MQL5 is a high-level programming language that is used for creating trading strategies and custom indicators in the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform. MetaQuotes, the company behind MT5, developed MQL5 to provide traders with a powerful toolset for automating trading operations and developing complex algorithms.

With MQL5, traders can write scripts, expert advisors (EAs), and indicators to execute trading actions based on predetermined conditions. This allows for the automation of various trading strategies and eliminates the need for manual trading, thereby reducing human error and emotional decision-making.

One of the key features of MQL5 is its support for object-oriented programming (OOP). This enables traders to create modular and reusable code, making it easier to develop and maintain complex trading systems. Additionally, MQL5 provides access to a wide range of built-in technical indicators and functions, which can be used to analyze price movements and generate trading signals.

Furthermore, MQL5 provides a testing environment where traders can backtest their strategies with historical data. This allows traders to evaluate the performance of their strategies over past market conditions, helping to refine and optimize their trading approach.

In terms of user-friendliness, MQL5 offers a comprehensive development environment within the MetaEditor tool. This integrated development environment (IDE) provides features like syntax highlighting, code debugging, and auto-complete, making it easier for both novice and experienced programmers to write efficient and error-free code.

Overall, MQL5 from MetaQuotes is a versatile and powerful programming language that empowers traders to automate their trading strategies in the MT5 platform. Its rich feature set, OOP support, and testing environment make it a popular choice among traders looking to develop their own custom trading solutions.