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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Neural networks made easy (Part 37): Sparse Attention

Neural networks made easy (Part 37): Sparse Attention

In the previous article, we discussed relational models which use attention mechanisms in their architecture. One of the specific features of these models is the intensive utilization of computing resources. In this article, we will consider one of the mechanisms for reducing the number of computational operations inside the Self-Attention block. This will increase the general performance of the model.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 9): Re-arranging WinForms object methods, RadioButton and Button controls

DoEasy. Controls (Part 9): Re-arranging WinForms object methods, RadioButton and Button controls

In this article, I will fix the names of WinForms object class methods and create Button and RadioButton WinForms objects.
Tomasz Tauzowski:"All I can do is pray for a loss position" (ATC 2010)
Tomasz Tauzowski:"All I can do is pray for a loss position" (ATC 2010)

Tomasz Tauzowski:"All I can do is pray for a loss position" (ATC 2010)

Tomasz Tauzowski (ttauzo) is a long-standing member of the top ten on the Automated Trading Championship 2010. For the seventh week his Expert Advisor is between the fifth and the seventh places. And no wonder: according to the report of the current Championship leader Boris Odinstov, ttauzo is one of the most stable EAs participating in the competition.
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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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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 09): Pairing K-Means Clustering with Fractal Waves

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 09): Pairing K-Means Clustering with Fractal Waves

K-Means clustering takes the approach to grouping data points as a process that’s initially focused on the macro view of a data set that uses random generated cluster centroids before zooming in and adjusting these centroids to accurately represent the data set. We will look at this and exploit a few of its use cases.
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Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 51): Composite multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators

In the article, complete development of objects of multi-period multi-symbol standard indicators. Using Ichimoku Kinko Hyo standard indicator example, analyze creation of compound custom indicators which have auxiliary drawn buffers for displaying data on the chart.
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Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)

Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)

The article describes the principles, methods and possibilities of using the Electromagnetic Algorithm in various optimization problems. The EM algorithm is an efficient optimization tool capable of working with large amounts of data and multidimensional functions.
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Frequency domain representations of time series: The Power Spectrum

Frequency domain representations of time series: The Power Spectrum

In this article we discuss methods related to the analysis of timeseries in the frequency domain. Emphasizing the utility of examining the power spectra of time series when building predictive models. In this article we will discuss some of the useful perspectives to be gained by analyzing time series in the frequency domain using the discrete fourier transform (dft).
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history

Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 92): Standard graphical object memory class. Object property change history

In the article, I will create the class of the standard graphical object memory allowing the object to save its states when its properties are modified. In turn, this allows retracting to the previous graphical object states.
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Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUI's in MQL5 (Part II): Movable GUI (II)

Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUI's in MQL5 (Part II): Movable GUI (II)

Unlock the potential of dynamic data representation in your trading strategies and utilities with our in-depth guide to creating movable GUIs in MQL5. Delve into the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming and discover how to design and implement single or multiple movable GUIs on the same chart with ease and efficiency.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 20): New order system (III)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 20): New order system (III)

We continue to implement the new order system. The creation of such a system requires a good command of MQL5, as well as an understanding of how the MetaTrader 5 platform actually works and what resources it provides.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 4): Panel control, Padding and Dock parameters

DoEasy. Controls (Part 4): Panel control, Padding and Dock parameters

In this article, I will implement handling Padding (internal indents/margin on all sides of an element) and Dock parameters (the way an object is located inside its container).
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 8): Base WinForms objects by categories, GroupBox and CheckBox controls

DoEasy. Controls (Part 8): Base WinForms objects by categories, GroupBox and CheckBox controls

The article considers creation of 'GroupBox' and 'CheckBox' WinForms objects, as well as the development of base objects for WinForms object categories. All created objects are still static, i.e. they are unable to interact with the mouse.
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Regression models of the Scikit-learn Library and their export to ONNX

