Day N1. The Start of Developing a Trading Panel for MetaTrader

Friends, I have started working on a large project for MetaTrader terminals and want to share my progress with you. I'm doing this work openly because I want to receive feedback, criticism, comments, and suggestions. Gradually, I will cover in texts and videos not only the work progress but also everything a developer encounters during the implementation of large projects (thoughts, ideas, mistakes, discoveries, reflections).

The main goal I've set for myself is to develop a comfortable, intuitive trading panel for MetaTrader 4/5. I know there are many similar good applications out there, both paid and free. I have tested and worked with most of them myself, but I always felt something was missing. In this project, I aim to implement not only comfort and convenience but also additional trading tools.

A few words about myself: My name is Vladimir, I'm 42 years old. I've been involved in trading and application development for over 15 years (which is why I'm "not much of a" blog writer). My main interest is the automation of trading strategies. I know the MQL programming language quite well. I often help novice developers with tricky issues, run small blogs, and make videos and articles about trading and developing trading applications.


Day N1. The Start of Developing a Trading Panel for MetaTrader

I had previously worked on a pilot project for a trading panel and implemented a small portion of its functions. I was testing myself: could I handle what I had envisioned? I did... The problem surfaced later when I needed to add tools for trading (indicators, info windows, mathematics, statistics). The mistake was in the overall architecture of the project. As a result, adding something new turned into absolute hell (not only in terms of logic but also in terms of adding code). The initially laid architecture didn't allow for major expansions.


The pilot version has been distributed for free for over a year now. It works, with no obvious problems. I left in it only what functions without issues. At this point, I have rethought the entire project and the entire approach to work, and I have already planned the project's architecture. I have drawn the graphical elements, their order, and their placement.

Initial visual project



This is what the 2025 pilot version looks like



This is what I have already done as of today



Each element will still undergo refactoring and optimization.
In the current version, I've put together at least something so that the architecture can be tested and I can show you all something.


I also worked out the positioning of elements relative to the window. I'm keeping user comfort in mind, so the user can place the buttons in any corner.





In addition to the graphics, the architecture already includes:

1. startup error handling;
2. "fool protection" in trading operations;
3. sound design;
4. a custom notification window;
5. the ability to translate the text into any language.

This first post wasn't easy for me, but I tried no less than I do in coding. Hopefully, I won't get flamed too badly... ))


Development video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e9HHwl7YNg


Version 2025:

Day N2 The agony of developing, solving problems and creating new ones, moving on.

In the previous first post, I talked a bit about the goal and what has already been done.

Now we're slowly moving forward.

I ran into a problem with how application windows work—specifically, those windows that contain buttons, text, and other objects.

The crux of the problem is that windows need to be created from scratch, and their behavior and various scenarios must be thought through. For example, when one window is above another, or when a trader doesn't click on a window but immediately drags it. Each such behavior must be clearly described in the code. On the first day, I thought I had solved the problem and programmed the window behavior perfectly, but it turned out not to be that simple. Even though MQL is a fairly powerful language, there are things that are not so easy to implement.


I racked my brains over this problem for a long time, but I eventually solved it. Now each window operates independently without affecting the others, and clicking on the top window does not affect the window underneath.


In addition, the program manages frame redrawing. If you overcomplicate it and redraw regularly, the program will lag terribly and "fall apart." I also spent a lot of time on this to ensure that redrawing happens only when necessary.

On the second day, I also added a timeframe switching window, an account information window, a trading terminal information window, and a financial instrument information window. I also added a button to remove/unload the application from the chart.

Now that the main part of the architecture is ready, development will go faster and be more enjoyable.

I hope the post is interesting, please kick if anything)))....



You can download the previous version of the VR Trade Panel in your MetaTrader terminal in the market section.

Hi guys! How are you?
Added a working version from 2025 https://www.forexfactory.com/attachm...5?d=1774794430

Friends, I've done a lot of work, I'll tell you what's done soon!
My goal, and I'm already doing it, is to turn the whole trading around.
I'm making a fantastic instrument.
I still have a lot of work to do, and I'm still working tonight.

You can support me by subscribing to the topic, it will give me strength)