MQL4 and MQL5 Programming Articles
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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Population optimization algorithms: Artificial Bee Colony (ABC)
In this article, we will study the algorithm of an artificial bee colony and supplement our knowledge with new principles of studying functional spaces. In this article, I will showcase my interpretation of the classic version of the algorithm.
Population optimization algorithms: Firefly Algorithm (FA)
In this article, I will consider the Firefly Algorithm (FA) optimization method. Thanks to the modification, the algorithm has turned from an outsider into a real rating table leader.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 29): ScrollBar auxiliary control
In this article, I will start developing the ScrollBar auxiliary control element and its derivative objects — vertical and horizontal scrollbars. A scrollbar is used to scroll the content of the form if it goes beyond the container. Scrollbars are usually located at the bottom and to the right of the form. The horizontal one at the bottom scrolls content left and right, while the vertical one scrolls up and down.
Population optimization algorithms: Stochastic Diffusion Search (SDS)
The article discusses Stochastic Diffusion Search (SDS), which is a very powerful and efficient optimization algorithm based on the principles of random walk. The algorithm allows finding optimal solutions in complex multidimensional spaces, while featuring a high speed of convergence and the ability to avoid local extrema.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 4): Smart WaveTrend Crossover with Dual Oscillators
In this article, we develop a custom indicator in MQL5 called Smart WaveTrend Crossover, utilizing dual WaveTrend oscillators—one for generating crossover signals and another for trend filtering—with customizable parameters for channel, average, and moving average lengths. The indicator plots colored candles based on the trend direction, displays buy and sell arrow signals on crossovers, and includes options to enable trend confirmation and adjust visual elements like colors and offsets.
Market Diagnostics by Pulse
In the article, an attempt is made to visualize the intensity of specific markets and of their time segments, to detect their regularities and behavior patterns.
Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 9): Creating an AI Signal Dispatcher
We turn the MQL5 AI trading assistant into a dispatch-driven system that routes seven trading actions through a single central dispatcher. A line-based key-value protocol constrains AI output, while each action maps to market or pending orders and instrument-aware stop levels. A canvas-based UI with a custom prompt editor and pixel-accurate text fitting makes signals consistent, auditable, and ready to render on the chart
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 12): Developing prop trading level risk manager
In the EA being developed, we already have a certain mechanism for controlling drawdown. But it is probabilistic in nature, as it is based on the results of testing on historical price data. Therefore, the drawdown can sometimes exceed the maximum expected values (although with a small probability). Let's try to add a mechanism that ensures guaranteed compliance with the specified drawdown level.
From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (IX) — Multiple Symbol Management on a single chart for News Trading
News trading often requires managing multiple positions and symbols within a very short time due to heightened volatility. In today’s discussion, we address the challenges of multi-symbol trading by integrating this feature into our News Headline EA. Join us as we explore how algorithmic trading with MQL5 makes multi-symbol trading more efficient and powerful.
Matrix Utils, Extending the Matrices and Vector Standard Library Functionality
Matrix serves as the foundation of machine learning algorithms and computers in general because of their ability to effectively handle large mathematical operations, The Standard library has everything one needs but let's see how we can extend it by introducing several functions in the utils file, that are not yet available in the library
Testing Visualization: Account State Charts
Enjoy the process of testing with charts, displaying the balance - now all the necessary information is always in view!
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 23): New order system (VI)
We will make the order system more flexible. Here we will consider changes to the code that will make it more flexible, which will allow us to change position stop levels much faster.
Market Simulation (Part 18): First Steps with SQL (I)
It doesn't matter which SQL program we use: MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, OpenSQL, or another. They all have something in common, and the common element is the SQL language. Even if we do not intend to use Workbench, we can manipulate or work with the database directly in MetaEditor or through MQL5 to perform actions in MetaTrader 5, but to do so, you will need knowledge of SQL. So here, we will learn at least the basics.
Neural Networks in Trading: Scene-Aware Object Detection (HyperDet3D)
We invite you to get acquainted with a new approach to detecting objects using hypernetworks. A hypernetwork generates weights for the main model, which allows taking into account the specifics of the current market situation. This approach allows us to improve forecasting accuracy by adapting the model to different trading conditions.
Interview with Egidijus Bockus (ATC 2012)
"I examined many indicators before realizing that they are not necessary for making money on Forex" - our present interviewee Egidijus Bockus (Egidijus) told us boldly. We have all reasons to take his words seriously, as his Expert Advisor occupies the third place with more than $32 000 beginning from the third week of the Automated Trading Championship 2012.
