Binary Flags
This software component for MetaTrader 5 is built to enhance the capabilities of your trading environment. This library provides a collection of modular, reusable code. It is utilized by developers to organize common functions, allowing for the integration of complex logic across multiple Expert Advisors, indicators, or scripts without the need for code duplication.
How to Setup and Use Binary Flags
1. Storage: Place library files in the MQL/Libraries directory to ensure they are accessible to your projects.
2. Implementation: Include the library in your code using the #import directive, ensuring you match the exact function names and parameters.
3. Compilation: Ensure the library is present in the directory before you compile your main EA or script, as the compiler links them during this phase.
4. Management: Keep libraries organized in sub-folders if you manage many custom functions to maintain a clean project structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a library file used for? A: Libraries store reusable code modules, allowing you to centralize common logic used by multiple EAs or indicators.
Q: Is a library executable? A: No, libraries are non-executable files containing functions; they must be imported into an EA, indicator, or script to function.
Q: Can I update a library while the platform is running? A: You should compile your EA or script after updating a library to ensure the latest code changes are integrated.
Description & Settings
You can use binary flags to minimize bool parameters in a function signature.
For example, MQL int size is 32 bits, so you can pack 32 1/0 parameters in a single int flag variable.
Before:
After:
BinFlags can be initialized with any integer data type:char, bool, short, int, color, long, datetime.
Your maximum flag length will vary: 1 byte = 8 bits, 2 bytes = 16 bits, etc.
A flag represents a number which has only one '1' bit in any position.
Such numbers are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc. You get it.
Large numbers of this kind look better in hex: 0x1, 0x2, 0x4, 0x8, 0x10, 0x20, etc.
This class works with flags, which follow the rule.
BinFlags must be initialized first. You can overwrite later the internal flags with Write.
You can check, set, reset any number of flags.
Multiple flags should be separated by '|'.
Flag names can be enumerated for convenience.
Example of BinFalgs usage.
Output:
