Exporting and compiling

Source code

The .mq4 and .mq5 buttons at the top of the editor download the generated source. It’s plain, commented MQL that you can read and edit. The Code tab in the right panel shows the same file live.

Building .ex4 / .ex5

Only MetaQuotes’ MetaEditor, which comes with MetaTrader, can produce the .ex5 and .ex4 files the terminal runs. QuantForge gives you three ways to hand it the source (.EX Setup in the editor):

1. Self-compiling script. A .bat (Windows) or .sh (macOS/Linux through Wine or CrossOver) with your source embedded. It finds MetaEditor and your Experts folder, compiles, and copies the result in.
2. Linked folder. In Chrome or Edge on desktop, link your MQL5\Experts folder once and save the .mq5 straight into it. MetaEditor compiles it when you open it.
3. Local bridge. Run the small Python bridge in the background on Windows; the .ex5 / .ex4 buttons then compile through it and download the binary.

Or simply open the downloaded source in MetaEditor and press Compile (F7).

Installing the EA

1. In MetaTrader, File → Open Data Folder, then MQL5\Experts (or MQL4\Experts).
2. Put the .ex5 / .ex4 (or the source, then compile it) there.
3. Refresh the Navigator, drag the EA onto a chart, review the inputs, and allow algorithmic trading.

Test on a demo account first.