Regression models of the Scikit-learn Library and their export to ONNX

In this article, we will explore the application of regression models from the Scikit-learn package, attempt to convert them into ONNX format, and use the resultant models within MQL5 programs. Additionally, we will compare the accuracy of the original models with their ONNX versions for both float and double precision. Furthermore, we will examine the ONNX representation of regression models, aiming to provide a better understanding of their internal structure and operational principles.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 8): Monoids

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 8): Monoids

This article continues the series on category theory implementation in MQL5. Here we introduce monoids as domain (set) that sets category theory apart from other data classification methods by including rules and an identity element.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 17): Accessing data on the web (III)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 17): Accessing data on the web (III)

In this article we continue considering how to obtain data from the web and to use it in an Expert Advisor. This time we will proceed to developing an alternative system.
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Deep Learning GRU model with Python to ONNX  with EA, and GRU vs LSTM models

Deep Learning GRU model with Python to ONNX with EA, and GRU vs LSTM models

We will guide you through the entire process of DL with python to make a GRU ONNX model, culminating in the creation of an Expert Advisor (EA) designed for trading, and subsequently comparing GRU model with LSTM model.
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ALGLIB numerical analysis library in MQL5

ALGLIB numerical analysis library in MQL5

The article takes a quick look at the ALGLIB 3.19 numerical analysis library, its applications and new algorithms that can improve the efficiency of financial data analysis.
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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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Working with ONNX models in float16 and float8 formats

Working with ONNX models in float16 and float8 formats

Data formats used to represent machine learning models play a crucial role in their effectiveness. In recent years, several new types of data have emerged, specifically designed for working with deep learning models. In this article, we will focus on two new data formats that have become widely adopted in modern models.
Interview with Li Fang (ATC 2011)
Interview with Li Fang (ATC 2011)

Interview with Li Fang (ATC 2011)

On the seventh week of the Championship, Li Fang's Expert Advisor (lf8749) set a new record - it earned over $100,000 in 10 trades. This successful series helped the Expert Advisor to stay at the very top of the Automated Trading Championship 2011 rating for two weeks. In this interview we tried to find out the secret of Li Fang's success.
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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.
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Mastering Market Dynamics: Creating a Support and Resistance Strategy Expert Advisor (EA)

Mastering Market Dynamics: Creating a Support and Resistance Strategy Expert Advisor (EA)

A comprehensive guide to developing an automated trading algorithm based on the Support and Resistance strategy. Detailed information on all aspects of creating an expert advisor in MQL5 and testing it in MetaTrader 5 – from analyzing price range behaviors to risk management.
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Understanding Programming Paradigms (Part 2): An Object-Oriented Approach to Developing a Price Action Expert Advisor

Understanding Programming Paradigms (Part 2): An Object-Oriented Approach to Developing a Price Action Expert Advisor

Learn about the object-oriented programming paradigm and its application in MQL5 code. This second article goes deeper into the specifics of object-oriented programming, offering hands-on experience through a practical example. You'll learn how to convert our earlier developed procedural price action expert advisor using the EMA indicator and candlestick price data to object-oriented code.
Interview with Evgeny Gnidko (ATC 2012)
Interview with Evgeny Gnidko (ATC 2012)

Interview with Evgeny Gnidko (ATC 2012)

The Expert Advisor of Evgeny Gnidko (FIFO) currently seems to be the most stable one at the Automated Trading Championship 2012. This trading robot entered TOP-10 at the third week remaining one of the leading Expert Advisors ever since.
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Mastering ONNX: The Game-Changer for MQL5 Traders

Mastering ONNX: The Game-Changer for MQL5 Traders

Dive into the world of ONNX, the powerful open-standard format for exchanging machine learning models. Discover how leveraging ONNX can revolutionize algorithmic trading in MQL5, allowing traders to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge AI models and elevate their strategies to new heights. Uncover the secrets to cross-platform compatibility and learn how to unlock the full potential of ONNX in your MQL5 trading endeavors. Elevate your trading game with this comprehensive guide to Mastering ONNX
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Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 3): Behavioral Patterns 1

Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 3): Behavioral Patterns 1

A new article from Design Patterns articles and we will take a look at one of its types which is behavioral patterns to understand how we can build communication methods between created objects effectively. By completing these Behavior patterns we will be able to understand how we can create and build a reusable, extendable, tested software.
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DoEasy. Controls (Part 7): Text label control

DoEasy. Controls (Part 7): Text label control

In the current article, I will create the class of the WinForms text label control object. Such an object will have the ability to position its container anywhere, while its own functionality will repeat the functionality of the MS Visual Studio text label. We will be able to set font parameters for a displayed text.
Outline of MetaTrader Market (Infographics)
Outline of MetaTrader Market (Infographics)

Outline of MetaTrader Market (Infographics)

A few weeks ago we published the infographic on Freelance service. We also promised to reveal some statistics of the MetaTrader Market. Now, we invite you to examine the data we have gathered.
Interview with Nikolay Kositsin: multicurrency EA are less risky (ATC 2010)
Interview with Nikolay Kositsin: multicurrency EA are less risky (ATC 2010)

Interview with Nikolay Kositsin: multicurrency EA are less risky (ATC 2010)

Nikolay Kositsin has told us about his developments. He believes multicurrency Expert Advisors are a promising direction; and he is an experienced developer of such robots. At the championships, Nikolay participates only with multicurrency EAs. His Expert Advisor was the only multicurrency EA among the prize winners of all the ATC contests.
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Trade transactions. Request and response structures, description and logging

Trade transactions. Request and response structures, description and logging

The article considers handling trade request structures, namely creating a request, its preliminary verification before sending it to the server, the server's response to a trade request and the structure of trade transactions. We will create simple and convenient functions for sending trading orders to the server and, based on everything discussed, create an EA informing of trade transactions.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 07): Account types (II)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 07): Account types (II)

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode. The trader should always be aware of what the automatic EA is doing, so that if it "goes off the rails", the trader could remove it from the chart as soon as possible and take control of the situation.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 15): SVM, A Must-Have Tool in Every Trader's Toolbox

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 15): SVM, A Must-Have Tool in Every Trader's Toolbox

Discover the indispensable role of Support Vector Machines (SVM) in shaping the future of trading. This comprehensive guide explores how SVM can elevate your trading strategies, enhance decision-making, and unlock new opportunities in the financial markets. Dive into the world of SVM with real-world applications, step-by-step tutorials, and expert insights. Equip yourself with the essential tool that can help you navigate the complexities of modern trading. Elevate your trading game with SVM—a must-have for every trader's toolbox.
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Measuring Indicator Information

Measuring Indicator Information

Machine learning has become a popular method for strategy development. Whilst there has been more emphasis on maximizing profitability and prediction accuracy , the importance of processing the data used to build predictive models has not received a lot of attention. In this article we consider using the concept of entropy to evaluate the appropriateness of indicators to be used in predictive model building as documented in the book Testing and Tuning Market Trading Systems by Timothy Masters.
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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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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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Building Your First Glass-box Model Using Python And MQL5

Building Your First Glass-box Model Using Python And MQL5

Machine learning models are difficult to interpret and understanding why our models deviate from our expectations is critical if we want to gain any value from using such advanced techniques. Without comprehensive insight into the inner workings of our model, we might fail to spot bugs that are corrupting our model's performance, we may waste time over engineering features that aren't predictive and in the long run we risk underutilizing the power of these models. Fortunately, there is a sophisticated and well maintained all in one solution that allows us to see exactly what our model is doing underneath the hood.
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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.
Andrey Voitenko: Programming errors cost me $15,000 (ATC 2010)
Andrey Voitenko: Programming errors cost me $15,000 (ATC 2010)

Andrey Voitenko: Programming errors cost me $15,000 (ATC 2010)

Andrey Voitenko is participating in the Automated Trading Championship for the first time, but his Expert Advisor is showing mature trading. For already several weeks Andrey's Expert Advisors has been listed in the top ten and seems to be continuing his positive performance. In this interview Andrey is telling about his EA's features, errors and the price they cost him.
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Testing and optimization of binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5

Testing and optimization of binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5

In this article, I will check and optimize binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5.