# MetaQuotes Language

> programming languages for developing trading robots, technical market indicators, scripts and function libraries

**Wikidata**: [Q11765028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11765028)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/metaquotes-language

## Summary
MetaQuotes Language (MQL) is an object-based programming language developed by MetaQuotes for creating trading robots, technical market indicators, scripts, and function libraries. Inceptioned in 2005, it supports object-oriented programming paradigms and serves as the primary tool for customizing trading strategies within the MetaQuotes ecosystem.

## Key Facts
*   **Developer:** Created and maintained by MetaQuotes.
*   **Inception:** The language was first introduced in 2005.
*   **Primary Uses:** Designed specifically for developing trading robots, technical market indicators, scripts, and function libraries.
*   **Language Type:** Classified as an object-based language and a programming language utilizing object-oriented programming paradigms.
*   **Known Versions:** Includes variants identified as MQL4, MQL5, and generally referred to as MQL.
*   **Official Resources:** Maintains an official wiki and documentation portal at `https://www.mql5.com/en/docs`.
*   **Community Size:** As of April 30, 2025, the language's associated social media channels have approximately 88,000 followers.
*   **Platform Integration:** The language is utilized in environments supporting MT4 accounts, which offer access to over 300 instruments including forex, metals, energies, commodities, indices, shares, and ETF CFDs.

## FAQs
### Q: What is MetaQuotes Language used for?
A: MetaQuotes Language is used to develop trading robots (algorithms), technical market indicators, scripts, and function libraries for financial trading platforms.

### Q: What type of programming language is MetaQuotes Language?
A: It is classified as an object-based language that supports object-oriented programming paradigms, allowing for structured instruction communication to trading machines.

### Q: When was MetaQuotes Language created?
A: The language has an inception date of 2005.

### Q: Where can I find documentation for MetaQuotes Language?
A: Official documentation and a wiki are available at the official website `https://www.mql5.com/en/docs`.

## Why It Matters
MetaQuotes Language plays a critical role in the financial technology sector by bridging the gap between human trading strategies and automated execution. By providing a specialized syntax for developing trading robots and custom indicators, it empowers traders to automate complex market analysis and execution tasks that would be impossible to perform manually at high speeds.

The language supports a vast ecosystem involving over 300 financial instruments—ranging from forex to ETF CFDs—facilitating a standardized environment for algorithmic trading. Its object-oriented nature allows for the creation of complex, reusable function libraries, fostering a community where developers can share and refine code. Since its inception in 2005, the language has evolved into a standard for traders utilizing MetaQuotes software, evidenced by a robust community generating millions of views on official channels. It transforms static market data into actionable, automated trading logic, making it a foundational tool for modern technical analysis and automated trading system development.

## Notable For
*   **Specialization:** Distinct from general-purpose languages, it is tailor-made for financial trading applications like robots and market indicators.
*   **Paradigm:** Combines object-based structure with object-oriented programming capabilities within a niche domain.
*   **Ecosystem Scale:** Supported by a developer ecosystem with significant social reach (88,000+ followers) and engagement (13.5 million video views on the official channel).
*   **Platform Dominance:** It is the underlying language for platforms managing diverse asset classes including Forex, metals, energies, and shares.

## Body
### Development and Classification
MetaQuotes Language is a proprietary programming language developed by the software company MetaQuotes. Established in 2005, the language was designed to facilitate the creation of automated trading solutions. It is technically classified as an **object-based language** and operates under the **object-oriented programming** paradigm. This structure allows developers to create modular code through function libraries, enhancing the efficiency of developing complex trading systems.

### Core Functionality
The primary utility of MetaQuotes Language lies in its ability to communicate specific instructions to trading machines. Its application covers four main areas:
*   **Trading Robots:** Automated systems that execute trades based on pre-defined criteria without human intervention.
*   **Technical Market Indicators:** Custom tools used to analyze market trends and price data.
*   **Scripts:** Single-execution programs for performing specific actions, such as opening multiple orders simultaneously.
*   **Function Libraries:** Collections of reusable code modules that simplify the development of more complex programs.

### Versions and Availability
The language exists in several iterations, most notably **MQL4** and **MQL5**. These versions correspond to the specific trading platforms they support. The official website, `mql5.com`, serves as the central hub for the community, hosting the official documentation and wiki. The language supports a wide array of global aliases, including Japanese (MQL5 (プログラミング言語)) and Spanish (Lenguajes para platafornas de de inversión FOREX Metatrader 4/5) variants.

### Integration and Reach
MetaQuotes Language is integral to mobile and desktop trading infrastructures. It powers systems that require advanced charting and real-time market news for smarter trading decisions. The "AT GO" mobile app, for instance, utilizes MT4 accounts which rely on software written in this language to manage portfolios containing 300+ instruments. The language's community presence is substantial, with an official YouTube channel (MetaQuotes Official - MetaTrader 4/5 Platforms) accumulating over 87,400 subscribers and 13.5 million views by April 2025. Social media outreach extends to Twitter (`@mql5com`), Facebook, and Telegram (`@mql5dev`).

## References

1. YouTube API