Account Information

The functions of the client terminal and status checking functions are convenient to be applied for program restriction when it is distributed on the commercial basis, for example. Let's examine the solution of the problem below:

Problem 39. Create a protection code of the program distributed on the commercial basis, which meets the following requirements: the program must require a password to be executed on real accounts of individual clients; the password is not required to execute the program on real accounts of corporate clients; no limitations are provided for the execution of the program on demo accounts.

This example contains a correct problem definition. For successful commercial distribution, you provide your potential consumers with a program that can be fully tested on a demo account. So the user can weigh all the advantages of the program and come to the decision of buying it.

The application of a common password is incorrect - the unauthorized distribution of the program is possible, in this case. So the individual password for the user must be dependent on the real account number. There is no need to use the password for the corporate clients (if the dealing center bought the license for all its traders) - the program must self-identify the server that the client terminal is connected to. And, if it is the server of the corporate client then every user must be able to work without obstacles.

The solution of the Problem 39 limiting the rights of program use can be the following (сheck.mq4 EA):

//--------------------------------------------------------------------
// сheck.mq4
// The code should be used for educational purpose only.
//--------------------------------------------------------------- 1 --
extern int Parol=12345;
//--------------------------------------------------------------- 2 --
int start()                            // Special function 'start'
  {
   if(Check()==false)                  // If the using conditions do not..
      return;                          // ..meet the requirements, then exit
 
   // The main code of the program must be specified here
   Alert("Program execution");      // Alert example
 
   return;                             // Exit start()
  }
//--------------------------------------------------------------- 3 --
bool Check()                           // User-defined function of..
  {                                    // .. use conditions checking
   if (IsDemo()==true)                 // If it is a demo account, then..
      return(true);                    // .. there are no other limitations
   if (AccountCompany()=="SuperBank")  // The password is not needed
      return(true);                    // ..for corporate clients
   int Key=AccountNumber()*2+1000001;  // Calculating key
   if (Parol==Key)                     // If the password is correct, then..
      return(true);                    // ..allow the real account to trade
   Alert("Wrong password. EA does not work.");
   return(false);                      // Exit user-defined function
  }
//--------------------------------------------------------------- 4 --

The necessary checking is performed in top entries of the special start() function, in this example (block 2-3):

   if(Check()==false)                  // If the using conditions..

If the Check() function returns false as the result of checking, then the control is passed to the return operator and the special start() function finishes its working. The main code of the program is located directly after this checking. The Check() function will return true if checking is successful, then the main code will be executed.

The checking is performed according to three criteria in the user-defined function Check():
- is the account a demo one;
- does the server belong to a corporate client;
- is the password valid for the real account.

The function IsDemo() is used for checking according to the first criterion.

Function IsDemo()

bool IsDemo()

The function returns TRUE, if the program is working with a demo account. Otherwise, it returns FALSE.

If the IsDemo() function returns true, then the user is working with the demo-account. This means that there is no need for further checking (because use of program with a demo-account is free for everyone). The Check() function finishes its working and returns true, in this case:

   if (IsDemo() == true)               // If it is a demo account, then..
      return(true);                    // .. there are no other limitations

But if the IsDemo() function returns false value then the user is working with the real account. It is necessary to find out if the user has enough rights, in this case. The AccountCompany() function is used in this example to check the corporate clients.

Function AccountCompany()

 string AccountCompany()

The function returns the name of the company the current account is registered at.

If the checking resulted in:

   if (AccountCompany() == "SuperBank")// The password is not needed..
      return(true);                    // ..for corporate clients

determining that the name of the company corresponds with the one specified in the program, then the Check() function will finish its working and return true - the checking will be finished successfully. If it is turned out that the client is connected to the other company (that is not a corporate client), then there is no need to find out if he\she has an individual license.

The entry:

   int Key = AccountNumber()*2+1000001;// Calculating key

puts the algorithm for calculation of a key for any account in the program. This example contains the simple method. The programmer, as he\she thinks fit, can insert more complex method for key calculation. Anyway, the algorithm must consider an account number that is available for the program by using the AccountNumber() function.

Function AccountNumber()

 int AccountNumber()

The function returns the number of the current account.

The password previously calculated using the same algorithm is passed to the user. If the checking has resulted in finding out that that the password and the key match each other, then the Check() function finishes its working and returns true value:

   if (Parol == Key)                   // If the password is correct, then..
      return(true);                    // ..allow the real account to trade

If none of the checking procedures finished successfully then the user can not trade using a real account. In this case, the Check() function finishes its working and returns false value after making the appropriate announcement. In such a manner the unauthorized use of the program attempt is suppressed.

Functions Returning Client Terminal Information

Functions Detecting the Current Status of the Client Terminal Including the Environment Status of the Executed MQL4 Program

Functions Accessing to the Information about the Active Account

To get the detailed description of these and other functions, please refer to the Documentation at MQL4.community, at MetaQuotes Ltd. website or at the "Help" section of MetaEditor.