difference between .ex4 and .mq4

New comment
 

Hi


Can anyone explain me the difference between .ex4 and .mq4, except the fact that the mq.4 is redable and not the ex.4.


When I create a new EA, it is registered as a .mq4 file, and doubled by a .ex4 file automatically created when the mq4 is compiled.


I personnally use a professionnal EA on my ALPARI live account. I have been sent this EA as an .ex4 file


Question :

if I want to use one of my personnal EA that works well in demo on my live account, which extension must I have ?

is the .ex4 automatically taken in consideration.


Any explaination is welcome.


Lionel

 

leyoye1

The simple answer is that the MQ4 is a file read-able by you, an EX4 is a file read-able by the MetaTrader Terminal - it is a machine-readable version of the instructions you have written

To attach an EA to a chart, it must have been compiled to EX4, which you then attatch to a chart to start it

Always back-test & re-optimize on the live data first and start with the smallest possible lot size, see these posts on the differences between demo & live trading...

...

'Difference between Demo forward testing, and live forward testing'

'ScalpBot'

'super expert adisor'

'Execution time in live accounts'
...

Good Luck

-BB-

 

Thanks BB


That's clear


Lionel

 

I recently downloaded a strategy from someone who gave it to me to check out, and the file contained the same files (names) but n both mq4 as well as ex4  - why would he send both?

I know - noob question.

Thanks

 
Jacquesvanwyk1965:

I recently downloaded a strategy from someone who gave it to me to check out, and the file contained the same files (names) but n both mq4 as well as ex4  - why would he send both?

I know - noob question.

Thanks

If you want the best answer for that you should ask the developer


but when i open a job i get both files from the developers as well, you can put the .mq4 file in the experts folder and the MT4 will convert it automatically to .ex4 file

 
Jacquesvanwyk1965:

why would he send both?

Sending the .ex4 is proof that the code compiled. There is only a step to get it to work: copy it to the Experts directory. Therefore, this is only one step that must be supported.

Sometimes when I copy a .mq4 file from the CodeBase to the Experts directory it doesn't compile, even when I shut down MT4 and restart. I have to manually load the .mq4 file into the editor and hit the compile button. It's not hard to do, but trying to explain this to a newbie would confuse the hell out of them.

So why did the developer send the source code? That's really dependent upon the author and his/her agreement with you. For example, if I hired someone from Freelance, I would insist upon getting the source code. For what you describe—a demo that someone wants you to check out—perhaps he/she wants you to see that his/her code is clean, well documented, modular, etc. Some developers have pride in their workmanship.

New comment
Reason: