What Is an EX4 File and How Is It Different From MQ4? (Beginner Guide)
What Is an EX4 File and How Is It Different From MQ4? (Beginner Guide)
If you are new to MetaTrader or just getting started with forex trading bots, you have probably seen files ending in .EX4 and .MQ4 and wondered what they mean. While they are closely related, they serve very different purposes.
This beginner-friendly guide explains what an EX4 file is, what an MQ4 file is, and the key differences between them, in simple terms.
What Is an MQ4 File?
An MQ4 file is the source code file used in MetaTrader 4 (MT4).
It is written in MQL4 (MetaQuotes Language 4), which is similar to C programming.
MQ4 files are used to create:
- Expert Advisors (trading bots)
- Custom indicators
- Scripts
Key Features of MQ4 Files
- Human-readable code
- Can be edited and modified
- Used by developers to build trading strategies
- Opened and edited in MetaEditor
Think of an MQ4 file as the blueprint of a trading robot.
What Is an EX4 File?
An EX4 file is the compiled version of an MQ4 file.
When a developer finishes writing the MQ4 code, they compile it in MetaEditor, which turns it into an EX4 file.
EX4 files are:
- Machine-readable
- Not easily editable
- Used directly by MetaTrader 4 to run strategies
Key Features of EX4 Files
- Ready-to-use trading robot or indicator
- Faster execution
- Protects the developer’s source code
- Cannot be modified without the original MQ4 file
Think of an EX4 file as the final product created from the blueprint.
Main Differences Between EX4 and MQ4
|
Feature |
MQ4 |
EX4 |
|
File Type |
Source code |
Compiled file |
|
Editable |
Yes |
No |
|
Readable by humans |
Yes |
No |
|
Used for development |
Yes |
No |
|
Used for trading |
Not directly |
Yes |
|
Protects source code |
No |
Yes |
Why Do Developers Share EX4 Instead of MQ4?
Most developers distribute EX4 files only to:
- Protect their trading strategy
- Prevent copying or modification
- Sell or license Expert Advisors safely
Sharing MQ4 would allow anyone to:
- Edit the code
- Copy the strategy
- Resell it as their own
Can You Convert EX4 Back to MQ4?
This is a very common question.
Technically, EX4 files are not meant to be converted back to MQ4. Once compiled, the original source code is protected.
While you may see tools claiming to be EX4 to MQ4 decompilers, results are often:
- Incomplete
- Broken
- Unusable
- Legally questionable
In most cases, recovering the original MQ4 file is not possible without the developer’s permission.
When Should You Use MQ4 vs EX4?
Use MQ4 If:
- You are a developer
- You want to build or customize trading bots
- You need full control over the strategy logic
Use EX4 If:
- You are a trader, not a coder
- You just want to run a trading robot
- You purchased or downloaded a ready-made EA
