How to compile and backtest EA in Linux without using Docker?

[codeitlikemiley]

Hi i would like to ask if it is possible to do backtest/compile code without using docker?

May i know some of the requirements

just my hunch i think i will need wine to make this work.

I already have it , and a MT4 trader .exe software...

I dont wanna use docker since , it east up a lot of memory.

i always run out of memory since its only 8gb ram.

maybe using bare metal archlinux with all the required sofware can make it reduce the necessary ram to consume and use my gpu and processor at max capability.

Can you point me to the right direction thanks :)

[kenorb]

Backtesting

Yes, please check the steps at Backtesting in MT4 wiki page (Manual method). These steps should be very easy to follow. If something is not clear, please let me know.

Basically, you need to download already converted FXT/HST files into your platform folder, then run the test in MT4 platform as usual using a Strategy Tester (the easiest way). Or you can download CSV files on your own (e.g. from the FX-Data repos), and convert it using a convert_csv_to_mt.py Python script into FXT/HST formats (more advanced and time consuming method).

For Linux, all you need is wine command, install the platform (download from one of the broker's websites) and run it.

For macOS, check XM MT4 for Mac from XM broker.

Compiling

To compile the project under Linux, the easiest way is to use make command. After cloning the project, run: make Lite-Backtest, or change Lite-Backtest into one of the following options found in Makefile file (such as Lite, Advanced or Rider).

To compile the project manually from the command-line, run wine metaeditor.exe /compile:src. For details, check: How to compile an MQL4 file with a command-line tool?