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<h1 style="margin-top:0;">What Is an Expert Advisor (EA) or Indicator?</h1>
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>
In MetaTrader 5 (MT5), two key tools help traders work smarter: <strong>Expert Advisors (EAs)</strong> and
<strong>Indicators</strong>. EAs handle automation; Indicators provide analysis. Understanding both is essential
for any beginner trader.
</p>
<h2>1) Expert Advisor (EA)</h2>
<p>
An <strong>Expert Advisor (EA)</strong> is a programmed trading robot that can execute trades automatically based on a defined set of rules written in MQL5.
</p>
<ul>
<li>Open or close trades automatically</li>
<li>Set and manage Stop Loss / Take Profit</li>
<li>Apply money and risk management (fixed lot or risk %)</li>
<li>Monitor multiple symbols and timeframes</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Example:</em> Buy EUR/USD when the 50-period moving average crosses above the 200-period moving average, and sell when the opposite occurs — the EA handles order placement and exits.</p>
<h2>2) Indicator</h2>
<p>
An <strong>Indicator</strong> is a mathematical tool that analyzes price, volume, or volatility to support decision-making. Indicators do not place trades; they provide visual signals or values for the trader (or an EA) to use.
</p>
<ul>
<li>Show trends and momentum (e.g., Moving Average, MACD)</li>
<li>Identify overbought/oversold conditions (e.g., RSI)</li>
<li>Highlight potential entry/exit zones</li>
<li>Confirm signals before execution</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Example:</em> RSI above 70 can indicate an overbought market; below 30 can indicate oversold conditions.</p>
<h2>3) Key Differences</h2>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid #ccc;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="text-align:left; padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc; background:#f7f7f7;">Feature</th>
<th style="text-align:left; padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc; background:#f7f7f7;">Expert Advisor (EA)</th>
<th style="text-align:left; padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc; background:#f7f7f7;">Indicator</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Purpose</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Automates trading actions</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Provides visual/analytical signals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Execution</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Opens/closes/manages trades</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Does not place trades</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Operation</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Runs continuously per strategy logic</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Displays values/overlays on charts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">Language</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">MQL5</td>
<td style="padding:8px; border:1px solid #ccc;">MQL5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>4) How They Work Together</h2>
<ul>
<li>Indicators detect opportunities or conditions (signals).</li>
<li>The EA acts on those signals automatically according to your rules.</li>
<li>Together they provide discipline, speed, and consistency.</li>
</ul>
<h2>5) Benefits</h2>
<ul>
<li>Saves time by automating repetitive tasks</li>
<li>Removes emotional bias in execution</li>
<li>Ensures consistent strategy application</li>
<li>Provides real-time market insight</li>
<li>Monitors multiple charts simultaneously</li>
</ul>
<h2>6) Tips Before You Start</h2>
<ul>
<li>Test on a demo account before going live</li>
<li>Understand the EA rules and risk controls</li>
<li>Avoid over-optimization (curve fitting)</li>
<li>Track performance and refine parameters over time</li>
</ul>
<h2>Summary</h2>
<p>
An <strong>EA</strong> is your trader — executing logic hands-free. An <strong>Indicator</strong> is your analyst — interpreting market conditions.
Used together, they bring structure, precision, and discipline to your MT5 trading.
</p>
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<p style="font-size: 12px; color: #666; margin: 0;">
<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Trading involves risk. Always trade responsibly.
</p>
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