# Understanding the Logic of MTF_AD.mq4 Script
This document provides a non-technical explanation of how the `MTF_AD.mq4` script functions within MetaTrader. This script is designed to calculate and display the Accumulation/Distribution (A/D) indicator across different time frames without requiring users to understand coding or technical details.
## Overview
The script allows users to visualize trading volume data, which can help in identifying trends related to market accumulation or distribution of a particular asset. This information is crucial for traders who wish to make informed decisions based on how assets are being traded over specific periods.
### Key Features:
- **Multiple Time Frames:** Users can choose from various time frames such as 1-minute (M1), 5 minutes (M5), and up to monthly (MN). Each time frame provides a different perspective of the market's behavior.
- **Price Types:** The script accommodates different types of price data, including close, open, high, low, median, typical, and weighted prices. These options allow users to select how they want the A/D indicator to be calculated.
## How It Works
1. **Input Parameters:**
- Users specify their desired time frame and type of price data through input parameters.
- The script includes pre-defined constants for these inputs, allowing easy selection without needing to enter complex values manually.
2. **Indicator Initialization:**
- Upon initialization, the script sets up an indicator line that will display on the trading chart.
- It labels the indicator with a name that reflects the chosen time frame (e.g., "A/D [M1]").
3. **Calculation Process:**
- The script plots data from the specified time frame onto the current chart view.
- It iterates through a set number of bars (data points) on the chart, calculating the A/D value for each bar based on the chosen price type and time frame.
- This calculation involves comparing historical time data with the selected time frame to ensure accuracy.
4. **Displaying Results:**
- The calculated A/D values are then plotted as a line on the trading chart.
- This visual representation helps traders identify periods of accumulation (when more volume is entering than leaving) or distribution (when more volume is exiting).
## Practical Use
- **Trend Analysis:** By analyzing how volume changes over different time frames, traders can gain insights into potential price movements and market sentiment.
- **Decision Making:** The A/D indicator helps in making decisions about entry and exit points by highlighting periods of significant accumulation or distribution.
In summary, the `MTF_AD.mq4` script is a tool for visualizing trading volume data across various time frames, aiding traders in understanding market dynamics without requiring deep technical expertise.
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AD_AccumulationDistribution_MTF
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//| MTF_AD.mq4 |
//| Copyright © 2006, Keris2112 |
//| |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
#property copyright "Copyright © 2006, Keris2112"
#property link "http://www.forex-tsd.com"
#property indicator_separate_window
#property indicator_buffers 1
#property indicator_color1 LightSeaGreen
//---- input parameters
/*************************************************************************
PERIOD_M1 1
PERIOD_M5 5
PERIOD_M15 15
PERIOD_M30 30
PERIOD_H1 60
PERIOD_H4 240
PERIOD_D1 1440
PERIOD_W1 10080
PERIOD_MN1 43200
You must use the numeric value of the timeframe that you want to use
when you set the TimeFrame' value with the indicator inputs.
---------------------------------------
PRICE_CLOSE 0 Close price.
PRICE_OPEN 1 Open price.
PRICE_HIGH 2 High price.
PRICE_LOW 3 Low price.
PRICE_MEDIAN 4 Median price, (high+low)/2.
PRICE_TYPICAL 5 Typical price, (high+low+close)/3.
PRICE_WEIGHTED 6 Weighted close price, (high+low+close+close)/4.
You must use the numeric value of the Applied Price that you want to use
when you set the 'applied_price' value with the indicator inputs.
**************************************************************************/
extern int TimeFrame=0;
extern int applied_price=0;
extern string note_Price = "0C 1O 2H 3L 4Md 5Tp 6WghC: Md(HL/2)4,Tp(HLC/3)5,Wgh(HLCC/4)6";
extern string TimeFrames = "M1;5,15,30,60H1;240H4;1440D1;10080W1;43200MN|0-CurrentTF";
double ExtMapBuffer1[];
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//| Custom indicator initialization function |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
int init()
{
//---- indicator line
SetIndexBuffer(0,ExtMapBuffer1);
SetIndexStyle(0,DRAW_LINE);
//---- name for DataWindow and indicator subwindow label
switch(TimeFrame)
{
case 1 : string TimeFrameStr="M1"; break;
case 5 : TimeFrameStr="M5"; break;
case 15 : TimeFrameStr="M15"; break;
case 30 : TimeFrameStr="M30"; break;
case 60 : TimeFrameStr="H1"; break;
case 240 : TimeFrameStr="H4"; break;
case 1440 : TimeFrameStr="D1"; break;
case 10080 : TimeFrameStr="W1"; break;
case 43200 : TimeFrameStr="MN"; break;
default : TimeFrameStr="TF0";
}
IndicatorShortName("A/D ["+TimeFrameStr+"] ");
TimeFrame=MathMax(TimeFrame,Period());
}
//----
return(0);
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//| MTF |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
int start()
{
datetime TimeArray[];
int i,limit,y=0,counted_bars=IndicatorCounted();
// Plot defined time frame on to current time frame
ArrayCopySeries(TimeArray,MODE_TIME,Symbol(),TimeFrame);
limit=Bars-counted_bars;
limit=MathMax(limit,TimeFrame/Period());
for(i=0,y=0;i<limit;i++)
{
if (Time[i]<TimeArray[y]) y++;
/***********************************************************
Add your main indicator loop below. You can reference an existing
indicator with its iName or iCustom.
Rule 1: Add extern inputs above for all neccesary values
Rule 2: Use 'TimeFrame' for the indicator time frame
Rule 3: Use 'y' for your indicator's shift value
**********************************************************/
ExtMapBuffer1[i]=iAD(NULL,TimeFrame, y);
}
//
return(0);
}
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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