Introduction to Bitcoin API
The Bitcoin API provides developers and traders with seamless access to real-time and historical Bitcoin price data. Whether you’re building a cryptocurrency tracking app, conducting market analysis, or integrating crypto data into your platform, this API offers valuable market insights.
Real-Time Bitcoin Data Endpoint
Endpoint Overview
GET https://api.api-ninjas.com/v1/bitcoin
This endpoint returns the latest Bitcoin price in USD along with comprehensive 24-hour market data.
Required Headers
| Header | Description |
|---|---|
X-Api-Key |
Your unique API key (required for authentication) |
Response Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
price |
Current Bitcoin price in USD |
timestamp |
Unix timestamp (seconds) of price recording |
24h_price_change |
USD value change over 24 hours |
24h_price_change_percent |
Percentage change over 24 hours |
24h_high |
Highest price in last 24 hours |
24h_low |
Lowest price in last 24 hours |
24h_volume |
Trading volume over last 24 hours |
Sample Response
json
{
"price": "94962.21000000",
"timestamp": 1736824504,
"24h_price_change": "849.92000000",
"24h_price_change_percent": "0.903",
"24h_high": "95222.00000000",
"24h_low": "89438.45000000",
"24h_volume": "26.39660000"
}
Python Implementation Example
“`python
import requests
api_url = ‘https://api.api-ninjas.com/v1/bitcoin’
response = requests.get(api_url, headers={‘X-Api-Key’: ‘YOUR_API_KEY’})
if response.status_code == requests.codes.ok:
print(response.text)
else:
print(“Error:”, response.status_code, response.text)
“`
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Historical Bitcoin Data Endpoint (Premium)
Endpoint Overview
GET https://api.api-ninjas.com/v1/bitcoinhistorical
This premium endpoint provides historical Bitcoin price data with flexible time intervals.
Request Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Valid Values | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
interval |
Time between data points | 1m, 5m, 15m, 30m, 1h, 4h, 1d | 5m |
start |
Start timestamp (Unix seconds) | – | 24 hours ago |
end |
End timestamp (Unix seconds) | – | Current time |
limit |
Max data points to return | 1-1000 | 100 |
Sample Historical Request
https://api.api-ninjas.com/v1/bitcoinhistorical?interval=1h&start=1637809196&end=1637895596&limit=10
Sample Historical Response
json
[
{"timestamp": 1637812799, "price": "57713.69000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637816399, "price": "57258.49000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637819999, "price": "57120.91000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637823599, "price": "57253.15000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637827199, "price": "57652.55000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637830799, "price": "57563.02000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637834399, "price": "57773.22000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637837999, "price": "57997.06000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637841599, "price": "57990.62000000"},
{"timestamp": 1637845199, "price": "58646.55000000"}
]
Best Practices for API Integration
- Rate Limiting: Check API documentation for request limits
- Error Handling: Implement robust error handling for API responses
- Data Caching: Cache responses to reduce API calls
- Authentication Security: Protect your API keys
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get an API key?
A: Register on the API provider’s website to receive your unique authentication key.
Q: What’s the difference between real-time and historical endpoints?
A: The real-time endpoint provides current market data, while historical gives access to past price movements with customizable intervals.
Q: Is there a free tier available?
A: The real-time endpoint is typically available in free tiers, while historical data often requires premium access.
Q: What programming languages are supported?
A: The API works with any language that can make HTTP requests. Examples are provided in Python, but you can adapt to JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, etc.
Q: How frequently is the price data updated?
A: Real-time endpoints typically update every few seconds, while historical data depends on your requested interval.