Platforms & Tech
Beginner
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
Also called: MT4
The most widely used retail forex trading platform — supports charting, EAs (MQL4), and custom indicators.
Definition
MT4 (MetaQuotes, 2005) became the de facto retail FX platform thanks to free licensing, broad broker support, and an enormous library of EAs and indicators.
MetaQuotes stopped issuing new MT4 licences in 2017, pushing the platform toward end-of-life — but broker support remains strong and the platform isn’t going away anytime soon.
FAQs
Is MT4 still being developed?
Only maintenance updates. New features are MT5-only.
Should I learn MT4 or MT5?
MT5 if you're starting fresh. MT4 if you depend on a specific EA or indicator that hasn't been ported.