MetaTrader Programming Overview
MetaTrader is one of the most popular trading platform among presently existing. Wide configuration and control possibilities for brokers and a robust programming tool, the integrated MQL language for traders make the system handy and versatile in use.
The MQL integrated programming language is a C++ like language. Its concepts and syntax are familiar which allows the majority of programmers to conserve time resources during the learning phase. It is enough to grasp syntax and basic idea of the MetaTrader trading platform to start programming in MQL language.
By means of MQL language it is possible to create several program types:
Expert Advisors. The main goal for Expert Advisors is to carry trading operations in automatic mode following prescribed rules and by that freeing trader from the routine work. Expert Advisors can use in its work Custom Indicators and Libraries. Back Test Strategy Tester allows you to conduct strategy profitability testing on historical data which shortens development terms dramatically.
Custom Indicators. Classical indicators posses visual constituent as well as internal buffers to be able to be used in Expert Advisors. Non standard approaches are also possible though such as object usage, audio announcement systems and others.
Scripts. In distinction from Custom Indicators and Expert Advisors, Scripts allow you to execute some code once. This is useful for semiautomatic operation execution by trader. For example, open order with definite parameters or set Stop Loss Level for a new value. For each of new scripts it is possible to assign hot key, which makes script usage process fast and practical. Custom Indicators and Expert Advisors execute code only on price change on current currency pair.
Libraries. Repeatedly used functions and code pieces can be grouped into libraries. It is possible to use libraries written in MQL or in any other language. Using interface for linking external libraries provides traders with unlimited possibilities in their ideas implementation.
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