Articles on MetaTrader 5 integration using MQL5

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Traders meet interesting challenges which often require an innovative approach. This category features articles that offer the most unexpected solutions for evaluating, analyzing and processing price data and trading results. The articles describe various integration solutions, including connection of databases and ICQ, use of OpenCL and social networks, use of Delphi and C#.

Read on to learn how to use specialized mathematical and neural packages, and much more. Become an author and share unique ideas with the MQL5.community members.

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Integrating MQL-based Expert Advisors and databases (SQL Server, .NET and C#)
Integrating MQL-based Expert Advisors and databases (SQL Server, .NET and C#)

Integrating MQL-based Expert Advisors and databases (SQL Server, .NET and C#)

The article describes how to add the ability to work with Microsoft SQL Server database server to MQL5-based Expert Advisors. Import of functions from a DLL is used. The DLL is created using the Microsoft .NET platform and the C# language. The methods used in the article are also suitable for experts written in MQL4, with minor adjustments.
Deep Neural Networks (Part VII). Ensemble of neural networks: stacking
Deep Neural Networks (Part VII). Ensemble of neural networks: stacking

Deep Neural Networks (Part VII). Ensemble of neural networks: stacking

We continue to build ensembles. This time, the bagging ensemble created earlier will be supplemented with a trainable combiner — a deep neural network. One neural network combines the 7 best ensemble outputs after pruning. The second one takes all 500 outputs of the ensemble as input, prunes and combines them. The neural networks will be built using the keras/TensorFlow package for Python. The features of the package will be briefly considered. Testing will be performed and the classification quality of bagging and stacking ensembles will be compared.
How to create Requirements Specification for ordering a trading robot
How to create Requirements Specification for ordering a trading robot

How to create Requirements Specification for ordering a trading robot

Are you trading using your own strategy? If your system rules can be formally described as software algorithms, it is better to entrust trading to an automated Expert Advisor. A robot does not need sleep or food and is not subject to human weaknesses. In this article, we show how to create Requirements Specification when ordering a trading robot in the Freelance service.
Deep Neural Networks (Part VI). Ensemble of neural network classifiers: bagging
Deep Neural Networks (Part VI). Ensemble of neural network classifiers: bagging

Deep Neural Networks (Part VI). Ensemble of neural network classifiers: bagging

The article discusses the methods for building and training ensembles of neural networks with bagging structure. It also determines the peculiarities of hyperparameter optimization for individual neural network classifiers that make up the ensemble. The quality of the optimized neural network obtained in the previous article of the series is compared with the quality of the created ensemble of neural networks. Possibilities of further improving the quality of the ensemble's classification are considered.
ZUP - Universal ZigZag with Pesavento patterns. Search for patterns
ZUP - Universal ZigZag with Pesavento patterns. Search for patterns

ZUP - Universal ZigZag with Pesavento patterns. Search for patterns

The ZUP indicator platform allows searching for multiple known patterns, parameters for which have already been set. These parameters can be edited to suit your requirements. You can also create new patterns using the ZUP graphical interfaces and save their parameters to a file. After that you can quickly check, whether these new patterns can be found on charts.
Deep Neural Networks (Part V). Bayesian optimization of DNN hyperparameters
Deep Neural Networks (Part V). Bayesian optimization of DNN hyperparameters

Deep Neural Networks (Part V). Bayesian optimization of DNN hyperparameters

The article considers the possibility to apply Bayesian optimization to hyperparameters of deep neural networks, obtained by various training variants. The classification quality of a DNN with the optimal hyperparameters in different training variants is compared. Depth of effectiveness of the DNN optimal hyperparameters has been checked in forward tests. The possible directions for improving the classification quality have been determined.
Comparing speeds of self-caching indicators
Comparing speeds of self-caching indicators

Comparing speeds of self-caching indicators

The article compares the classic MQL5 access to indicators with alternative MQL4-style methods. Several varieties of MQL4-style access to indicators are considered: with and without the indicator handles caching. Considering the indicator handles inside the MQL5 core is analyzed as well.
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How to create a graphical panel of any complexity level

How to create a graphical panel of any complexity level

The article features a detailed explanation of how to create a panel on the basis of the CAppDialog class and how to add controls to the panel. It provides the description of the panel structure and a scheme, which shows the inheritance of objects. From this article, you will also learn how events are handled and how they are delivered to dependent controls. Additional examples show how to edit panel parameters, such as the size and the background color.
LifeHack for traders: Blending ForEach with defines (#define)
LifeHack for traders: Blending ForEach with defines (#define)

LifeHack for traders: Blending ForEach with defines (#define)

The article is an intermediate step for those who still writes in MQL4 and has no desire to switch to MQL5. We continue to search for opportunities to write code in MQL4 style. This time, we will look into the macro substitution of the #define preprocessor.
Controlled optimization: Simulated annealing
Controlled optimization: Simulated annealing

