Beginner decision matrix
Course context: This lesson belongs to a practical beginner curriculum for Pakistan.
| Need | Platform to test first | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| No installation, manual orders | Exness Terminal or WebTerminal | Desktop EAs do not run |
| MQL5 EA or custom indicator | MT5 Desktop | Requires installation and maintenance |
| Existing MQL4 program | MT4 Desktop | MQL4 is not directly compatible with MT5 |
| Phone monitoring | Exness Trade / MetaTrader Mobile | Not a desktop EA host |
| Exness platform account | Exness Terminal / Exness Trade | Cannot log in to MetaTrader |
Why Standard MT5 demo is the default lesson
After registration, Exness normally creates a real Standard MT5 and demo Standard MT5 account. Standard has no separate trading commission, market execution and a 0.01-lot minimum, making the first cost and order exercises easier to read. Use virtual funds until you can explain the full workflow.
First-week skills test
- Log in and identify the active account and server.
- Find EURUSD and open Contract Specifications.
- Place a 0.01-lot market order with SL and TP.
- Create and cancel a pending order.
- Change the demo balance to a realistic figure.
- Export or read account history.
- Repeat after disconnecting and reconnecting the device.
Compatibility errors to avoid
- An MT4 account cannot log in to MT5 and vice versa.
- Account platform compatibility cannot be changed after creation.
- Personal Area credentials are not the same as MT trading credentials.
- WebTerminal has no desktop EA, Signals or trailing-stop function.
- Exness Terminal supports compatible MT5 accounts, subject to regional availability.
Graduation criteria
Do not choose a live platform because its interface looks simpler. Graduate only after completing 20 recorded demo decisions, recovering from a login or connection error, calculating cash risk without guessing, and explaining the difference between balance, equity, margin and free margin.
Official platform references
Real and demo accounts · WebTerminal feature comparison · Standard account specifications
Questions from a first-time learner
Must a beginner use MT4?
No. MT5 demo is a practical default unless an existing MQL4 tool determines the choice.
Is the browser terminal identical to desktop MT5?
No. EA, scripts, Signals and trailing stop are desktop features.
Can I change an MT4 account into MT5 later?
No. Create a new trading account with the required platform.
Should I learn with real funds?
Use demo until the operating and risk checks are repeatable.