MQL4 and 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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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 65): Building an MQL5 System to Monitor and Analyze Manually Drawn Fibonacci Levels

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 65): Building an MQL5 System to Monitor and Analyze Manually Drawn Fibonacci Levels

The Fibonacci retracement tool is an essential component of price action analysis, providing critical levels for potential market reactions. However, its effectiveness is often limited by the need for continuous human monitoring, which can lead to missed setups. In this part of our series, we introduce a tool that synchronizes and actively monitors manually drawn Fibonacci levels using MQL5, combining discretionary insight with automated oversight.
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Triangular arbitrage with predictions

Triangular arbitrage with predictions

This article simplifies triangular arbitrage, showing you how to use predictions and specialized software to trade currencies smarter, even if you're new to the market. Ready to trade with expertise?
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 5): Volatility Navigator EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 5): Volatility Navigator EA

Determining market direction can be straightforward, but knowing when to enter can be challenging. As part of the series titled "Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development", I am excited to introduce another tool that provides entry points, take profit levels, and stop loss placements. To achieve this, we have utilized the MQL5 programming language. Let’s delve into each step in this article.
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Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 2): Building a Gauge-Style RSI Display with Canvas and Needle Mechanics

Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 2): Building a Gauge-Style RSI Display with Canvas and Needle Mechanics

In this article, we develop a gauge-style RSI indicator in MQL5 that visualizes Relative Strength Index values on a circular scale with a dynamic needle, color-coded ranges for overbought and oversold levels, and customizable legends. We utilize the Canvas class to draw elements like arcs, ticks, and pies, ensuring smooth updates on new RSI data.
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Fast trading strategy tester in Python using Numba

Fast trading strategy tester in Python using Numba

The article implements a fast strategy tester for machine learning models using Numba. It is 50 times faster than the pure Python strategy tester. The author recommends using this library to speed up mathematical calculations, especially the ones involving loops.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Integrating Chaos Theory into Time Series Forecasting (Attraos)

Neural Networks in Trading: Integrating Chaos Theory into Time Series Forecasting (Attraos)

The Attraos framework integrates chaos theory into long-term time series forecasting, treating them as projections of multidimensional chaotic dynamic systems. Exploiting attractor invariance, the model uses phase space reconstruction and dynamic multi-resolution memory to preserve historical structures.
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Population optimization algorithms: Monkey algorithm (MA)

Population optimization algorithms: Monkey algorithm (MA)

In this article, I will consider the Monkey Algorithm (MA) optimization algorithm. The ability of these animals to overcome difficult obstacles and get to the most inaccessible tree tops formed the basis of the idea of the MA algorithm.
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Creating an Interactive Graphical User Interface in MQL5 (Part 2): Adding Controls and Responsiveness

Creating an Interactive Graphical User Interface in MQL5 (Part 2): Adding Controls and Responsiveness

Enhancing the MQL5 GUI panel with dynamic features can significantly improve the trading experience for users. By incorporating interactive elements, hover effects, and real-time data updates, the panel becomes a powerful tool for modern traders.
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Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filtering (Part 1): Implementing Pre- and Post-News Windows in MQL5

Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filtering (Part 1): Implementing Pre- and Post-News Windows in MQL5

We build a calendar‑driven news filter entirely in MQL5, avoiding web requests and external DLLs. Part 1 covers loading and caching events, mapping them to symbols by currency, filtering by impact level, defining pre/post windows, and blocking new trades during active news, with optional pre‑news position closure. The result is a configurable, prop‑firm‑friendly control that reduces false pauses and protects entries during volatility.
Metalanguage of Graphical Lines-Requests. Trading and Qualified Trading Learning
Metalanguage of Graphical Lines-Requests. Trading and Qualified Trading Learning

Metalanguage of Graphical Lines-Requests. Trading and Qualified Trading Learning

The article describes a simple, accessible language of graphical trading requests compatible with traditional technical analysis. The attached Gterminal is a half-automated Expert Advisor using in trading results of graphical analysis. Better used for self-education and training of beginning traders.
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Raw Code Optimization and Tweaking for Improving Back-Test Results

Raw Code Optimization and Tweaking for Improving Back-Test Results

Enhance your MQL5 code by optimizing logic, refining calculations, and reducing execution time to improve back-test accuracy. Fine-tune parameters, optimize loops, and eliminate inefficiencies for better performance.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 18): Association rules

Neural networks made easy (Part 18): Association rules

As a continuation of this series of articles, let's consider another type of problems within unsupervised learning methods: mining association rules. This problem type was first used in retail, namely supermarkets, to analyze market baskets. In this article, we will talk about the applicability of such algorithms in trading.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 42): ADX Oscillator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 42): ADX Oscillator

The ADX is another relatively popular technical indicator used by some traders to gauge the strength of a prevalent trend. Acting as a combination of two other indicators, it presents as an oscillator whose patterns we explore in this article with the help of MQL5 wizard assembly and its support classes.
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From Novice to Expert: Automating Trade Discipline with an MQL5 Risk Enforcement EA

From Novice to Expert: Automating Trade Discipline with an MQL5 Risk Enforcement EA

