Reads MetaTrader 5 log files to validate indicator execution, unit tests, and compilation errors. Use when user mentions Experts pane, MT5 logs, errors, or asks "did it work".
Limited to specific tools
Additional assets for this skill
This skill is limited to using the following tools:
Read MetaTrader 5 log files directly to access Print() output from indicators, scripts, and expert advisors without requiring manual Experts pane inspection.
Implement "Option 3" dual logging pattern:
Claude Code CLI can autonomously read both outputs without user intervention.
Use this skill when:
MT5 logs are stored at:
$MQL5_ROOT/Program Files/MetaTrader 5/MQL5/Logs/YYYYMMDD.log
File Format:
# Determine current date
TODAY=$(date +"%Y%m%d")
# Build absolute path
LOG_FILE="$MQL5_ROOT/Program Files/MetaTrader 5/MQL5/Logs/${TODAY}.log"
Use Read tool:
Use Grep to filter entries:
Pattern: indicator name, "error", "test.*passed", etc.
Path: Log file path from step 1
Output mode: "content" with -n (line numbers)
Context: -A 5 for 5 lines after matches
Use Bash with tail for latest output:
tail -n 50 "$LOG_FILE"
Search for test pass/fail indicators:
Pattern: test.*passed|test.*failed|Tests Passed|Tests Failed|ALL TESTS PASSED
Output mode: content
Context: -B 2 -A 2
Pattern: error|ERROR|warning|WARNING|failed to create
Output mode: content
Context: -A 3
Pattern: CCI Rising Test|PatternDetector|ArrowManager
Output mode: content
Context: -A 2
Pattern: OnInit|initialization|Initialization complete|Phase \d+
Output mode: content
Input: User compiled Test_PatternDetector.mq5
Action:
1. Read today's log file
2. Grep for "Test.*PatternDetector|Tests Passed|Tests Failed"
3. Report results (e.g., "17 tests passed, 0 failed")
Output: Test status without user checking Experts pane
Input: User reports indicator not working
Action:
1. Read today's log file
2. Grep for "ERROR|error|failed" with -A 3 context
3. Analyze error messages
Output: Specific error details and line numbers
Input: User asks "did the test arrow get created?"
Action:
1. Read today's log file
2. Grep for "Phase 2|Test arrow created|Failed to create"
3. Check for success/failure messages
Output: Arrow creation status with timestamp
This skill enables programmatic access to one half of the dual logging pattern:
Both are accessible without user intervention:
When using this skill:
docs/guides/MT5_FILE_LOCATIONS.mddocs/plans/cci-rising-pattern-marker.yaml Phase 3-4Program Files/MetaTrader 5/MQL5/Indicators/Custom/Development/CCINeutrality/lib/CSVLogger.mqh