Decompiler EX4-TO-MQ4 4.0.401.1
Decompiler EX4-TO-MQ4 4.0.401.1
A decompiler is a tool that can convert executable files into source code files. In the context of MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular trading platform for forex and other financial markets, a decompiler can be used to recover the original code of expert advisors (EAs), indicators, and scripts that are compiled into EX4 files.
Decompiler EX4-TO-MQ4 4.0.401.1
EX4 files are binary files that contain the executable code of MT4 programs. They are generated by the MetaEditor, an integrated development environment (IDE) for creating and editing MT4 programs in the MetaQuotes Language 4 (MQL4). EX4 files can be attached to MT4 charts and run by the trading terminal.
MQ4 files are text files that contain the source code of MT4 programs. They can be edited and modified by the MetaEditor or any other text editor. MQ4 files can be compiled into EX4 files by the MetaEditor.
Some developers of MT4 programs may choose to distribute only the EX4 files and not the MQ4 files, in order to protect their intellectual property and prevent unauthorized modifications or copying of their code. However, some users may want to access the source code of EX4 files for various reasons, such as learning, debugging, or customizing.
How to decompile EX4 files into MQ4 files?
There are different methods and tools for decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files, depending on the version of MT4 and the type of EX4 file.
For older versions of MT4 (up to build 509), EX4 files were compiled into byte code, which is an intermediate representation of the source code that can be executed by a virtual machine. Byte code can be easily mapped back to the source code with some exceptions (such as variable names, function names, and comments). Therefore, decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files was relatively simple and straightforward, using tools such as Decompiler EX4-TO-MQ4 4.0.401.1. This tool was created by the purebeam.biz team in 2009 and could decompile any EX4 file into MQ4 file by dragging and dropping it on the decompiler window.
For newer versions of MT4 (from build 600 onwards), EX4 files were compiled into native binary code, which is the machine language that can be executed directly by the processor. Binary code is much more difficult and complex to decompile than byte code, as it involves reverse engineering and analysis of the assembly instructions and data structures. Moreover, binary code may be obfuscated or encrypted to make it harder to understand or modify. Therefore, decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files became almost impossible in principle, using tools such as Decompiler EX4-TO-MQ4 4.0.401.1. This tool was no longer updated or supported by its developers after 2013.
For some cases of EX4 files compiled by newer versions of MT4, there may still be some possibilities to decompile them into MQ4 files, using advanced techniques and tools such as IDA Pro or NSA Ghidra. These are professional disassemblers and decompilers that can analyze binary code and generate pseudo-code or high-level language code from it. However, these tools require a lot of skill and knowledge in cryptography and binary decompilation, as well as access to a reference library of MQL4 functions and data types. Moreover, these tools may not be able to recover all the details and features of the original source code, such as variable names, function names, comments, or logic structures.
For some other cases of EX4 files compiled by newer versions of MT4, there may be no way to decompile them into MQ4 files at all, using any tool or method available. This is because some developers may use additional protection mechanisms or encryption algorithms to prevent their EX4 files from being decompiled or modified by anyone else.
What are the legal and ethical issues of decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files?
Decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files may involve legal and ethical issues, depending on the purpose and intention of doing so.
Some developers of MT4 programs may have legitimate reasons to distribute only the EX4 files and not the MQ4 files, such as protecting their intellectual property, ensuring the quality and performance of their products, or complying with the terms and conditions of their clients or partners. Decompiling their EX4 files into MQ4 files may violate their rights and interests, as well as the trust and respect between them and their users.
Some users of MT4 programs may have legitimate reasons to access the source code of EX4 files, such as learning, debugging, or customizing. Decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files may help them achieve their goals and improve their skills and knowledge. However, they should always respect the original developers and their work, and not use the decompiled code for illegal or unethical purposes, such as stealing, copying, modifying, or selling it without permission or attribution.
Some users of MT4 programs may have illegitimate reasons to access the source code of EX4 files, such as hacking, cracking, or pirating. Decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files may enable them to do so, but they may also face legal consequences and penalties, as well as damage their reputation and credibility in the MT4 community.
Therefore, decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files should be done with caution and responsibility, and only for educational or personal purposes. It should not be done for commercial or malicious purposes, or without the consent or knowledge of the original developers.
Conclusion
Decompiler EX4-TO-MQ4 4.0.401.1 was a tool that could decompile EX4 files into MQ4 files for older versions of MT4 (up to build 509). However, it became obsolete and ineffective for newer versions of MT4 (from build 600 onwards), as EX4 files were compiled into native binary code instead of byte code. Decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files for newer versions of MT4 may still be possible in some cases, using advanced tools and techniques such as IDA Pro or NSA Ghidra. However, it may also be impossible in some other cases, due to additional protection mechanisms or encryption algorithms used by some developers. Decompiling EX4 files into MQ4 files may involve legal and ethical issues, depending on the purpose and intention of doing so. Therefore, it should be done with caution and responsibility, and only for educational or personal purposes.
References:
[Download EX4 decompiler - EX4 to MQ4]
[mql4 - How to decompile ex4 file to mq4 - Stack Overflow]
[Ex4 to mq4 decompiler Telegram]