What is the best way to learn programming and coding? | Forex Factory

Options

Permalinks
Print Thread

Similar Threads

What is the best way to get started learning MQL4 programming language? 22 replies

What's the best programming language to learn? 8 replies

I Will Learn Coding in 1 Month - Give me the 80/20 of MT4 Coding 14 replies

what is the best way to learn programming expert advisors 3 replies

what is the best way to learn forex trading 17 replies

What is the best way to learn programming and coding?

  • #1
  • First Post: Edited 11:20pm Nov 2, 2008 10:39pm | Edited 11:20pm
Hello

I'm interested in learning how to create my own indicators and EA's etc but am a total dunce when it comes to the MQL4 language!

I am seeking advice as to the best and possibly fastest way to learn this stuff. Where and how?

How hard is it really?

How long does it take to get a feel for it? Days, weeks, months, years?

Any input would be fantastic cheers
Time hides Nothing
  • #2
  • Nov 2, 2008 10:49pm Nov 2, 2008 10:49pm
Hi

Learning MQL4 is not as difficult as some other languages so it's perfect for newbies. The best way to learn is to look at code of indicators and EA's you have on your machine and follow the code. Use the help file and look up any functions etc. you're curious about and read. MQL4 is very similar to Visual Basic in it's readability.

As for how long it would take you that obviously depends on how you apply yourself and how you handle logic. If you're focused you should be able to grasp the basics in a day or two. After that you just need to keep practicing.

Good luck

Lux
MT4 EA, Indicator and Alert Coder Since 2006
  • #3
  • Nov 2, 2008 11:19pm Nov 2, 2008 11:19pm
THanks Lux

Good tip about looking at the code of indicators I already have

cheers
Time hides Nothing
  • #4
  • Nov 3, 2008 12:47am Nov 3, 2008 12:47am
book.mql4.com
www.metatrader.info/node/34
  • #5
  • Nov 3, 2008 1:04am Nov 3, 2008 1:04am
Cheers Ronald I have actually been reading through the lessons in that one but it's very confusing for me
Time hides Nothing
  • #6
  • Nov 3, 2008 2:07am Nov 3, 2008 2:07am
The best way I find to learn any programming language is by giving myself challenges. Start simple, of course. Eg, print current spread on screen or draw moving average on graph or flash a signal when bid > 15000.
The market reveals who we really are...
  • #7
  • Nov 3, 2008 6:12am Nov 3, 2008 6:12am
Sounds like a good plan -

I have a really complicated indicator I wanna create (not the one i posted in the forum) and I think its gonna take me a loooong time to get the skills necesary

but as they say theres no short cuts to anywhere worth going...

thanks for all the advices
Time hides Nothing
  • #8
  • Nov 3, 2008 4:37pm Nov 3, 2008 4:37pm
Quoting CindyXXXX
Sounds like a good plan -

I have a really complicated indicator I wanna create (not the one i posted in the forum) and I think its gonna take me a loooong time to get the skills necesary

but as they say theres no short cuts to anywhere worth going...

thanks for all the advices
I'm sure that there's benefits to learning to code yourself. But honestly, if your goal is to be a trader (and not just a programmer) you might be better off hiring someone to code for you. If you want to be a programmer, then you're better off learning something that can go beyond trading like C# or Java.

I have a C# background that just happens to fit *really* well with MQL, but I couldn't imagine doing it the other way around.
  • #9
  • Nov 3, 2008 6:38pm Nov 3, 2008 6:38pm
Is MQL a "universal" language or is it only used on MT4?
"Nothing is unexplainable, Everything is mystery" W. Liquorman
  • #10
  • Nov 3, 2008 6:42pm Nov 3, 2008 6:42pm
Quoting eyecelll
Is MQL a \"universal\" language or is it only used on MT4?
MQL is only for MT4 but it has similarities to other languages.

Lux
MT4 EA, Indicator and Alert Coder Since 2006
  • #11
  • Nov 3, 2008 7:52pm Nov 3, 2008 7:52pm
Quoting luxinterior
MQL is only for MT4 but it has similarities to other languages.

Lux
Agreed. But you're probably better off learning another language, understand proper coding, and then come to MQL. Done the other way (MQL first) you'll understand very little about efficient programming and end up with clunky code. If you take Java or C# classes for a bit, you can come back to MQL and it will all make perfect sense.
  • #12
  • Last Post: Nov 4, 2008 5:02am Nov 4, 2008 5:02am
Quoting LongToBeFree
Agreed. But you're probably better off learning another language, understand proper coding, and then come to MQL. Done the other way (MQL first) you'll understand very little about efficient programming and end up with clunky code. If you take Java or C# classes for a bit, you can come back to MQL and it will all make perfect sense.

thanks for the advice
"Nothing is unexplainable, Everything is mystery" W. Liquorman
0 traders viewing now