Quantum computing and trading: A fresh approach to price forecasts
The article describes an innovative approach to forecasting price movements in financial markets using quantum computing. The main focus is on the application of the Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) algorithm to find prototypes of price patterns allowing traders to significantly speed up the market data analysis.
Implementation of a Breakeven Mechanism in MQL5 (Part 1): Base Class and Fixed-Points Breakeven Mode
This article discusses the application of a breakeven mechanism in automated strategies using the MQL5 language. We will start with a simple explanation of what the breakeven mode is, how it is implemented, and its possible variations. Next, this functionality will be integrated into the Order Blocks expert advisor, which we created in our last article on risk management. To evaluate its effectiveness, we will run two backtests under specific conditions: one using the breakeven mechanism and the other without it.
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 1): Engle-Granger and Johansen Cointegration Tests
This article aims to provide a trader-friendly, gentle introduction to the most common cointegration tests, along with a simple guide to understanding their results. The Engle-Granger and Johansen cointegration tests can reveal statistically significant pairs or groups of assets that share long-term dynamics. The Johansen test is especially useful for portfolios with three or more assets, as it calculates the strength of cointegrating vectors all at once.
Using PSAR, Heiken Ashi, and Deep Learning Together for Trading
This project explores the fusion of deep learning and technical analysis to test trading strategies in forex. A Python script is used for rapid experimentation, employing an ONNX model alongside traditional indicators like PSAR, SMA, and RSI to predict EUR/USD movements. A MetaTrader 5 script then brings this strategy into a live environment, using historical data and technical analysis to make informed trading decisions. The backtesting results indicate a cautious yet consistent approach, with a focus on risk management and steady growth rather than aggressive profit-seeking.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 3)
Category Theory is a diverse and expanding branch of Mathematics which as of yet is relatively uncovered in the MQL5 community. These series of articles look to introduce and examine some of its concepts with the overall goal of establishing an open library that provides insight while hopefully furthering the use of this remarkable field in Traders' strategy development.
Predicting Renko Bars with CatBoost AI
How to use Renko bars with AI? Let's look at Renko trading on Forex with forecast accuracy of up to 59.27%. We will explore the benefits of Renko bars for filtering market noise, learn why volume is more important than price patterns, and how to set the optimal Renko block size for EURUSD. This is a step-by-step guide on integrating CatBoost, Python, and MetaTrader 5 to create your own Renko Forex forecasting system. It is ideal for traders looking to go beyond traditional technical analysis.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 25): Providing system robustness (II)
In this article, we will make the final step towards the EA's performance. So, be prepared for a long read. To make our Expert Advisor reliable, we will first remove everything from the code that is not part of the trading system.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 67): Automating Support and Resistance Monitoring in MQL5
This article implements a complete MQL5 Expert Advisor that monitors manually drawn support and resistance levels in real time. It synchronizes horizontal lines, detects approaches, touches, breakouts, reversals, and retests, and adds optional candlestick pattern checks. Alerts and on‑chart markers provide clear, repeatable feedback, allowing you to keep manual analysis while automating the surveillance of key price levels.
Interview with Alexander Prishchenko (ATC 2012)
What can be more complicated than a multicurrency trading robot? Surely, it is an automated strategy based on Elliott Wave Principle. Can we imagine something more complicated than that? Yes, we can. It is a multicurrency Expert Advisor using Elliott Waves on each currency pair! Alexander Prishchenko (Crucian) believes that even a newcomer can learn the rules.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 4): Pending virtual orders and saving status
Having started developing a multi-currency EA, we have already achieved some results and managed to carry out several code improvement iterations. However, our EA was unable to work with pending orders and resume operation after the terminal restart. Let's add these features.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 54): Filtering Trends with EMA and Smoothed Price Action
This article explores a method that combines Heikin‑Ashi smoothing with EMA20 High and Low boundaries and an EMA50 trend filter to improve trade clarity and timing. It demonstrates how these tools can help traders identify genuine momentum, filter out noise, and better navigate volatile or trending markets.
Employing Game Theory Approaches in Trading Algorithms
We are creating an adaptive self-learning trading expert advisor based on DQN machine learning, with multidimensional causal inference. The EA will successfully trade simultaneously on 7 currency pairs. And agents of different pairs will exchange information with each other.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 21): Automating Harmonic Pattern Detection
Learn how to detect and display the Gartley harmonic pattern in MetaTrader 5 using MQL5. This article explains each step of the process, from identifying swing points to applying Fibonacci ratios and plotting the full pattern on the chart for clear visual confirmation.
