MetaEditor

MetaEditor is the integrated development environment (IDE) for MetaQuotes’ MetaTrader trading platforms. It provides tools to write, edit, compile, and debug code in MQL4 and MQL5, the languages used to create Expert Advisors, custom indicators, scripts, and libraries. MetaEditor is included with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 and runs on Windows, serving as the primary development workspace for traders and developers.

Key features include a code editor with syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging support; an integrated compiler that builds MQL4/MQL5 sources into executable programs; and project management for organizing sources, include files, and libraries. The MQL5 version includes an integrated debugger with breakpoints, watches, and a call stack for debugging in the MetaEditor environment.

MetaEditor interacts with the MetaTrader terminal to test or run code. Users can compile programs directly from the editor, then load or attach them to charts within the terminal, and use the Strategy Tester for backtesting and optimization (especially for MQL5). It also provides templates, documentation access, and code snippets to support development.

Development in MetaEditor is proprietary to MetaQuotes Software Corp. The tool reflects the capabilities of the MetaTrader platform and is widely used by retail and institutional traders for automated trading system development.