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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Adaptive Malaysian Engulfing Indicator (Part 1): Pattern Detection and Retest Validation

Adaptive Malaysian Engulfing Indicator (Part 1): Pattern Detection and Retest Validation

Implement the Malaysian Engulfing concept in MQL5 with two coordinated indicators. One applies strict, body‑based engulfing rules for precise pattern detection; the other uses a state-driven model to monitor what follows—pullbacks and timed retests—directly on the chart. The result is a repeatable, rule-based workflow that replaces visual guesswork with programmable logic.
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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.
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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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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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.
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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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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 15): Introducing Quarters Theory (I) — Quarters Drawer Script

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 15): Introducing Quarters Theory (I) — Quarters Drawer Script

Points of support and resistance are critical levels that signal potential trend reversals and continuations. Although identifying these levels can be challenging, once you pinpoint them, you’re well-prepared to navigate the market. For further assistance, check out the Quarters Drawer tool featured in this article, it will help you identify both primary and minor support and resistance levels.
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Adaptive Malaysian Engulfing Indicator (Part 1): Pattern Detection and Retest Validation

Adaptive Malaysian Engulfing Indicator (Part 1): Pattern Detection and Retest Validation

Implement the Malaysian Engulfing concept in MQL5 with two coordinated indicators. One applies strict, body‑based engulfing rules for precise pattern detection; the other uses a state-driven model to monitor what follows—pullbacks and timed retests—directly on the chart. The result is a repeatable, rule-based workflow that replaces visual guesswork with programmable logic.
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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 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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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 2): Expanding and Implementing the Positions Management EX5 Library

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 2): Expanding and Implementing the Positions Management EX5 Library

Learn how to import and use EX5 libraries in your MQL5 code or projects. In this continuation article, we will expand the EX5 library by adding more position management functions to the existing library and creating two Expert Advisors. The first example will use the Variable Index Dynamic Average Technical Indicator to develop a trailing stop trading strategy expert advisor, while the second example will utilize a trade panel to monitor, open, close, and modify positions. These two examples will demonstrate how to use and implement the upgraded EX5 position management library.
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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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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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Robustness Testing on Expert Advisors

Robustness Testing on Expert Advisors

In strategy development, there are many intricate details to consider, many of which are not highlighted for beginner traders. As a result, many traders, myself included, have had to learn these lessons the hard way. This article is based on my observations of common pitfalls that most beginner traders encounter when developing strategies on MQL5. It will offer a range of tips, tricks, and examples to help identify the disqualification of an EA and test the robustness of our own EAs in an easy-to-implement way. The goal is to educate readers, helping them avoid future scams when purchasing EAs as well as preventing mistakes in their own strategy development.
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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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Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 2): MQL5 functions for HTTP interaction with the tic-tac-toe game REST API

Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 2): MQL5 functions for HTTP interaction with the tic-tac-toe game REST API

In this article we will talk about how MQL5 can interact with Python and FastAPI, using HTTP calls in MQL5 to interact with the tic-tac-toe game in Python. The article discusses the creation of an API using FastAPI for this integration and provides a test script in MQL5, highlighting the versatility of MQL5, the simplicity of Python, and the effectiveness of FastAPI in connecting different technologies to create innovative solutions.
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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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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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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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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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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 18): The battle of Mastering Market Complexity, Truncated SVD Versus NMF

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 18): The battle of Mastering Market Complexity, Truncated SVD Versus NMF

Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) are dimensionality reduction techniques. They both play significant roles in shaping data-driven trading strategies. Discover the art of dimensionality reduction, unraveling insights, and optimizing quantitative analyses for an informed approach to navigating the intricacies of financial markets.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 15): Birth of the SIMULATOR (V) - RANDOM WALK

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 15): Birth of the SIMULATOR (V) - RANDOM WALK

In this article we will complete the development of a simulator for our system. The main goal here will be to configure the algorithm discussed in the previous article. This algorithm aims to create a RANDOM WALK movement. Therefore, to understand today's material, it is necessary to understand the content of previous articles. If you have not followed the development of the simulator, I advise you to read this sequence from the very beginning. Otherwise, you may get confused about what will be explained here.
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MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 04): Linear Discriminant Analysis

MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 04): Linear Discriminant Analysis

