log-reader_skill

Overview

This skill reads MetaTrader 5 Experts log files to surface Print() output, compilation messages, and runtime errors without manual Experts pane inspection. It locates today's UTF-16LE log file, reads content, and supports targeted searches for indicators, tests, and error patterns. The skill is focused on read-only analysis and filters sensitive trading details before reporting.

How this skill works

The skill constructs today's log path under the MQL5 Logs folder, reads the UTF-16LE file, and optionally greps for patterns such as indicator names, "error", or test pass/fail markers. It can tail recent lines for live troubleshooting and returns timestamps, sources, and matched messages. All operations use read-only tools and avoid exposing absolute paths or sensitive data in user-facing output.

When to use it

• Validate indicator, script, or expert advisor execution without opening MT5
• Check compilation errors and runtime exceptions reported in the Experts pane
• Verify unit test results (e.g., Test_PatternDetector, Test_ArrowManager)
• Investigate why an indicator is not producing expected output
• Monitor initialization and phase-specific messages during deployment

Best practices

• Always construct the date-based log path (YYYYMMDD.log) and quote paths with spaces
• Search with focused patterns first (indicator name, test.*passed, error) and widen if needed
• Use context flags (e.g., -A 3, -B 2) to capture surrounding lines for actionable context
• Filter or redact symbol/account identifiers before sharing logs externally
• Confirm the log file exists and is non-empty before running analyses

Example use cases

• User compiled Test_PatternDetector.mq5: read today’s log, grep for test.*PatternDetector, report pass/fail counts
• User reports indicator not updating: tail last 50 lines and grep for ERROR or failed to create messages
• Ask whether a Phase 2 test arrow was created: search for "Phase 2" or "Test arrow created" and return timestamped result
• Verify initialization: grep for OnInit or Initialization complete to confirm successful startup