MQL5 IDE includes the built-in Strategy Tester, which allows users to evaluate the efficiency of a trading robot before using it on a real account. The Tester operation is based on the history of financial instrument prices: a robot analyzes historical data over a selected period and performs virtual operations according to its algorithm. Testing results allow evaluating trading strategy efficiency and simulating possible behaviors during live trading. The main advantage of the Strategy Tester is the possibility to evaluate a robot performance prior to trading on a real account.
You can test your own programs as well as other applications in the Strategy Tester. Make sure to test trade robots before purchasing them from the Market: download a free demo version of the selected application and evaluate its behavior on historical data.
The MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester offers several testing modes to achieve the optimal speed/quality ratio. The most accurate testing result can be obtained in the "Every tick based on real ticks" mode, during which the tested robot uses real ticks from exchanges and liquidity providers. The "Open prices only" mode provides a very quick and rough estimation.
The MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester allows you to test multi-currency trading robots that are capable of analyzing multiple currencies and identifying the correlation between them.
The testing process can also be visualized in real time: all trades performed by the tested Expert Advisor can be displayed on a chart. A comprehensive testing report is generated after a test run, which allows detecting the week points of an Expert Advisor and make appropriate changes.
Optimization
Another important utility of the Strategy Tester is the function of optimization, which allows testing a trading robot with various input parameters and selecting optimal values. Optimization of complex robots can turn into a very extensive process, but can be significantly shortened through the use of genetic algorithms.
Optimization results can be visualized in 2D and 3D modes. In addition to the built-in features, there are also custom visualization methods available.
MetaTrader 5 provides extraordinary powerful tools crafted for developers of trading robots. Use the Strategy Tester to create truly effective MQL5 applications!
Download MetaTrader 5 and test your robot in the Strategy Tester