MQL5 Programming Articles

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Study the MQL5 language for programming trading strategies in numerous published articles mostly written by you - the community members. The articles are grouped into categories to help you quicker find answers to any questions related to programming: Integration, Tester, Trading Strategies, etc.

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How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange
How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange

How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange

The article delves into the trading methods ensuring the security of trading operations at the stock and low-liquidity markets through the example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. It brings practical approach to the trading theory described in the article "Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market".
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 7): Adding Volume at Price (I)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 7): Adding Volume at Price (I)

This is one of the most powerful indicators currently existing. Anyone who trades trying to have a certain degree of confidence must have this indicator on their chart. Most often the indicator is used by those who prefer “tape reading” while trading. Also, this indicator can be utilized by those who use only Price Action while trading.
Graphical Interfaces X: Time control, List of checkboxes control and table sorting (build 6)
Graphical Interfaces X: Time control, List of checkboxes control and table sorting (build 6)

Graphical Interfaces X: Time control, List of checkboxes control and table sorting (build 6)

Development of the library for creating graphical interfaces continues. The Time and List of checkboxes controls will be covered this time. In addition, the CTable class now provides the ability to sort data in ascending or descending order.
Graphical Interfaces VII: the Tables Controls (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces VII: the Tables Controls (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces VII: the Tables Controls (Chapter 1)

The seventh part of the series on MetaTrader graphical interfaces deals with three table types: text label, edit box and rendered one. Another important and frequently used controls are tabs allowing you to show/hide groups of other controls and develop space effective interfaces in your MQL applications.
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.
Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results
Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results

Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results

In this article, we consider the creation of an interactive graphical interface for an MQL program, which is designed for the processing of account history and trading reports using OLAP techniques. To obtain a visual result, we will use maximizable and scalable windows, an adaptive layout of rubber controls and a new control for displaying diagrams. To provide the visualization functionality, we will implement a GUI with the selection of variables along coordinate axes, as well as with the selection of aggregate functions, diagram types and sorting options.
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Multiple indicators on one chart (Part 01): Understanding the concepts

Multiple indicators on one chart (Part 01): Understanding the concepts

Today we will learn how to add multiple indicators running simultaneously on one chart, but without occupying a separate area on it. Many traders feel more confident if they monitor multiple indicators at a time (for example, RSI, STOCASTIC, MACD, ADX and some others), or in some cases even at different assets which an index is made of.
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Data Science and Machine Learning — Neural Network (Part 02): Feed forward NN Architectures Design

Data Science and Machine Learning — Neural Network (Part 02): Feed forward NN Architectures Design

There are minor things to cover on the feed-forward neural network before we are through, the design being one of them. Let's see how we can build and design a flexible neural network to our inputs, the number of hidden layers, and the nodes for each of the network.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 12): Dropout

Neural networks made easy (Part 12): Dropout

As the next step in studying neural networks, I suggest considering the methods of increasing convergence during neural network training. There are several such methods. In this article we will consider one of them entitled Dropout.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Fractals

Learn how to design a trading system by Fractals

This article is a new one from our series about how to design a trading system based on the most popular technical indicators. We will learn a new indicator which Fractals indicator and we will learn how to design a trading system based on it to be executed in the MetaTrader 5 terminal.
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters
MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters

MQL5 Cookbook: Developing a Multi-Currency Expert Advisor with Unlimited Number of Parameters

In this article, we will create a pattern that uses a single set of parameters for optimization of a trading system, while allowing for unlimited number of parameters. The list of symbols will be created in a standard text file (*.txt). Input parameters for each symbol will also be stored in files. This way we will be able to circumvent the restriction of the terminal on the number of input parameters of an Expert Advisor.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 01): Linear Regression

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 01): Linear Regression

It's time for us as traders to train our systems and ourselves to make decisions based on what number says. Not on our eyes, and what our guts make us believe, this is where the world is heading so, let us move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.
Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market
Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market

Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market

This article describes the theory of exchange pricing and clearing specifics of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. This is a comprehensive article for beginners who want to get their first exchange experience on derivatives trading, as well as for experienced forex traders who are considering trading on a centralized exchange platform.
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Learn how to design a trading system by MFI

Learn how to design a trading system by MFI

The new article from our series about designing a trading system based on the most popular technical indicators considers a new technical indicator - the Money Flow Index (MFI). We will learn it in detail and develop a simple trading system by means of MQL5 to execute it in MetaTrader 5.
Drawing Channels - Inside and Outside View
Drawing Channels - Inside and Outside View

