Open/Close, Reading files from MQL4

[algobrain]

Does anybody know how to open, read files from MQL4. Here is the problem. MQL4 doesnt have a really good mathematical interface or doesnt allow you to create multiple dimension arrays. So, I have parallel programs that run mathematical formulas and yields a result based on the typical HLOCV data on each and every tick. The result is storage in a xyz.dat file. So, what I need is;
a.- To turn on a 'flag' that I can read using MQL4 that will indicate that the program finished its calculation and xyz.dat is updated.
b.- To allow me from MQL4 to open xyz.dat file, read its content, and use it on the decision making process.

Does anybody know how to read such flags and open/close files from MQL4??
Thanks,
Algobrain

[Jim]

Hi AlgoBrain,

Sounds like you're after the MQL4 file functions?

For an example of how they can be used in practice you might like to take a look at the source of our GuruLogger "indicator", though that writes bars rather than reads them.

You can try using a zero length file as a flag. If you can't open it successfully, then xyz.dat isn't ready yet. Create your "flag" file when it is.

Cheers,

Jim