For many traders, the gap between knowing a risk rule and following it consistently is where accounts go to die. Emotional overrides, revenge trading, and simple oversight can dismantle even the best strategy. Today, we will transform the MetaTrader 5 platform into an unwavering enforcer of your trading rules by developing a Risk Enforcement Expert Advisor. Join this discussion to find out more.
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StringFormat(). Review and ready-made examples

StringFormat(). Review and ready-made examples

The article continues the review of the PrintFormat() function. We will briefly look at formatting strings using StringFormat() and their further use in the program. We will also write templates to display symbol data in the terminal journal. The article will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 12): External Flow (III) TrendMap

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 12): External Flow (III) TrendMap

The flow of the market is determined by the forces between bulls and bears. There are specific levels that the market respects due to the forces acting on them. Fibonacci and VWAP levels are especially powerful in influencing market behavior. Join me in this article as we explore a strategy based on VWAP and Fibonacci levels for signal generation.
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From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (II)

From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (II)

Today, we take another step forward by integrating an external news API as the source of headlines for our News Headline EA. In this phase, we’ll explore various news sources—both established and emerging—and learn how to access their APIs effectively. We'll also cover methods for parsing the retrieved data into a format optimized for display within our Expert Advisor. Join the discussion as we explore the benefits of accessing news headlines and the economic calendar directly on the chart, all within a compact, non-intrusive interface.
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Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors With MQL5 And Python (Part II): Tuning Deep Neural Networks

Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors With MQL5 And Python (Part II): Tuning Deep Neural Networks

Machine learning models come with various adjustable parameters. In this series of articles, we will explore how to customize your AI models to fit your specific market using the SciPy library.
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Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filtering (Part 1): Implementing Pre- and Post-News Windows in MQL5

Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filtering (Part 1): Implementing Pre- and Post-News Windows in MQL5

We build a calendar‑driven news filter entirely in MQL5, avoiding web requests and external DLLs. Part 1 covers loading and caching events, mapping them to symbols by currency, filtering by impact level, defining pre/post windows, and blocking new trades during active news, with optional pre‑news position closure. The result is a configurable, prop‑firm‑friendly control that reduces false pauses and protects entries during volatility.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Let's continue creating the system and controls. Without the ability to control the service, it is difficult to move forward and improve the system.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 56): Using nuclear norm to drive research

Neural networks made easy (Part 56): Using nuclear norm to drive research

The study of the environment in reinforcement learning is a pressing problem. We have already looked at some approaches previously. In this article, we will have a look at yet another method based on maximizing the nuclear norm. It allows agents to identify environmental states with a high degree of novelty and diversity.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 9): Elevating News Interaction with a Dynamic Scrollbar and Polished Display

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 9): Elevating News Interaction with a Dynamic Scrollbar and Polished Display

In this article, we enhance the MQL5 Economic Calendar with a dynamic scrollbar for intuitive news navigation. We ensure seamless event display and efficient updates. We validate the responsive scrollbar and polished dashboard through testing.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 22): Leveraging Autoencoders Neural Networks for Smarter Trades by Moving from Noise to Signal

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 22): Leveraging Autoencoders Neural Networks for Smarter Trades by Moving from Noise to Signal

In the fast-paced world of financial markets, separating meaningful signals from the noise is crucial for successful trading. By employing sophisticated neural network architectures, autoencoders excel at uncovering hidden patterns within market data, transforming noisy input into actionable insights. In this article, we explore how autoencoders are revolutionizing trading practices, offering traders a powerful tool to enhance decision-making and gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic markets.
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Trading Insights Through Volume: Trend Confirmation

Trading Insights Through Volume: Trend Confirmation

The Enhanced Trend Confirmation Technique combines price action, volume analysis, and machine learning to identify genuine market movements. It requires both price breakouts and volume surges (50% above average) for trade validation, while using an LSTM neural network for additional confirmation. The system employs ATR-based position sizing and dynamic risk management, making it adaptable to various market conditions while filtering out false signals.
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Circle Search Algorithm (CSA)

Circle Search Algorithm (CSA)

The article presents a new metaheuristic optimization Circle Search Algorithm (CSA) based on the geometric properties of a circle. The algorithm uses the principle of moving points along tangents to find the optimal solution, combining the phases of global exploration and local exploitation.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 22): Unsupervised learning of recurrent models

Neural networks made easy (Part 22): Unsupervised learning of recurrent models

We continue to study unsupervised learning algorithms. This time I suggest that we discuss the features of autoencoders when applied to recurrent model training.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling
DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling

DoEasy. Controls (Part 32): Horizontal ScrollBar, mouse wheel scrolling

In the article, we will complete the development of the horizontal scrollbar object functionality. We will also make it possible to scroll the contents of the container by moving the scrollbar slider and rotating the mouse wheel, as well as make additions to the library, taking into account the new order execution policy and new runtime error codes in MQL5.
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Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part I): Creational Patterns

Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part I): Creational Patterns

There are methods that can be used to solve many problems that can be repeated. Once understand how to use these methods it can be very helpful to create your software effectively and apply the concept of DRY ((Do not Repeat Yourself). In this context, the topic of Design Patterns will serve very well because they are patterns that provide solutions to well-described and repeated problems.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 15): Linear System Identification

Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 15): Linear System Identification

Trading strategies may be challenging to improve because we often don’t fully understand what the strategy is doing wrong. In this discussion, we introduce linear system identification, a branch of control theory. Linear feedback systems can learn from data to identify a system’s errors and guide its behavior toward intended outcomes. While these methods may not provide fully interpretable explanations, they are far more valuable than having no control system at all. Let’s explore linear system identification and observe how it may help us as algorithmic traders to maintain control over our trading applications.
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From Novice to Expert: Reporting EA — Setting up the work flow

From Novice to Expert: Reporting EA — Setting up the work flow

Brokerages often provide trading account reports at regular intervals, based on a predefined schedule. These firms, through their API technologies, have access to your account activity and trading history, allowing them to generate performance reports on your behalf. Similarly, the MetaTrader 5 terminal stores detailed records of your trading activity, which can be leveraged using MQL5 to create fully customized reports and define personalized delivery methods.
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Neural Networks in Trading: An Ensemble of Agents with Attention Mechanisms (MASAAT)

Neural Networks in Trading: An Ensemble of Agents with Attention Mechanisms (MASAAT)

We introduce the Multi-Agent Self-Adaptive Portfolio Optimization Framework (MASAAT), which combines attention mechanisms and time series analysis. MASAAT generates a set of agents that analyze price series and directional changes, enabling the identification of significant fluctuations in asset prices at different levels of detail.
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Data label for time series mining (Part 3):Example for using label data

Data label for time series mining (Part 3):Example for using label data

This series of articles introduces several time series labeling methods, which can create data that meets most artificial intelligence models, and targeted data labeling according to needs can make the trained artificial intelligence model more in line with the expected design, improve the accuracy of our model, and even help the model make a qualitative leap!
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Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm (Part 3): Integration with the Strategy Tester - Overview (I).

Multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithm (Part 3): Integration with the Strategy Tester - Overview (I).

The multilayer perceptron is an evolution of the simple perceptron which can solve non-linear separable problems. Together with the backpropagation algorithm, this neural network can be effectively trained. In Part 3 of the Multilayer Perceptron and Backpropagation series, we'll see how to integrate this technique into the Strategy Tester. This integration will allow the use of complex data analysis aimed at making better decisions to optimize your trading strategies. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and problems of this technique.
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Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 4): Modularizing Code Functions for Enhanced Reusability

Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 4): Modularizing Code Functions for Enhanced Reusability

In this article, we refactor the existing code used for sending messages and screenshots from MQL5 to Telegram by organizing it into reusable, modular functions. This will streamline the process, allowing for more efficient execution and easier code management across multiple instances.
The Statistic Analysis of Market Movements and Their Prognoses
The Statistic Analysis of Market Movements and Their Prognoses

The Statistic Analysis of Market Movements and Their Prognoses

The present article contemplates the wide opportunities of the statistic approach to marketing. Unfortunately, beginner traders deliberately fail to apply the really mighty science of statistics. Meanwhile, it is the only thing they use subconsciously while analyzing the market. Besides, statistics can give answers to many questions.
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Mastering Kagi Charts in MQL5 (Part 2): Implementing Automated Kagi-Based Trading

Mastering Kagi Charts in MQL5 (Part 2): Implementing Automated Kagi-Based Trading

Learn how to build a complete Kagi-based trading Expert Advisor in MQL5, from signal construction to order execution, visual markers, and a three-stage trailing stop. Includes full code, testing results, and a downloadable set file.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 54): Using random encoder for efficient research (RE3)

Neural networks made easy (Part 54): Using random encoder for efficient research (RE3)

Whenever we consider reinforcement learning methods, we are faced with the issue of efficiently exploring the environment. Solving this issue often leads to complication of the algorithm and training of additional models. In this article, we will look at an alternative approach to solving this problem.
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Moving to MQL5 Algo Forge (Part 1): Creating the Main Repository

Moving to MQL5 Algo Forge (Part 1): Creating the Main Repository

When working on projects in MetaEditor, developers often face the need to manage code versions. MetaQuotes recently announced migration to GIT and the launch of MQL5 Algo Forge with code versioning and collaboration capabilities. In this article, we will discuss how to use the new and previously existing tools more efficiently.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 11): A Beginner's Guide to Working with Built-in Indicators in MQL5 (II)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 11): A Beginner's Guide to Working with Built-in Indicators in MQL5 (II)

Discover how to develop an Expert Advisor (EA) in MQL5 using multiple indicators like RSI, MA, and Stochastic Oscillator to detect hidden bullish and bearish divergences. Learn to implement effective risk management and automate trades with detailed examples and fully commented source code for educational purposes!
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 68): Price-Attached RSI Panel in MQL5

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 68): Price-Attached RSI Panel in MQL5

We present a chart-embedded RSI panel that removes the need for a separate window by attaching momentum directly to live price. The article explains the design and MQL5 code: real-time RSI retrieval, slope-based signal classification, and adaptive positioning. Traders get RSI value, state, and signal strength where decisions are made, improving clarity across timeframes.