Drawing Channels - Inside and Outside View

I guess it won't be an exaggeration, if I say the channels are the most popular tool for the analysis of market and making trade decisions after the moving averages. Without diving deeply into the mass of trade strategies that use channels and their components, we are going to discuss the mathematical basis and the practical implementation of an indicator, which draws a channel determined by three extremums on the screen of the client terminal.
Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)
Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)

Graphical Interfaces II: The Main Menu Element (Chapter 4)

This is the final chapter of the second part of the series about graphical interfaces. Here, we are going to consider the creation of the main menu. The development of this control and setting up handlers of the library classes for correct reaction to the user's actions will be demonstrated here. We will also discuss how to attach context menus to the items of the main menu. Adding to that, we will mention blocking currently inactive elements.
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Trade Events in MetaTrader 5

Trade Events in MetaTrader 5

A monitoring of the current state of a trade account implies controlling open positions and orders. Before a trade signal becomes a deal, it should be sent from the client terminal as a request to the trade server, where it will be placed in the order queue awaiting to be processed. Accepting of a request by the trade server, deleting it as it expires or conducting a deal on its basis - all those actions are followed by trade events; and the trade server informs the terminal about them.
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

A logical continuation of the earlier discussed topic would be the development of multifunctional mathematical models for trading tasks. In this article, I will describe the entire process related to the development of the first mathematical model describing fractals, from scratch. This model should become an important building block and be multifunctional and universal. It will build up our theoretical basis for further development of this idea.
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Risk and capital management using Expert Advisors

Risk and capital management using Expert Advisors

This article is about what you can not see in a backtest report, what you should expect using automated trading software, how to manage your money if you are using expert advisors, and how to cover a significant loss to remain in the trading activity when you are using automated procedures.
Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor
Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor

Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor

Just over a year ago joo, in his article "Genetic Algorithms - It's Easy!", gave us a tool for implementation of the genetic algorithm in MQL5. Now utilizing the tool we will create an Expert Advisor that will genetically optimize its own parameters upon certain boundary conditions...
Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification
Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification

Creating and Publishing of Trade Reports and SMS Notification

Traders don't always have ability and desire to seat at the trading terminal for hours. Especially, if trading system is more or less formalized and can automatically identify some of the market states. This article describes how to generate a report of trade results (using Expert Advisor, Indicator or Script) as HTML-file and upload it via FTP to WWW-server. We will also consider sending notification of trade events as SMS to mobile phone.
Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5
Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5

Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5

The article implements an MQL application with a graphical interface for extended visualization of the optimization process. The graphical interface applies the last version of EasyAndFast library. Many users may ask why they need graphical interfaces in MQL applications. This article demonstrates one of multiple cases where they can be useful for traders.
MQL Parsing by Means of MQL
MQL Parsing by Means of MQL

MQL Parsing by Means of MQL

The article describes a preprocessor, a scanner, and a parser to be used in parsing the MQL-based source codes. MQL implementation is attached.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part X): Compatibility with MQL4 - Events of opening a position and activating pending orders
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part X): Compatibility with MQL4 - Events of opening a position and activating pending orders

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part X): Compatibility with MQL4 - Events of opening a position and activating pending orders

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 ninth part, we started improving the library classes for working with MQL4. Here we will continue improving the library to ensure its full compatibility with MQL4.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 8): Attention mechanisms

Neural networks made easy (Part 8): Attention mechanisms

In previous articles, we have already tested various options for organizing neural networks. We also considered convolutional networks borrowed from image processing algorithms. In this article, I suggest considering Attention Mechanisms, the appearance of which gave impetus to the development of language models.
The market and the physics of its global patterns
The market and the physics of its global patterns

The market and the physics of its global patterns

In this article, I will try to test the assumption that any system with even a small understanding of the market can operate on a global scale. I will not invent any theories or patterns, but I will only use known facts, gradually translating these facts into the language of mathematical analysis.
Using the TesterWithdrawal() Function for Modeling the Withdrawals of Profit
Using the TesterWithdrawal() Function for Modeling the Withdrawals of Profit

Using the TesterWithdrawal() Function for Modeling the Withdrawals of Profit

This article describes the usage of the TesterWithDrawal() function for estimating risks in trade systems which imply the withdrawing of a certain part of assets during their operation. In addition, it describes the effect of this function on the algorithm of calculation of the drawdown of equity in the strategy tester. This function is useful when optimizing parameter of your Expert Advisors.
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Take a few lessons from Prop Firms (Part 1) — An introduction

Take a few lessons from Prop Firms (Part 1) — An introduction

In this introductory article, I address a few of the lessons one can take from the challenge rules that proprietary trading firms implement. This is especially relevant for beginners and those who struggle to find their footing in this world of trading. The subsequent article will address the code implementation.
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Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 6): Auto optimizer's logical part and structure