Controlled optimization: Simulated annealing

The Strategy Tester in the MetaTrader 5 trading platform provides only two optimization options: complete search of parameters and genetic algorithm. This article proposes a new method for optimizing trading strategies — Simulated annealing. The method's algorithm, its implementation and integration into any Expert Advisor are considered. The developed algorithm is tested on the Moving Average EA.
LifeHack for traders: Fast food made of indicators
LifeHack for traders: Fast food made of indicators

LifeHack for traders: Fast food made of indicators

If you have newly switched to MQL5, then this article will be useful. First, the access to the indicator data and series is done in the usual MQL4 style. Second, this entire simplicity is implemented in MQL5. All functions are as clear as possible and perfectly suited for step-by-step debugging.
Automatic Selection of Promising Signals
Automatic Selection of Promising Signals

Automatic Selection of Promising Signals

The article is devoted to the analysis of trading signals for the MetaTrader 5 platform, which enable the automated execution of trading operations on subscribers' accounts. Also, the article considers the development of tools, which help search for potentially promising trading signals straight from the terminal.
Creating a custom news feed for MetaTrader 5
Creating a custom news feed for MetaTrader 5

Creating a custom news feed for MetaTrader 5

In this article we look at the possibility of creating a flexible news feed that offers more options in terms of the type of news and also its source. The article will show how a web API can be integrated with the MetaTrader 5 terminal.
R-squared as an estimation of quality of the strategy balance curve
R-squared as an estimation of quality of the strategy balance curve

R-squared as an estimation of quality of the strategy balance curve

This article describes the construction of the custom optimization criterion R-squared. This criterion can be used to estimate the quality of a strategy's balance curve and to select the most smoothly growing and stable strategies. The work discusses the principles of its construction and statistical methods used in estimation of properties and quality of this metric.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: The CExpertAdvisor and CExpertAdvisors Classes
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: The CExpertAdvisor and CExpertAdvisors Classes

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: The CExpertAdvisor and CExpertAdvisors Classes

This article deals primarily with the classes CExpertAdvisor and CExpertAdvisors, which serve as the container for all the other components described in this article-series regarding cross-platform expert advisors.
Deep Neural Networks (Part IV). Creating, training and testing a model of neural network
Deep Neural Networks (Part IV). Creating, training and testing a model of neural network

Deep Neural Networks (Part IV). Creating, training and testing a model of neural network

This article considers new capabilities of the darch package (v.0.12.0). It contains a description of training of a deep neural networks with different data types, different structure and training sequence. Training results are included.
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.
Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction
Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction

Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction

This article is a continuation of the series of articles about deep neural networks. Here we will consider selecting samples (removing noise), reducing the dimensionality of input data and dividing the data set into the train/val/test sets during data preparation for training the neural network.
Using cloud storage services for data exchange between terminals
Using cloud storage services for data exchange between terminals

Using cloud storage services for data exchange between terminals

Cloud technologies are becoming more popular. Nowadays, we can choose between paid and free storage services. Is it possible to use them in trading? This article proposes a technology for exchanging data between terminals using cloud storage services.
Creating and testing custom symbols in MetaTrader 5
Creating and testing custom symbols in MetaTrader 5

Creating and testing custom symbols in MetaTrader 5

Creating custom symbols pushes the boundaries in the development of trading systems and financial market analysis. Now traders are able to plot charts and test trading strategies on an unlimited number of financial instruments.
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors

Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors

The second article of the series about deep neural networks will consider the transformation and choice of predictors during the process of preparing data for training a model.
Deep Neural Networks (Part I). Preparing Data
Deep Neural Networks (Part I). Preparing Data

Deep Neural Networks (Part I). Preparing Data

This series of articles continues exploring deep neural networks (DNN), which are used in many application areas including trading. Here new dimensions of this theme will be explored along with testing of new methods and ideas using practical experiments. The first article of the series is dedicated to preparing data for DNN.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Stops

This article discusses an implementation of stop levels in an expert advisor in order to make it compatible with the two platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Universal Expert Advisor: Accessing Symbol Properties (Part 8)
Universal Expert Advisor: Accessing Symbol Properties (Part 8)

Universal Expert Advisor: Accessing Symbol Properties (Part 8)

The eighth part of the article features the description of the CSymbol class, which is a special object that provides access to any trading instrument. When used inside an Expert Advisor, the class provides a wide set of symbol properties, while allowing to simplify Expert Advisor programming and to expand its functionality.
Creating Documentation Based on MQL5 Source Code
Creating Documentation Based on MQL5 Source Code

Creating Documentation Based on MQL5 Source Code

This article considers creation of documentation for MQL5 code starting with the automated markup of required tags. It also provides the description of how to use the Doxygen software, how to properly configure it and how to receive results in different formats, including html, HtmlHelp and PDF.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Time Filters
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Time Filters

