tabular format, the import of the table to Microsoft Excel and plotting the charts for the further detailed analysis.
MQL5 Cookbook - Creating a ring buffer for fast calculation of indicators in a sliding window
MQL5 Cookbook - Creating a ring buffer for fast calculation of indicators in a sliding window

MQL5 Cookbook - Creating a ring buffer for fast calculation of indicators in a sliding window

The ring buffer is the simplest and the most efficient way to arrange data when performing calculations in a sliding window. The article describes the algorithm and shows how it simplifies calculations in a sliding window and makes them more efficient.
Graphical Interfaces X: Text Edit box, Picture Slider and simple controls (build 5)
Graphical Interfaces X: Text Edit box, Picture Slider and simple controls (build 5)

Graphical Interfaces X: Text Edit box, Picture Slider and simple controls (build 5)

This article will consider new controls: Text Edit box, Picture Slider, as well as additional simple controls: Text label and Picture. The library continues to grow, and in addition to introduction of new controls, the previously created ones are also being improved.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals

In the first part, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. We created the COrder abstract object which is a base object for storing data on history orders and deals, as well as on market orders and positions. Now we will develop all the necessary objects for storing account history data in collections.
An Expert Advisor Made to Order. Manual for a Trader
An Expert Advisor Made to Order. Manual for a Trader

An Expert Advisor Made to Order. Manual for a Trader

Not all traders are programmers. And not all of the programmers are really good ones. So, what should be done, if you need to automate your system by do not have time and desire to study MQL4?
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 35): Bar object and symbol timeseries list

This article starts a new series about the creation of the DoEasy library for easy and fast program development. In the current article, we will implement the library functionality for accessing and working with symbol timeseries data. We are going to create the Bar object storing the main and extended timeseries bar data, and place bar objects to the timeseries list for convenient search and sorting of the objects.
Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals
Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals

Prices and Signals in DoEasy library (Part 65): Depth of Market collection and the class for working with MQL5.com Signals

In this article, I will create the collection class of Depths of Market of all symbols and start developing the functionality for working with the MQL5.com Signals service by creating the signal object class.
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Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part III). Optimization and new tools

Manual charting and trading toolkit (Part III). Optimization and new tools

In this article, we will further develop the idea of drawing graphical objects on charts using keyboard shortcuts. New tools have been added to the library, including a straight line plotted through arbitrary vertices, and a set of rectangles that enable the evaluation of the reversal time and level. Also, the article shows the possibility to optimize code for improved performance. The implementation example has been rewritten, allowing the use of Shortcuts alongside other trading programs. Required code knowledge level: slightly higher than a beginner.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Custom Stops, Breakeven and Trailing
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Custom Stops, Breakeven and Trailing

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Custom Stops, Breakeven and Trailing

This article discusses how custom stop levels can be set up in a cross-platform expert advisor. It also discusses a closely-related method by which the evolution of a stop level over time can be defined.
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Using AutoIt With MQL5

Using AutoIt With MQL5

Short description. In this article we will explore scripting the MetraTrader 5 terminal by integrating MQL5 with AutoIt. In it we will cover how to automate various tasks by manipulating the terminals' user interface and also present a class that uses the AutoItX library.
Universal Expert Advisor: the Event Model and Trading Strategy Prototype (Part 2)
Universal Expert Advisor: the Event Model and Trading Strategy Prototype (Part 2)

Universal Expert Advisor: the Event Model and Trading Strategy Prototype (Part 2)

This article continues the series of publications on a universal Expert Advisor model. This part describes in detail the original event model based on centralized data processing, and considers the structure of the CStrategy base class of the engine.
MQL5 Cookbook: How to Avoid Errors When Setting/Modifying Trade Levels
MQL5 Cookbook: How to Avoid Errors When Setting/Modifying Trade Levels

MQL5 Cookbook: How to Avoid Errors When Setting/Modifying Trade Levels

In continuation of our work on the Expert Advisor from the previous article of the series called "MQL5 Cookbook: Analyzing Position Properties in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester", we will enhance it with a whole lot of useful functions, as well as improve and optimize the existing ones. The Expert Advisor will this time have external parameters that can be optimized in the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester and will in some ways resemble a simple trading system.
Another MQL5 OOP Class
Another MQL5 OOP Class

Another MQL5 OOP Class

This article shows you how to build an Object-Oriented Expert Advisor from scratch, from conceiving a theoretical trading idea to programming a MQL5 EA that makes that idea real in the empirical world. Learning by doing is IMHO a solid approach to succeed, so I am showing a practical example in order for you to see how you can order your ideas to finally code your Forex robots. My goal is also to invite you to adhere the OO principles.
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Multibot in MetaTrader: Launching multiple robots from a single chart

Multibot in MetaTrader: Launching multiple robots from a single chart

In this article, I will consider a simple template for creating a universal MetaTrader robot that can be used on multiple charts while being attached to only one chart, without the need to configure each instance of the robot on each individual chart.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 74): Basic graphical element powered by the CCanvas class

In this article, I will rework the concept of building graphical objects from the previous article and prepare the base class of all graphical objects of the library powered by the Standard Library CCanvas class.