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Learning Programming for MT4

  • #1
  • First Post: Sep 2, 2009 4:08pm Sep 2, 2009 4:08pm
Hi Programming forum,

I would like to learn how to program for metatrader....

are there any classes or schools on how to do this?

thanx

  • #2
  • Sep 2, 2009 10:50pm Sep 2, 2009 10:50pm
The site is down right now, but when it's up, check out

http://book.mql4.com/
http://docs.mql4.com/

Also try
http://www.metatrader.info/node/36
http://www.mistigrifx.com/book/mql4-programming
  • #3
  • Sep 3, 2009 3:57am Sep 3, 2009 3:57am
These 2 pages helped a lot

http://articles.mql4.com/516

http://articles.mql4.com/536
  • #4
  • Sep 3, 2009 5:16am Sep 3, 2009 5:16am
Check out the link in my sig for a free e-course designed specifically for the total programming novice. Hope it helps.

Lux
MT4 EA, Indicator and Alert Coder Since 2006
  • #5
  • Sep 3, 2009 12:16pm Sep 3, 2009 12:16pm
I would not start learning programming with Metatrader.

I would suggest learning the very basics of programming in a more beginner friendly environment. These are namely the following:

 

  1. variables and data types
  2. control structures (if, for, while)
  3. functions (breaking down one big problem into many smaller ones)


These are the most important concepts found in almost any programming language. You must fully understand what they are and when and why and how to make the best use of them.

There is no way around "playing" with these concepts, writing small programs, watch them running, change things to see what happens and why until you fully understand. For this you need an environment (and a language) where you can easily do this without too much effort, an environment where the communication between you and the machine you are trying to program is easy and clear and not restricted by missing debugging features like in Metatrader, which is meant to only address already somehow experienced programmers.

I suggest learning these very basic concepts with Python. Then move on to a language with static and strict typing like Pascal or Java.

DON'T use languages like php, not because of the language but because there is so much crappy code out there written by 12 year old kids on the forums and too much wannabe programmers who can't teach you anything useful. You need to learn programming in a language that is mostly ignored by all the hordes of wannabe programmer n00bs, so you will only meet experienced people and see only clean and proper code examples.

  • #6
  • Sep 3, 2009 12:36pm Sep 3, 2009 12:36pm
Quoting 7bit
I would not start learning programming with Metatrader.

I would suggest learning the very basics of programming in a more beginner friendly environment. These are namely the following:

 

  1. variables and data types
  2. control structures (if, for, while)
  3. functions (breaking down one big problem into many smaller ones)


These are the most important concepts found in almost any programming language. You must fully understand what they are and when and why and how to make the best use of them.

There is no way around "playing"...


thanx,
what is python?
where can I learn it?
will it help me to program for metatrader?
Would C++ help?
My end goal would be to code EAs, scripts, and indis...
  • #7
  • Sep 3, 2009 11:17pm Sep 3, 2009 11:17pm
All the information you need is right infront of you. You have been given more than enough resources that wll get you on your way. The rest is up to you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_...ng_language%29

Lux
MT4 EA, Indicator and Alert Coder Since 2006
  • #8
  • Sep 4, 2009 5:11am Sep 4, 2009 5:11am
Quoting Anonymouse
thanx,
what is python?
where can I learn it?
will it help me to program for metatrader?
Yes, it will. It will teach you the concepts of programming. You will need them. After you know these very basic concepts you can just easily learn the new language (mql4) to apply the very same concepts you already learned.

Quote
Would C++ help?

i don't recommend C++ to a beginner, it's one of hardest languages (hard to master it's power properly, but easy to use it the wrong way if you don't know what you are doing and you CAN'T KNOW what you are doing when you are a beginner).

Use an easy to learn and uncomplicated language (Python is ideal) to minimize the initial frustration factor until you reach a certain point where the light bulb goes on and you see clear enough how this whole programming thing works, what kind of things can be done, how to re-structure problems and their solutions into a form that is easy to translate into the step-by-step instructions a computer can execute.

Quote
My end goal would be to code EAs, scripts, and indis...

You can reach this goal, but before you will be able to virtuously ride a unicycle with broken wheel and flat tire (mql4) you should first learn riding an ordinary bike. Expect this process to take some time, but if you are willing and eager to learn it will be great fun.
  • #9
  • Dec 18, 2009 9:55am Dec 18, 2009 9:55am
Hello everyone.
I noticed that the indicator is very accurate identifier cycle when the cycles are aligned in the same direction and at different tempos. Take the trade while the various signals on the same side has high chances of success. Please if anyone can construct the indicator, so that in a bar graph indicating the status of cyclo in different tempos, it would be helpful.
Thanks to the trader to develop charitable work
Ricafuente

Quoting 7bit
Yes, it will. It will teach you the concepts of programming. You will need them. After you know these very basic concepts you can just easily learn the new language (mql4) to apply the very same concepts you already learned.



i don't recommend C++ to a beginner, it's one of hardest languages (hard to master it's power properly, but easy to use it the wrong way if you don't know what you are doing and you CAN'T KNOW what you are doing when you are a beginner).