Todays trader is a philomath who is almost always looking up new ideas, trying them out, choosing to modify them or discard them; an exploratory process that should cost a fair amount of diligence. These series of articles will proposition that the MQL5 wizard should be a mainstay for traders in this effort.
Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: File Library in MetaEditor
Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: File Library in MetaEditor

Secrets of MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal: File Library in MetaEditor

When creating custom programs, code editor is of great importance. The more functions are available in the editor, the faster and more convenient is creation of the program. Many programs are created on basis of an already existing code. Do you use an indicator or a script that does not fully suit your purposes? Download the code of this program from our website and customize it for yourselves.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisor with MQL5 And Python (Part III): Cracking The Boom 1000 Algorithm

Self Optimizing Expert Advisor with MQL5 And Python (Part III): Cracking The Boom 1000 Algorithm

In this series of articles, we discuss how we can build Expert Advisors capable of autonomously adjusting themselves to dynamic market conditions. In today's article, we will attempt to tune a deep neural network to Deriv's synthetic markets.
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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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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 24): Providing system robustness (I)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 24): Providing system robustness (I)

In this article, we will make the system more reliable to ensure a robust and secure use. One of the ways to achieve the desired robustness is to try to re-use the code as much as possible so that it is constantly tested in different cases. But this is only one of the ways. Another one is to use OOP.
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Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part III): Enhancing the GUI with Visual Styling (I)

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part III): Enhancing the GUI with Visual Styling (I)

In this article, we will focus on visually styling the graphical user interface (GUI) of our Trading Administrator Panel using MQL5. We’ll explore various techniques and features available in MQL5 that allow for customization and optimization of the interface, ensuring it meets the needs of traders while maintaining an attractive aesthetic.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 75): Improving the performance of trajectory prediction models

Neural networks made easy (Part 75): Improving the performance of trajectory prediction models

The models we create are becoming larger and more complex. This increases the costs of not only their training as well as operation. However, the time required to make a decision is often critical. In this regard, let us consider methods for optimizing model performance without loss of quality.
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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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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model(Part 3): Detecting changes in trends while using this system

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model(Part 3): Detecting changes in trends while using this system

This article explores how economic news releases, investor behavior, and various factors can influence market trend reversals. It includes a video explanation and proceeds by incorporating MQL5 code into our program to detect trend reversals, alert us, and take appropriate actions based on market conditions. This builds upon previous articles in the series.
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Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part IV): About Arrays, Functions and Global Terminal Variables

Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part IV): About Arrays, Functions and Global Terminal Variables

The article is a continuation of the series for beginners. It covers in detail data arrays, the interaction of data and functions, as well as global terminal variables that allow data exchange between different MQL5 programs.
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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.
Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com
Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com

Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com

Requirements Applicable to Articles Offered for Publishing at MQL4.com
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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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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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Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)

Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)

The article presents a detailed description of the shuffled frog-leaping (SFL) algorithm and its capabilities in solving optimization problems. The SFL algorithm is inspired by the behavior of frogs in their natural environment and offers a new approach to function optimization. The SFL algorithm is an efficient and flexible tool capable of processing a variety of data types and achieving optimal solutions.
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 6): Introducing Chat Deletion and Search Functionality

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 6): Introducing Chat Deletion and Search Functionality

In Part 6 of our MQL5 AI trading system series, we advance the ChatGPT-integrated Expert Advisor by introducing chat deletion functionality through interactive delete buttons in the sidebar, small/large history popups, and a new search popup, allowing traders to manage and organize persistent conversations efficiently while maintaining encrypted storage and AI-driven signals from chart data.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 17): Dimensionality reduction

Neural networks made easy (Part 17): Dimensionality reduction

In this part we continue discussing Artificial Intelligence models. Namely, we study unsupervised learning algorithms. We have already discussed one of the clustering algorithms. In this article, I am sharing a variant of solving problems related to dimensionality reduction.
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Discrete Hartley transform

Discrete Hartley transform

In this article, we will consider one of the methods of spectral analysis and signal processing - the discrete Hartley transform. It allows filtering signals, analyzing their spectrum and much more. The capabilities of DHT are no less than those of the discrete Fourier transform. However, unlike DFT, DHT uses only real numbers, which makes it more convenient for implementation in practice, and the results of its application are more visual.