Continuous Walk-Forward Optimization (Part 6): Auto optimizer's logical part and structure

We have previously considered the creation of automatic walk-forward optimization. This time, we will proceed to the internal structure of the auto optimizer tool. The article will be useful for all those who wish to further work with the created project and to modify it, as well as for those who wish to understand the program logic. The current article contains UML diagrams which present the internal structure of the project and the relationships between objects. It also describes the process of optimization start, but it does not contain the description of the optimizer implementation process.
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling Typical Chart Events
MQL5 Cookbook: Handling Typical Chart Events

MQL5 Cookbook: Handling Typical Chart Events

This article considers typical chart events and includes examples of their processing. We will focus on mouse events, keystrokes, creation/modification/removal of a graphical object, mouse click on a chart and on a graphical object, moving a graphical object with a mouse, finish editing of text in a text field, as well as on chart modification events. A sample of an MQL5 program is provided for each type of event considered.
Creating Non-Lagging Digital Filters
Creating Non-Lagging Digital Filters

Creating Non-Lagging Digital Filters

The article describes one of the approaches to determining a useful signal (trend) in stream data. Small filtering (smoothing) tests applied to market quotes demonstrate the potential for creating non-lagging digital filters (indicators) that are not redrawn on the last bars.
Guide to writing a DLL for MQL5 in Delphi
Guide to writing a DLL for MQL5 in Delphi

Guide to writing a DLL for MQL5 in Delphi

The article examines the mechanism of creating a DLL module, using the popular programming language of ObjectPascal, within a Delphi programming environment. The materials, provided in this article, are designed to primarily target beginner programmers, who are working with problems, which breach the boundaries of the embedded programming language of MQL5, by connecting the outside DLL modules.
Interview with Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf)
Interview with Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf)

Interview with Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf)

Having a female member on the MQL5.community is rare. This interview was inspired by a one of a kind case. Irina Korobeinikova (irishka.rf) is a fifteen-year-old programmer from Izhevsk. She is currently the only girl who actively participates in the "Jobs" service and is featured on the Top Developers list.
LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one
LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one

LifeHack for trader: four backtests are better than one

Before the first single test, every trader faces the same question — "Which of the four modes to use?" Each of the provided modes has its advantages and features, so we will do it the easy way - run all four modes at once with a single button! The article shows how to use the Win API and a little magic to see all four testing chart at the same time.
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Can Heiken-Ashi Combined With Moving Averages Provide Good Signals Together?

Can Heiken-Ashi Combined With Moving Averages Provide Good Signals Together?

Combinations of strategies may offer better opportunities. We can combine indicators or patterns together, or even better, indicators with patterns, so that we get an extra confirmation factor. Moving averages help us confirm and ride the trend. They are the most known technical indicators and this is because of their simplicity and their proven track record of adding value to analyses.
Interview with Dmitry Terentew (ATC 2012)
Interview with Dmitry Terentew (ATC 2012)

Interview with Dmitry Terentew (ATC 2012)

Is it really necessary to be a programmer to develop trading robots? Do we need to spend years monitoring price charts to be able to "feel" the market? All these issues have been discussed in our interview with Dmitry Terentew (SAFF), whose trading robot has been occupying the first page of the Championship from the very beginning.
Market math: profit, loss and costs
Market math: profit, loss and costs

Market math: profit, loss and costs

In this article, I will show you how to calculate the total profit or loss of any trade, including commission and swap. I will provide the most accurate mathematical model and use it to write the code and compare it with the standard. Besides, I will also try to get on the inside of the main MQL5 function to calculate profit and get to the bottom of all the necessary values from the specification.
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The RSI Deep Three Move Trading Technique

The RSI Deep Three Move Trading Technique

Presenting the RSI Deep Three Move Trading Technique in MetaTrader 5. This article is based on a new series of studies that showcase a few trading techniques based on the RSI, a technical analysis indicator used to measure the strength and momentum of a security, such as a stock, currency, or commodity.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XII): Account object class and collection of account objects
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XII): Account object class and collection of account objects

Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XII): Account object class and collection of account objects

In the previous article, we defined position closure events for MQL4 in the library and got rid of the unused order properties. Here we will consider the creation of the Account object, develop the collection of account objects and prepare the functionality for tracking account events.
Graphical Interfaces V: The Vertical and Horizontal Scrollbar (Chapter 1)
Graphical Interfaces V: The Vertical and Horizontal Scrollbar (Chapter 1)

Graphical Interfaces V: The Vertical and Horizontal Scrollbar (Chapter 1)

We are still discussing the development of the library for creating graphical interfaces in the MetaTrader environment. In the first article of the fifth part of the series, we will write classes for creating vertical and horizontal scrollbars.