Use an easy to learn and uncomplicated language (Python is ideal) to minimize the...
Attached File(s)
File Type: ex4 Cycle identifier wAlert.ex4   11 KB | 960 downloads
File Type: mq4 Cycle identifier wAlert.mq4   14 KB | 1,005 downloads
  • #10
  • Dec 21, 2009 7:38am Dec 21, 2009 7:38am
thanks for sending my mail indicator. He is right is very unstable, possibly filtering the signal with adx, acquires momentum or stochastic reliability.
Quoting Ricafuente
Hello everyone.
I noticed that the indicator is very accurate identifier cycle when the cycles are aligned in the same direction and at different tempos. Take the trade while the various signals on the same side has high chances of success. Please if anyone can construct the indicator, so that in a bar graph indicating the status of cyclo in different tempos, it would be helpful.
Thanks to the trader to develop charitable work
Ricafuente
  • #11
  • Dec 21, 2009 9:51am Dec 21, 2009 9:51am
Quoting Ricafuente
Hello everyone.
I noticed that the indicator is very accurate identifier cycle when the cycles are aligned in the same direction and at different tempos. Take the trade while the various signals on the same side has high chances of success. Please if anyone can construct the indicator, so that in a bar graph indicating the status of cyclo in different tempos, it would be helpful.
Thanks to the trader to develop charitable work
Ricafuente
Does this indicator redraw? Can clarify what you mean by "so that in a bar graph indicating the status of cyclo in different tempos"?
  • #12
  • Jan 27, 2013 12:26am Jan 27, 2013 12:26am
Quoting 7bit
Yes, it will. It will teach you the concepts of programming. You will need them. After you know these very basic concepts you can just easily learn the new language (mql4) to apply the very same concepts you already learned.



i don't recommend C++ to a beginner, it's one of hardest languages (hard to master it's power properly, but easy to use it the wrong way if you don't know what you are doing and you CAN'T KNOW what you are doing when you are a beginner).

Use an easy to learn and uncomplicated language (Python is ideal) to minimize...
Thanks for sharing.
  • #13
  • Sep 11, 2015 7:40am Sep 11, 2015 7:40am
Quoting lqkien
{quote} Thanks for sharing.
Hold on a second, C++ may not be the easiest programming languages to start with, but it will definitely be a benefit if you continue with MT4 programming, sicne MQL4 is based on C++.
You do not need pointers, OOP or any complex concepts that would take you months before you can say you're familiar with using them, but it's certainly a good language to start with.
Or you can always start directly with MQL4, like I did. Lots of video tutorial watching on youtube, plus articles from the official mql5.com website, and I'm on my way of developing pretty complex EAs by myself. I've also started a blog where I'm sharing code I've written myself (and that I've proud of) as well as other useful info regarding to MT4 programming - http://mt4programmingcourse.blogspot.com. If you want any help with learning to code for MT4, let me know. We can learn together!
  • #14
  • Sep 21, 2015 1:58pm Sep 21, 2015 1:58pm
Quoting 7bit
{quote} Yes, it will. It will teach you the concepts of programming. You will need them. After you know these very basic concepts you can just easily learn the new language (mql4) to apply the very same concepts you already learned. {quote} i don't recommend C++ to a beginner, it's one of hardest languages (hard to master it's power properly, but easy to use it the wrong way if you don't know what you are doing and you CAN'T KNOW what you are doing when you are a beginner). Use an easy to learn and uncomplicated language (Python is ideal) to minimize...
Yes, I agree with 7bit,
Python make me easy to learn MQL4, this language is must study even for newbie before jump in to another programming languages.
astroganndotcom
  • #15
  • Sep 21, 2015 2:22pm Sep 21, 2015 2:22pm
Not sure why such an old thread was dug up with no one needing answers to questions, but I do believe this topic is relevant to many traders today. Programming is a highly useful skill in trading and general use in today's high tech world. 7bit has wonderful advice and what I also did. Here's how I am moving along from complete beginner to novice to hopefully an advanced programmer.

General advice for life applies to this, the more knowledge you gain, the more you can do.

First of all, start with this: http://lifehacker.com/5744113/learn-....google.com%2F

It's a beginners guide to coding and explains all the little concepts nicely with some examples and practice.

From there, learn Python as its one of the most useful beginner friendly languages to learn. After that, move on to whatever you want to learn.

For example, Im going to learn C, MQL4, C++, Matlab, R while learning more about quantitative finance, econometrics, and complex financial instruments like derivatives. My goal is to not only be able to create expert advisors, but quantitative models based on more complex strategies. You can choose your own path based on what you hope to achieve.


If designing websites is your thing, HTML is a must. Java would be useful.
If you just want to run simple back tests, this can be done learning excel.
  • #16
  • Sep 21, 2015 2:28pm Sep 21, 2015 2:28pm
Quoting 7bit
I would not start learning programming with Metatrader. I would suggest learning the very basics of programming in a more beginner friendly environment.
Further to 7Bit's point, here is how i learned how to code. You can even go to the Course website and download the course materials, assignments, etc. and do them on your own. Who knew you could get an ivy league education from youtube, hah hah. And also, it's geared for the absolute novice. You can pretty much transition to Mt4 after you have finished arrays. I've inserted just the first class here. You'd need to go to the youtube channel for the rest.

Inserted Video


Cheers.
  • #17
  • Sep 21, 2015 10:23pm Sep 21, 2015 10:23pm
Try

http://www.jimdandymql4courses.com/

http://www.jimdandyforex.com/

has excellent free videos on youtube for the beginner
  • #18
  • Last Post: Sep 21, 2015 11:10pm Sep 21, 2015 11:10pm
Good information here. I will try python first then see how it goes. Thanks.
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