Integrating ML models with the Strategy Tester (Part 3): Managing CSV files (II)
This material provides a complete guide to creating a class in MQL5 for efficient management of CSV files. We will see the implementation of methods for opening, writing, reading, and transforming data. We will also consider how to use them to store and access information. In addition, we will discuss the limitations and the most important aspects of using such a class. This article ca be a valuable resource for those who want to learn how to process CSV files in MQL5.
Data Science and ML (Part 33): Pandas Dataframe in MQL5, Data Collection for ML Usage made easier
When working with machine learning models, it’s essential to ensure consistency in the data used for training, validation, and testing. In this article, we will create our own version of the Pandas library in MQL5 to ensure a unified approach for handling machine learning data, for ensuring the same data is applied inside and outside MQL5, where most of the training occurs.
Creation of an Automated Trading System
You must admit that it sounds alluringly - you become a fortunate possessor of a program that can develop for you a profitable automated trading system (ATC) within a few minutes. All you need is to enter desirable inputs and press Enter. And - here you are, take your ATC tested and having positive expected payoff. Where thousands of people spend thousands of hours on developing that very unique ATC, which will "wine and dine", these statements soundб to put it mildly, very hollow. On the one hand, this really looks a little larger than life... However, to my mind, this problem can be solved.
News Trading Made Easy (Part 6): Performing Trades (III)
In this article news filtration for individual news events based on their IDs will be implemented. In addition, previous SQL queries will be improved to provide additional information or reduce the query's runtime. Furthermore, the code built in the previous articles will be made functional.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 60): Objective Swing-Based Trendlines for Structural Analysis
We present a rule-based approach to trendlines that avoids indicator pivots and uses ordered swings derived from raw prices. The article walks through swing detection, size qualification via ATR or fixed thresholds, and validation of ascending and descending structures, then implements these rules in MQL5 with non-repainting drawing and selective output. You get a clear, repeatable way to track structural support and resistance that holds up across market conditions.
Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 2): Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
In our series on integrating MQL5 with data processing packages, we delve in to the powerful combination of machine learning and predictive analysis. We will explore how to seamlessly connect MQL5 with popular machine learning libraries, to enable sophisticated predictive models for financial markets.
Neural networks made easy (Part 35): Intrinsic Curiosity Module
We continue to study reinforcement learning algorithms. All the algorithms we have considered so far required the creation of a reward policy to enable the agent to evaluate each of its actions at each transition from one system state to another. However, this approach is rather artificial. In practice, there is some time lag between an action and a reward. In this article, we will get acquainted with a model training algorithm which can work with various time delays from the action to the reward.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 19): Supercharge Your AI models with AdaBoost
AdaBoost, a powerful boosting algorithm designed to elevate the performance of your AI models. AdaBoost, short for Adaptive Boosting, is a sophisticated ensemble learning technique that seamlessly integrates weak learners, enhancing their collective predictive strength.
Understand and Efficiently use OpenCL API by Recreating built-in support as DLL on Linux (Part 2): OpenCL Simple DLL implementation
Continued from the part 1 in the series, now we proceed to implement as a simple DLL then test with MetaTrader 5. This will prepare us well before developing a full-fledge OpenCL as DLL support in the following part to come.
Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 94): Optimizing the Input Sequence
When working with time series, we always use the source data in their historical sequence. But is this the best option? There is an opinion that changing the sequence of the input data will improve the efficiency of the trained models. In this article I invite you to get acquainted with one of the methods for optimizing the input sequence.
Brute force approach to patterns search (Part V): Fresh angle
In this article, I will show a completely different approach to algorithmic trading I ended up with after quite a long time. Of course, all this has to do with my brute force program, which has undergone a number of changes that allow it to solve several problems simultaneously. Nevertheless, the article has turned out to be more general and as simple as possible, which is why it is also suitable for those who know nothing about brute force.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 32): Creating a Price Action 5 Drives Harmonic Pattern System
In this article, we develop a 5 Drives pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish 5 Drives harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, executing trades with customizable entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels based on user-selected options. We enhance trader insight with visual feedback through chart objects like triangles, trendlines, and labels to clearly display the A-B-C-D-E-F pattern structure.