Compiler

Compiler Path

When you press the Build button in VTS,  two things happen:

1. First, the VTS drawings are converted into MQL code.
2. Second, the MQL code is "compiled" into an executable Expert Advisor.

• A "compiler" is a program that translates a file of readable text into a format that can be executed by a computer.  
• VTS uses the MetaTrader compiler to build an executable EA.

Prior to MetaTrader build 600, the MetaTrader compiler was named "metalang.exe" and was included in the MetaTrader installation.

After MetaTrader build 600, the MetaTrader compiler was changed to "mql.exe" (or "mql64.exe") and is not included in the MetaTrader installation.

The MetaTrader compilers "mql.exe" or "mql64.exe" are included in the VTS installation and the value of the Compiler Path is automatically set to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iExpertAdvisor\Visual Trader Studio Connect\cfg\tools\mql.exe

• The Compiler Path value is used by VTS to execute the compiler on the MQL code.
• The Compiler Path can be set to any valid MQL compiler.

Checking the Reset to default check box will set the value to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iExpertAdvisor\Visual Trader Studio Connect\cfg\tools\mql.exe