Beginner12–18 min

Lesson 2. Platforms & Markets — Why We Start on MT5

Compare MT5 with MT4, cTrader, TradingView/crypto exchanges. See how markets differ (Forex vs Crypto vs CFD). Understand why MT5 is a powerful, practical starting point for EAs — especially on Forex.

Robots execute rules — not magic. Now let's choose the right toolbox and market to run those rules.

2.1Platform Landscape: MT5 vs MT4 vs cTrader vs TradingView/Exchanges

Different platforms are different toolboxes. Pick the one that matches automation and broker support.

MT5

Best for: Beginners and EA users on regulated brokers

Pros

•Built-in Strategy Tester (single/multi-symbol, genetic optimization)
•MQL5 marketplace & community with docs and examples
•Many regulated brokers support it
•VPS integration for 24/5 operation
•Netting/hedging modes available
•Multi-asset support (Forex, CFD, stocks)

Limits

•Desktop-centric (web/mobile are limited)
•Learning curve for MQL5 coding
•No native 24/7 crypto exchange access (usually via CFD)

Note: Strong, well-supported path for EAs — our recommended starting point.

Best for: Beginners and EA users on regulated brokers

Pros

•Built-in Strategy Tester (single/multi-symbol, genetic optimization)
•MQL5 marketplace & community with docs and examples
•Many regulated brokers support it
•VPS integration for 24/5 operation
•Netting/hedging modes available
•Multi-asset support (Forex, CFD, stocks)

Limits

•Desktop-centric (web/mobile are limited)
•Learning curve for MQL5 coding
•No native 24/7 crypto exchange access (usually via CFD)

Note: Strong, well-supported path for EAs — our recommended starting point.

2.2Why MT5 is Beginner-Friendly for EAs

MT5 combines everything you need in one package:

Strategy Tester

Backtests and optimizations in one app — tick modeling, genetic optimization, visual mode.

MQL5 Marketplace & Community

Ready EAs, indicators, extensive docs, and code examples.

Broker Coverage

Many regulated brokers support MT5 — easy to find a demo account.

VPS Integration

Run 24/5 close to broker to reduce latency — built-in VPS service or third-party.

Multi-Asset with Netting/Hedging

Flexibility across Forex, CFD, stocks — choose the account mode that fits your plan.

Simple Distribution

Attach EA to chart, configure inputs/presets, check journal/logs — all in one place.

Reality Check

Tools are powerful, but risk management and monitoring remain essential. Platform doesn't guarantee profits.

2.3Markets Overview: Forex vs Crypto vs CFD

Different markets have different characteristics. Here's what matters for EA trading:

Aspect	Forex	Crypto	CFD (Indices/Metals)
Trading Hours	24/5 (Sun–Fri)	24/7 (always open)	24/5 (varies by broker/instrument)
Liquidity	Deep (majors very liquid)	Varies by coin/exchange	Depends on underlying and broker
Volatility	Moderate (predictable ranges)	High (large swings common)	Varies (indices/metals can spike)
Costs	Spread + commission + swaps	Maker/taker fees + funding	Spread + commission + overnight financing
Execution	Via broker (slippage at news/rollover)	Exchange/API latency varies	Via broker (rollover, market hours)
Data/Testing	MT5 tester works well	Often needs external data/tooling	MT5 tester works well

Trading Hours

Forex24/5 (Sun–Fri)

Crypto24/7 (always open)

CFD24/5 (varies by broker/instrument)

Liquidity

ForexDeep (majors very liquid)

CryptoVaries by coin/exchange

CFDDepends on underlying and broker

Volatility

ForexModerate (predictable ranges)

CryptoHigh (large swings common)

CFDVaries (indices/metals can spike)

Costs

ForexSpread + commission + swaps

CryptoMaker/taker fees + funding

CFDSpread + commission + overnight financing

Execution

ForexVia broker (slippage at news/rollover)

CryptoExchange/API latency varies

CFDVia broker (rollover, market hours)

Data/Testing

ForexMT5 tester works well

CryptoOften needs external data/tooling

CFDMT5 tester works well

For beginners building EAs, MT5 + Forex/CFD offers a predictable, testable environment. Crypto automation adds data/API complexity and 24/7 ops.

2.4Practice: Choose Your Starting Stack (MT5 + Demo Broker)

Practice — 15 minutes

A.Install MT5: Install MT5 (if not yet) and open a demo account with a regulated broker.

B.Confirm Instruments: Check that majors (EURUSD, GBPUSD) are available with minimum lot 0.01.

C.Check Costs: Note typical EURUSD spread (should be ≤ 1.5 pips) and commission (~$7/lot round-trip on ECN, or higher spread on standard).

D.Confirm Account Mode: Check if your demo is netting or hedging mode — note the difference for your strategy.

E.VPS Plan (Optional): Note broker's server location — consider VPS later for 24/5 live operation.

Quick Decision Helper

Not sure which path? Answer these questions:

I want simple, integrated testing

I need many broker choices

I need 24/7 crypto trading

2.5Summary: Why We Start on MT5

MT5 combines broker support, built-in testing, and a mature EA ecosystem. That means faster learning cycles with fewer moving parts. Start here on demo; you can expand to other stacks later.

For EAs, Forex/CFD on MT5 is predictable and testable. Crypto automation is powerful but adds data/API/ops complexity.

