Introduction:
When it comes to developing trading robots and custom indicators for the popular MetaTrader platform, there are two primary programming languages to choose from: MQL4 and MQL5. Both languages have their own strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial for traders and developers to understand the differences between them. In this article, we will compare MQL4 and MQL5, helping you make an informed decision on which language to choose for your trading needs.
Background:
MQL4 is the language used for writing scripts, expert advisors (EAs), and custom indicators for MetaTrader 4 (MT4). It has been around since 2005 and is widely supported by brokers and traders. On the other hand, MQL5 was introduced with the release of MetaTrader 5 (MT5) in 2010. While it provides backward compatibility with MQL4, it also comes with several new features and improvements.
Compatibility:
One of the key considerations when deciding between MQL4 and MQL5 is platform compatibility. If you’re using MT4, you will be limited to using MQL4. However, if you have access to MT5, you can choose between MQL4 and MQL5 due to the backward compatibility feature of MT5. Keep in mind that while MQL5 supports backward compatibility, there may still be some differences in syntax and functionality between the two languages.
Features and Functionality:
MQL5 offers several advanced features not available in MQL4, such as object-oriented programming (OOP), a more powerful and flexible strategy tester, and access to additional data types. OOP allows for better organization and structure of code, making it easier to maintain and manage complex trading systems. The improved strategy tester in MQL5 supports multi-threading, optimization, and walk-forward testing, providing more accurate and faster backtesting results.
However, it’s important to note that MQL4 has a larger user base and a vast library of ready-made EAs and indicators. If you’re not comfortable with advanced programming concepts or if you rely heavily on existing code and libraries, MQL4 might be a more suitable choice.
Community Support and Resources:
The community support and availability of learning resources play a crucial role in the success of any programming language. MQL4 benefits from a well-established community with numerous forums, online tutorials, and code libraries. This makes it easier to find help and share knowledge with fellow MQL4 developers. MQL5, being a relatively newer language, has a smaller community but is steadily growing. Nonetheless, finding resources and support for MQL5 might be slightly more challenging compared to MQL4.
Conclusion:
When deciding between MQL4 and MQL5, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements, platform compatibility, desired features, and the availability of community support. If you’re an MT4 user looking for a familiar and widely supported language or rely heavily on existing MQL4 code, MQL4 is the way to go. However, if you’re using MT5 or need advanced features like OOP and improved backtesting capabilities, MQL5 might better suit your needs.
In the end, it’s important to familiarize yourself with both languages and experiment with them to determine which one aligns best with your trading goals and coding preferences. Both MQL4 and MQL5 have their merits, and making an informed decision is crucial for developing effective trading strategies.