Route comparison
Course context: This lesson belongs to a practical beginner curriculum for Pakistan.
| Requirement | MT4 EA | MT5 EA | Exness API |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account route | MT4 account | MT5 account | Eligible Exness platform account |
| Language | MQL4 | MQL5 | Language-agnostic client |
| Runtime | MT4 Desktop / VPS | MT5 Desktop / VPS | Your hosted application |
| Web/mobile execution | EA does not run there | EA does not run there | Custom client can call API |
| Stocks and indices | By terminal availability | By terminal availability | Not in current standard API endpoints |
Software due-diligence checklist
- Source and publisher are identifiable.
- Strategy rules are understandable.
- Backtest includes Bid/Ask, spread, commission and swap.
- Position size has a hard maximum.
- Results distinguish hypothetical and live performance.
- There is no guaranteed-return claim.
- Logs expose every decision and broker response.
- The software can be stopped without losing state.
Demo acceptance test
- Install only in an isolated demo environment.
- Confirm symbol suffix, contract size and account type.
- Test one signal and one order at minimum volume.
- Restart the terminal during an open demo position.
- Disconnect and reconnect the network.
- Force a rejected order and inspect the error path.
- Verify no duplicate order appears after recovery.
- Run long enough to cover inactive, rollover and volatile periods.
When a VPS helps
A VPS can keep the desktop terminal and EA running independently of the home PC and internet. It does not improve a weak strategy or guarantee execution. Exness VPS eligibility and retention thresholds are displayed in PA under Exness benefits → Virtual Private Server and can differ; do not rely on an old fixed threshold.
After access, the linked account must log in and trade from the VPS within five days and at least once every 30 days. Trading-volume retention rules also apply. If access is terminated, VPS user data is deleted and cannot be restored, so keep encrypted backups outside the VPS.
Reject these product claims
“AI accuracy 100%”, fixed monthly profit, no-loss martingale, undisclosed broker statements, and referral pressure are disqualifying signals. Automation accelerates both correct and incorrect instructions.
Official sources
EA compatibility · Exness API · VPS setup and retention
Questions from a first-time learner
Can an MT4 EA run on MT5?
No. MQL4 and MQL5 programs require their corresponding terminals or a deliberate rewrite.
Will an EA keep running after I close the desktop terminal?
No. Use a continuously running computer or suitable VPS.
Does a VPS guarantee lower slippage?
No. It can improve continuity and network proximity, but market conditions and execution still matter.
Should I buy a bot based on a profit screenshot?
No. Require independently verifiable live evidence and a complete cost and drawdown record.