MQH File – What is .mqh file and how to open it?

Definition of MQH File

A MetaTrader Include File (.MQH) is a specialized text file employed within the MetaTrader trading platform, designed to store reusable code fragments, custom functions, and variables that can be incorporated into other MetaTrader scripts (files with the .mq4 or .mq5 extensions) or Expert Advisors (EAs) (files with the .ex4 or .ex5 extensions). These files facilitate code organization, reusability, and modularity, enabling developers to create more efficient and maintainable trading strategies.

Structure and Usage of MQH Files

MQH files follow a strict syntax defined by the MetaTrader programming language, MQL4 or MQL5. They typically contain a collection of functions, global variables, and constants that can be referenced and utilized within other scripts or EAs by using the #include directive. This allows developers to separate common or frequently used code elements into separate MQH files, fostering code reusability and promoting a modular programming approach. Furthermore, MQH files provide a means of organizing and structuring trading strategies, making them easier to understand, maintain, and modify. By segregating code into distinct MQH modules, developers can focus on specific functionality without cluttering the primary script or EA file.

Using MetaTrader Editor

MetaTrader Include Files (MQH) are plaintext files used within the MetaTrader platform for developing custom trading strategies. To open an MQH file, you can use the built-in MetaEditor tool that comes with the MetaTrader platform.

1. Launch the MetaTrader platform.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open”.
3. Navigate to the location of the MQH file and select it.
4. Click “Open” to load the file into the MetaEditor.

The MetaEditor provides a specialized environment for editing MQH files. It highlights syntax, provides code completion, and offers debugging tools. You can also use the MetaEditor to compile and test your MQH code.

Using Other Text Editors

If you don’t have the MetaTrader platform installed, you can still open MQH files using any text editor, such as Notepad, Notepad++, or Sublime Text. However, these editors won’t provide the advanced features and syntax highlighting available in the MetaEditor.

1. Launch your preferred text editor.
2. Click on “File” and select “Open”.
3. Navigate to the location of the MQH file and select it.
4. Click “Open” to load the file into the editor.

You can edit the MQH file in the text editor, but you won’t be able to compile or test the code directly. To run the code, you’ll need to import the MQH file into the MetaTrader platform and compile it using the MetaEditor.

MetaQuotes Include Header File (MQH)

MQH files are header files used in the MetaTrader programming language, a proprietary scripting language designed for developing trading strategies and technical indicators for the MetaTrader trading platform. Header files in general provide a way to organize and reuse code across multiple source files. In MetaTrader, MQH files are used to include commonly used functions, variables, and other code elements into multiple MQL (MetaQuotes Language) programs.

MQH files typically contain function declarations, global variables, and other preprocessor directives. They are included into MQL programs using the #include preprocessor directive. This allows developers to modularize their code and avoid code duplication across multiple files. MQH files also help in maintaining consistency and reducing errors by centralizing commonly used code elements in a single location.

Other Extensions