2.6 Lesson 2 Quiz

Mini-Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 questions. Pass with 2/3 correct.

What's Next?

You've chosen your platform and market. Next, we'll explore the different types of trading robots and which time horizons suit each approach.

Next: Robot Types & Time Horizons

Educational content only. Not financial advice. Trading involves risk of capital loss. Backtests do not guarantee future results.

2.1Platform Landscape: MT5 vs MT4 vs cTrader vs TradingView/Exchanges

Different platforms are different toolboxes. Pick the one that matches automation and broker support.

MT5

Best for: Beginners and EA users on regulated brokers

Pros

•Built-in Strategy Tester (single/multi-symbol, genetic optimization)
•MQL5 marketplace & community with docs and examples
•Many regulated brokers support it
•VPS integration for 24/5 operation
•Netting/hedging modes available
•Multi-asset support (Forex, CFD, stocks)

Limits

•Desktop-centric (web/mobile are limited)
•Learning curve for MQL5 coding
•No native 24/7 crypto exchange access (usually via CFD)

Note: Strong, well-supported path for EAs — our recommended starting point.

Best for: Beginners and EA users on regulated brokers

Pros

•Built-in Strategy Tester (single/multi-symbol, genetic optimization)
•MQL5 marketplace & community with docs and examples
•Many regulated brokers support it
•VPS integration for 24/5 operation
•Netting/hedging modes available
•Multi-asset support (Forex, CFD, stocks)

Limits

•Desktop-centric (web/mobile are limited)
•Learning curve for MQL5 coding
•No native 24/7 crypto exchange access (usually via CFD)

Note: Strong, well-supported path for EAs — our recommended starting point.

2.2Why MT5 is Beginner-Friendly for EAs

MT5 combines everything you need in one package:

Strategy Tester

Backtests and optimizations in one app — tick modeling, genetic optimization, visual mode.

MQL5 Marketplace & Community

Ready EAs, indicators, extensive docs, and code examples.

Broker Coverage

Many regulated brokers support MT5 — easy to find a demo account.

VPS Integration

Run 24/5 close to broker to reduce latency — built-in VPS service or third-party.

Multi-Asset with Netting/Hedging

Flexibility across Forex, CFD, stocks — choose the account mode that fits your plan.

Simple Distribution

Attach EA to chart, configure inputs/presets, check journal/logs — all in one place.

Reality Check

Tools are powerful, but risk management and monitoring remain essential. Platform doesn't guarantee profits.

2.3Markets Overview: Forex vs Crypto vs CFD

Different markets have different characteristics. Here's what matters for EA trading:

Aspect	Forex	Crypto	CFD (Indices/Metals)
Trading Hours	24/5 (Sun–Fri)	24/7 (always open)	24/5 (varies by broker/instrument)
Liquidity	Deep (majors very liquid)	Varies by coin/exchange	Depends on underlying and broker
Volatility	Moderate (predictable ranges)	High (large swings common)	Varies (indices/metals can spike)
Costs	Spread + commission + swaps	Maker/taker fees + funding	Spread + commission + overnight financing
Execution	Via broker (slippage at news/rollover)	Exchange/API latency varies	Via broker (rollover, market hours)
Data/Testing	MT5 tester works well	Often needs external data/tooling	MT5 tester works well

Trading Hours

Forex24/5 (Sun–Fri)

Crypto24/7 (always open)

CFD24/5 (varies by broker/instrument)

Liquidity

ForexDeep (majors very liquid)

CryptoVaries by coin/exchange

CFDDepends on underlying and broker

Volatility

ForexModerate (predictable ranges)

CryptoHigh (large swings common)

CFDVaries (indices/metals can spike)

Costs

ForexSpread + commission + swaps

CryptoMaker/taker fees + funding

CFDSpread + commission + overnight financing

Execution

ForexVia broker (slippage at news/rollover)

CryptoExchange/API latency varies

CFDVia broker (rollover, market hours)

Data/Testing

ForexMT5 tester works well

CryptoOften needs external data/tooling

CFDMT5 tester works well

For beginners building EAs, MT5 + Forex/CFD offers a predictable, testable environment. Crypto automation adds data/API complexity and 24/7 ops.

2.4Practice: Choose Your Starting Stack (MT5 + Demo Broker)

Practice — 15 minutes

A.Install MT5: Install MT5 (if not yet) and open a demo account with a regulated broker.

B.Confirm Instruments: Check that majors (EURUSD, GBPUSD) are available with minimum lot 0.01.

C.Check Costs: Note typical EURUSD spread (should be ≤ 1.5 pips) and commission (~$7/lot round-trip on ECN, or higher spread on standard).

D.Confirm Account Mode: Check if your demo is netting or hedging mode — note the difference for your strategy.

E.VPS Plan (Optional): Note broker's server location — consider VPS later for 24/5 live operation.

Quick Decision Helper

Not sure which path? Answer these questions:

I want simple, integrated testing

I need many broker choices

I need 24/7 crypto trading

2.5Summary: Why We Start on MT5

MT5 combines broker support, built-in testing, and a mature EA ecosystem. That means faster learning cycles with fewer moving parts. Start here on demo; you can expand to other stacks later.

For EAs, Forex/CFD on MT5 is predictable and testable. Crypto automation is powerful but adds data/API/ops complexity.