MetaTrader Library for Algorithmic Trading

MetaTrader users should use the library that we provide in order to achieve automation. In this section, we will look at how it is done.

The library is fully compatible with MT4 & MT5. In case you face any problems, try manual installation as per steps given below or contact the support team for help.

Migration

Those migrating from our previous generation AutoTrader system should take a note that the API functions have changed. Most notable change is the addition of Pseudo Account which is an additional parameter in all the functions.

Installation

Install AutoTrader Desktop client
Start Desktop client
Go to the Settings tab
Click MetaTrader Library Install button
The system will automatically try to locate MetaTrader folders and do the installation

Manual Installation

Just in case, the installation fails; you can try doing a manual installation.

Download library
Open it with WinZip or WinRar & extract the files
Copy the files from Include folder to your MetaTrader’s Include folder.
- A sample path is given below, you need to find appropriate path on your computer
- C:\Users\<windows_user>\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\F762D69EEEA9B4430D7F17C82167C844\MQL5\Include
- If you are using MT4, then the folder above will be MQL4

Client Setup

Install & open AutoTrader Desktop client
Go to it’s settings tab & change the communication path as given below. Make sure you find similar path on your computer
1. C:\Users\<windows_user>\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\Common\Files\autotrader
Note: The desktop client must be running & in MONITORING state for the APIs to work.

Integration

Once the library is installed, then next step is to integrate it into your trading strategy.

Code

As with any other library, in order to use it’s functions in your strategy code; you must include it in your strategy’s code at the top.

#include <autotrader.mqh>

That’s about it. Now you are all set to use the API functions provided in the library.

Regular Order

string id = placeOrder(AT_ACCOUNT, 
	NSE, "SBIN", SELL, LIMIT, INTRADAY, 1, 
	192.44, 0.0, true);

Bracket Order

string id = placeBracketOrder(AT_ACCOUNT, 
	NSE, "SBIN", BUY, LIMIT, 1, 
	192, 0.0, 1, 1, 0, true);

Cover Order

string id = placeCoverOrder(AT_ACCOUNT, 
	NSE, "SBIN", BUY, LIMIT, 1, 
	192, 190.5, true);

Cancel Order

string orderId = placeOrder(AT_ACCOUNT, 
	NSE, "SBIN", SELL, LIMIT, INTRADAY, 1, 
	192.44, 0.0, true);

// You can even store the orderId 
// in a static variable

// Somewhere later in your code, 
// when you want to cancel this order

cancelOrder(AT_ACCOUNT, orderId);

API Functions

All API functions are available inside “Include\autotrader.mqh“. Do NOT modify this file.

Note: A detailed explanation is provided for each function along with examples in the API documentation.

Parameters

The library defines certain parameters that you can set in the chart parameters window. They are given below:

AT_ACCOUNT: Pseudo account
AT_EXCHANGE: Instrument’s exchange
AT_SYMBOL: Instrument’s symbol
AT_PRODUCT_TYPE: Default Product type
AT_QUANTITY: Default Quantity
AT_PRICE_PRECISION: Price precision for rounding
AT_DEBUG: Print additional logs
AT_AVOID_REPEAT_ORDER_DELAY: Avoid repeat order delay (in seconds)

Broker independent instrument’s Exchange & Symbol can be looked up on this global instruments search tool.

**MetaTrader Chart Parameters – Derivatives**

Logs

Here’s a look at sample logs that print information of the order being placed.

Trading in Multiple Accounts

There are two approaches to achieve trading into multiple accounts. You can go through them in Trading Strategies For Multiple Accounts.

Approach 1: One Strategy Instance Per Account

To trade in multiple accounts in AmiBroker, you need to run multiple charts or scanners. You need to have one chart/scanner per account.

Approach 2: One Strategy for All Accounts

All the API functions provided by us take account number as a parameter. So instead of using just a single AT_ACCOUNT chart parameter, you can always hard-code the account in the code. Here is a sample:

// Place order in ACC1
placeOrder("ACC1", AT_EXCHANGE, AT_SYMBOL, BUY, MARKET, 
	AT_PRODUCT_TYPE, AT_QUANTITY, 0, defaultTriggerPrice(), false);

// Place order in ACC2
placeOrder("ACC2", AT_EXCHANGE, AT_SYMBOL, BUY, MARKET, 
	AT_PRODUCT_TYPE, 0, buyPrice, defaultTriggerPrice(), false);

GitHub

If you are interested to look at the code of this library, it is available on GitHub.

AutoTrader Web