Preventing Log Line Loss with Safe Logger
Info
The Preventing Log Line Loss with Safe Logger is a Script for MetaTrader 5 that safe logger is a solution to prevent log line loss when multiple eas share the same file. Overview of Safe LoggerThe Safe Logger appends one line to a shared file without losing any lines.
Usage
This tool is typically used for enhancing chart analysis and decision making.
Platform
This Script works exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (both build 600+ and newer versions).
Setup
Place the downloaded file in MQL5/Scripts folder via File ? Open Data Folder in MetaTrader 5.
How to Install and Use Preventing Log Line Loss with Safe Logger
1. Installation: Move your script file into the MQL/Scripts directory and restart the platform.
2. Execution: Drag the script onto a chart; it will perform a one-time action, such as closing all open orders or clearing chart objects.
3. Editing: Use MetaEditor (F4) to modify code, click "Compile," and verify no errors appear in the terminal before running.
4. Removing: Scripts stop automatically, but you can remove them manually by right-clicking the chart and choosing "Remove Script."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are scripts different from EAs? A: Scripts execute a single action and then stop; EAs monitor the market and trade continuously.
Q: Can I assign a hotkey to a script? A: Yes, right-click the script in the Navigator, select "Set Hotkey," and define your preferred keyboard shortcut.
Q: Why did my script stop? A: Scripts are designed to stop immediately after finishing their programmed command; this is normal behavior.
What this tool does
Safe Logger is a solution to prevent log line loss when multiple EAs share the same file.
Typical Use Case
This Script excels in automated trading and technical analysis on MetaTrader 5.
Compatible Platform & Setup
This Script works on MetaTrader 5. Place the file in the MQL5/Scripts folder and restart the terminal.
Description & Settings
Related: show trade lines service - another powerful script for MetaTrader 5 traders.
Safe Logger is a solution to prevent log line loss when multiple EAs share the same file.Overview of Safe Logger
Also recommended: News Indicator with Vertical Lines - similar script with strong performance on MetaTrader 5.
The Safe Logger appends one line to a shared file without losing any lines. It opens the file exclusively, retries up to 8 times with 40 ms between attempts if another EA is holding the file, and prints an error message with the lost line when the retries are exhausted.
Key Functions:
- SafeLogWrite function: prepends the TimeLocal() timestamp and the symbol, and appends time;symbol;fields to the log file
- SafeLogHeader function: writes the header to the file if it does not exist yet
Demo Settings:
- InpFile: demo_log.csv
- InpLines: 200
- InpSafeMode: true (set to false to demonstrate the issue with FILE_SHARE_WRITE)
Demo Output:
- The mode used
- Successful FileOpen calls
- Line count before and after writing
- Time taken to write the log
- Notification of lost lines when FileOpen is successful but lines are missing
Limitation:
- Log line loss is only noticeable with concurrent writers. To demonstrate this, run the script on four charts simultaneously with InpSafeMode set to false. On a single chart, there is no contention, and both modes produce the same line count.
You may also like: Lot Line Indicator - excellent alternative for script users on MetaTrader 5.
Source Code
#property copyright "RobotFX"
#property link "https://robotfx.org"
#property version "1.00"
#property script_show_inputs
#include "SafeLogger.mqh"
input string InpFile = "demo_log.csv";
input int InpLines = 200;
input bool InpSafeMode = true;
bool UnsafeWrite(const string file, const string fields)
{
.......
⚠ Limitations & Risk Warning
- This tool is provided for educational and testing purposes only.
- Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Use on a demo account first.
- Results may vary depending on market conditions, broker, and settings.
- We recommend thorough backtesting and forward testing before using with real funds.