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Time Filters

This article discusses the implementation of various methods of time filtering a cross-platform expert advisor. The time filter classes are responsible for checking whether or not a given time falls under a certain time configuration setting.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Money Management
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Money Management

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Money Management

This article discusses the implementation of money management method for a cross-platform expert advisor. The money management classes are responsible for the calculation of the lot size to be used for the next trade to be entered by the expert advisor.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Signals
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Signals

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Signals

This article discusses the CSignal and CSignals classes which will be used in cross-platform expert advisors. It examines the differences between MQL4 and MQL5 on how particular data needed for evaluation of trade signals are accessed to ensure that the code written will be compatible with both compilers.
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.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Order Manager
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Order Manager

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Order Manager

This article discusses the creation of an order manager for a cross-platform expert advisor. The order manager is responsible for the entry and exit of orders or positions entered by the expert, as well as for keeping an independent record of such trades that is usable for both versions.
Ready-made Expert Advisors from the MQL5 Wizard work in MetaTrader 4
Ready-made Expert Advisors from the MQL5 Wizard work in MetaTrader 4

Ready-made Expert Advisors from the MQL5 Wizard work in MetaTrader 4

The article offers a simple emulator of the MetaTrader 5 trading environment for MetaTrader 4. The emulator implements migration and adjustment of trade classes of the Standard Library. As a result, Expert Advisors generated in the MetaTrader 5 Wizard can be compiled and executed in MetaTrader 4 without changes.
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Visualize this! MQL5 graphics library similar to 'plot' of R language

Visualize this! MQL5 graphics library similar to 'plot' of R language

When studying trading logic, visual representation in the form of graphs is of great importance. A number of programming languages popular among the scientific community (such as R and Python) feature the special 'plot' function used for visualization. It allows drawing lines, point distributions and histograms to visualize patterns. In MQL5, you can do the same using the CGraphics class.
ZUP - universal ZigZag with Pesavento patterns. Graphical interface
ZUP - universal ZigZag with Pesavento patterns. Graphical interface

ZUP - universal ZigZag with Pesavento patterns. Graphical interface

Over the ten years since the release of the first version of the ZUP platform, it has undergone through multiple changes and improvements. As a result, now we have a unique graphical add-on for MetaTrader 4 allowing you to quickly and conveniently analyze market data. The article describes how to work with the graphical interface of the ZUP indicator platform.
Embed MetaTrader 4/5 WebTerminal on your website for free and make a profit
Embed MetaTrader 4/5 WebTerminal on your website for free and make a profit

Embed MetaTrader 4/5 WebTerminal on your website for free and make a profit

Traders are well familiar with the WebTerminal, which allows trading on financial markets straight from the browser. Add the WebTerminal widget to your website — you can do it absolutely free. If you have a website, you can start selling leads to brokers — we have prepared a ready-to-use web-based solution for you. All you need to do is embed one iframe into your website.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Orders
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Orders

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Orders

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 uses different conventions in processing trade requests. This article discusses the possibility of using a class object that can be used to represent the trades processed by the server, in order for a cross-platform expert advisor to further work on them, regardless of the version of the trading platform and mode being used.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Reuse of Components from the MQL5 Standard Library

There exists some components in the MQL5 Standard Library that may prove to be useful in the MQL4 version of cross-platform expert advisors. This article deals with a method of making certain components of the MQL5 Standard Library compatible with the MQL4 compiler.
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Introduction
Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Introduction

Cross-Platform Expert Advisor: Introduction

This article details a method by which cross-platform expert advisors can be developed faster and easier. The proposed method consolidates the features shared by both versions into a single class, and splits the implementation on derived classes for incompatible features.
Working with sockets in MQL, or How to become a signal provider
Working with sockets in MQL, or How to become a signal provider

Working with sockets in MQL, or How to become a signal provider

Sockets… What in our IT world could possibly exist without them? Dating back to 1982, and hardly changed up to the present time, they smoothly work for us every second. This is the foundation of network, the nerve endings of the Matrix we all live in.
Regular expressions for traders
Regular expressions for traders

Regular expressions for traders

A regular expression is a special language for handling texts by applying a specified rule, also called a regex or regexp for short. In this article, we are going to show how to handle a trade report with the RegularExpressions library for MQL5, and will also demonstrate the optimization results after using it.
How to create bots for Telegram in MQL5
How to create bots for Telegram in MQL5

How to create bots for Telegram in MQL5

This article contains step-by-step instructions for creating bots for Telegram in MQL5. This information may prove useful for users who wish to synchronize their trading robot with a mobile device. There are samples of bots in the article that provide trading signals, search for information on websites, send information about the account balance, quotes and screenshots of charts to you smart phone.