Re-compiling resets settings

I have an EA that is running several instances all with different parameters. When I re-compile it all of my settings get reset to the values assigned in my code. Is there a way around this?
I have 20 parameters and 8 charts right now. Even with saving the parameters and loading them it is annoying. The parameters are all different based of optimization results.

Have the EA check a file for param settings based on period and symbol. If the period/symbol combo not found in the file, use the default.

Check the file functions to get started.

Thanks again tesla, you live up to your title: "Friendly Neighborhood Programmer"!

Just thought of something. It might actually be easier for you to use global vars to retain settings between compilings. It's probably faster to code, but a bit messier.

Something like:
EURUSD_30_TakeProfit = 15
GBPUSD_15_TakeProfit = 10

Would allow the same param to be specified for different symbols and periods.

I hope that made sense, let me know if you'd like clarification.

I actually found an easy way to do this. If I close MetaTrader and just open the EA in MetaEditor and recompile it, then open MetaTrader, the parameters are not reset.