How long does it take to master mql4?

Hello , I would like to ask how long approximately it would take to master writing in mq4 language , for a person who have zero experience with programs like mq4 , c++ etc ? From where i need to start to learn basics , etc ? Thanks for the answers .

About as long as a piece of string!!!!
Depends on limitless factors.

Just open any of the indis attached to posts and pick them apart and play with them 1 step at a time.... unlikely that you could do much damage.

To start really from scratch with no programming skills could be an uphill task but it is possible with patience.

Also check the help sections of MT4 .... open Metaeditor and press F1. Just a a start and daunting but give it a go .
You may also get help on here if you are lucky :-)

Based on my experience with non programmers, it might take forever. I have had them ask me to help them and really it was not going anywhere fast.

Someboby with solid programming experience will not find its much of a challenge to learn MT4. For non programmers, you have the challenge of learning to think like a programmer plus learning a new language that has few resources for learning. I think other languages like VB are much better because they better documentation and tutorials. Plus the code samples are written better.

here is link to the thread you are looking for
http://www.forexfactory.com/showthread.php?t=6011

Basically I agree with what's been said so far. If you've done some programing before, you'll understand the basics of data types, assignment, loops, if...then....else, arrays, file I/O, subroutines and functions, etc etc. Then it's just like teaching yourself any other procedural language.

MQL4 is really just a subset of the C language, with some chart/trading based commands (technical indicators, order placement, etc) thrown in. I did a fair amount of C programming back in the 1980s, and that allowed me to pick up the basics of MQL4 in about 2-3 weeks.

If you've never done any programming before, then expect a significant learning curve, just like you would with teaching yourself any other profession.

Xaphod has provided some links to MQL4 tutorials here.

I personally started here

http://docs.mql4.com/

From no knowledge 12 months ago, I an now a fairly proficient coder, having made several commercial EA's and countless indicators.

Not impossible, but you need to be dedicated. Fortunately there are plenty of great forums like this one with many people willing to offer help and advice (as long as you don't ask stupid questions )

Regards

PaulB

I did it 7 years ago. My motivation at the time was simply to program strategies for myself so I can modify whatever way I wanted. I had zero programming background (my profession is not related either) and I could program for myself after 4 month, a year after I started code for other people. I was extremely driven though and I had someone who was an expert of C++ to ask questions. Now I'm fluent at C++ as well.

Do expect the fact first couple month nothing makes sense to you.

Well it depends on how intelligent you are and what you mean by "master"... I spent a few years just getting to the level I'm at but I would hardly say I am a master at it. Just do a search on google for Mql4 lessons and you'll see my videos I stuck on youtube. Maybe they will get you started.