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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Population optimization algorithms: Stochastic Diffusion Search (SDS)

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.
Testing Visualization: Account State Charts
Testing Visualization: Account State Charts

Testing Visualization: Account State Charts

Enjoy the process of testing with charts, displaying the balance - now all the necessary information is always in view!
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 23): New order system (VI)

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.
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Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part V): Fundamental control flow operators

Master MQL5 from beginner to pro (Part V): Fundamental control flow operators

This article explores the key operators used to modify the program's execution flow: conditional statements, loops, and switch statements. Utilizing these operators will allow the functions we create to behave more "intelligently".
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Population optimization algorithms: Firefly Algorithm (FA)

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.
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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 1): Developing A Positions Management EX5 Library

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 1): Developing A Positions Management EX5 Library

Learn how to create a developer's toolkit for managing various position operations with MQL5. In this article, I will demonstrate how to create a library of functions (ex5) that will perform simple to advanced position management operations, including automatic handling and reporting of the different errors that arise when dealing with position management tasks with MQL5.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Scene-Aware Object Detection (HyperDet3D)

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.
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Matrix Utils, Extending the Matrices and Vector Standard Library Functionality

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
Interview with Egidijus Bockus (ATC 2012)
Interview with Egidijus Bockus (ATC 2012)

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.
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MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 8): How to Implement and Use the History Manager EX5 Library in Your Codebase

MQL5 Trading Toolkit (Part 8): How to Implement and Use the History Manager EX5 Library in Your Codebase

Discover how to effortlessly import and utilize the History Manager EX5 library in your MQL5 source code to process trade histories in your MetaTrader 5 account in this series' final article. With simple one-line function calls in MQL5, you can efficiently manage and analyze your trading data. Additionally, you will learn how to create different trade history analytics scripts and develop a price-based Expert Advisor as practical use-case examples. The example EA leverages price data and the History Manager EX5 library to make informed trading decisions, adjust trade volumes, and implement recovery strategies based on previously closed trades.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 12): Developing prop trading level risk manager

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.
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Risk Management (Part 2): Implementing Lot Calculation in a Graphical Interface

Risk Management (Part 2): Implementing Lot Calculation in a Graphical Interface

In this article, we will look at how to improve and more effectively apply the concepts presented in the previous article using the powerful MQL5 graphical control libraries. We'll go step by step through the process of creating a fully functional GUI. I'll be explaining the ideas behind it, as well as the purpose and operation of each method used. Additionally, at the end of the article, we will test the panel we created to ensure it functions correctly and meets its stated goals.
Interview with Alexander Prishchenko (ATC 2012)
Interview with Alexander Prishchenko (ATC 2012)

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.
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From Novice to Expert: Collaborative Debugging in MQL5

From Novice to Expert: Collaborative Debugging in MQL5

Problem-solving can establish a concise routine for mastering complex skills, such as programming in MQL5. This approach allows you to concentrate on solving problems while simultaneously developing your skills. The more problems you tackle, the more advanced expertise is transferred to your brain. Personally, I believe that debugging is the most effective way to master programming. Today, we will walk through the code-cleaning process and discuss the best techniques for transforming a messy program into a clean, functional one. Read through this article and uncover valuable insights.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 3)

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.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 25): Providing system robustness (II)

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.
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Using PSAR, Heiken Ashi, and Deep Learning Together for Trading

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.
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Integrating ML models with the Strategy Tester (Part 3): Managing CSV files (II)

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.
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Quantum computing and trading: A fresh approach to price forecasts

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.
Creation of an Automated Trading System
Creation of an Automated Trading System

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.
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Data Science and ML (Part 33): Pandas Dataframe in MQL5, Data Collection for ML Usage made easier

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.
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Market Simulation (Part 18): First Steps with SQL (I)

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.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 94): Optimizing the Input Sequence

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.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 19): Supercharge Your AI models with AdaBoost

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.
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Brute force approach to patterns search (Part V): Fresh angle

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.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 35): Intrinsic Curiosity Module

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.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 4): Pending virtual orders and saving status

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.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 50): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators with a shift

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 50): Multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators with a shift

In the article, let’s improve library methods for correct display of multi-symbol multi-period standard indicators, which lines are displayed on the current symbol chart with a shift set in the settings. As well, let’s put things in order in methods of work with standard indicators and remove the redundant code to the library area in the final indicator program.
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Understand and Efficiently use OpenCL API by Recreating built-in support as DLL on Linux (Part 2): OpenCL Simple DLL implementation

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.
Ten Basic Errors of a Newcomer in Trading
Ten Basic Errors of a Newcomer in Trading

Ten Basic Errors of a Newcomer in Trading

There are ten basic errors of a newcomer intrading: trading at market opening, undue hurry in taking profit, adding of lots in a losing position, closing positions starting with the best one, revenge, the most preferable positions, trading by the principle of 'bought for ever', closing of a profitable strategic position on the first day, closing of a position when alerted to open an opposite position, doubts.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 21): Automating Harmonic Pattern Detection

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.
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Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 2): Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics

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.
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Moving to MQL5 Algo Forge (Part 2): Working with Multiple Repositories

Moving to MQL5 Algo Forge (Part 2): Working with Multiple Repositories

In this article, we are considering one of the possible approaches to organizing the storage of the project's source code in a public repository. We will distribute the code across different branches to establish clear and convenient rules for the project development.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 78): Gator and AD Oscillator Strategies for Market Resilience

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 78): Gator and AD Oscillator Strategies for Market Resilience

The article presents the second half of a structured approach to trading with the Gator Oscillator and Accumulation/Distribution. By introducing five new patterns, the author shows how to filter false moves, detect early reversals, and align signals across timeframes. With clear coding examples and performance tests, the material bridges theory and practice for MQL5 developers.
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Market Simulation (Part 18): First Steps with SQL (I)

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.
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Pipelines in MQL5

Pipelines in MQL5

In this piece, we look at a key data preparation step for machine learning that is gaining rapid significance. Data Preprocessing Pipelines. These in essence are a streamlined sequence of data transformation steps that prepare raw data before it is fed to a model. As uninteresting as this may initially seem to the uninducted, this ‘data standardization’ not only saves on training time and execution costs, but it goes a long way in ensuring better generalization. In this article we are focusing on some SCIKIT-LEARN preprocessing functions, and while we are not exploiting the MQL5 Wizard, we will return to it in coming articles.
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News Trading Made Easy (Part 6): Performing Trades (III)

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.
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Employing Game Theory Approaches in Trading Algorithms

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.
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Self Optimizing Expert Advisor With MQL5 And Python (Part V): Deep Markov Models

Self Optimizing Expert Advisor With MQL5 And Python (Part V): Deep Markov Models

In this discussion, we will apply a simple Markov Chain on an RSI Indicator, to observe how price behaves after the indicator passes through key levels. We concluded that the strongest buy and sell signals on the NZDJPY pair are generated when the RSI is in the 11-20 range and 71-80 range, respectively. We will demonstrate how you can manipulate your data, to create optimal trading strategies that are learned directly from the data you have. Furthermore, we will demonstrate how to train a deep neural network to learn to use the transition matrix optimally.
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Employing Game Theory Approaches in Trading Algorithms

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.