This guide explains how to construct a cryptocurrency portfolio tracker using a Crypto Market Data API, covering everything from initial setup to final implementation. Designed for developers, it includes practical code examples and explores the various functions of the API to help users analyze and track cryptocurrency market data effectively.
Understanding the Crypto Market Data API
The Crypto Market Data API, developed by CoinAPI, enables developers to access real-time and historical market data from over 350 exchanges. This guide walks through building a cryptocurrency portfolio tracker using this API, empowering you to analyze crypto investments efficiently. The application will let users input their holdings, fetch current and historical exchange rates, and display total portfolio value along with historical value charts.
What You'll Accomplish
- Clone and run a pre-built React application from a GitHub repository. This app uses the Crypto Market Data API Marketplace add-on to compute and display historical and current market values of a portfolio.
- Explore the different methods available within the Crypto Market Data API add-on.
Prerequisites
- A QuickNode account with the Crypto Market Data API Marketplace add-on enabled
- Node.js (v18.16 or later) installed on your system
- Basic familiarity with JavaScript or TypeScript
- Typescript and ts-node installed globally (installation instructions are provided in the guide)
Core Methods of the Crypto Market Data API Add-on
The Crypto Market Data API offers a suite of endpoints for accessing various types of cryptocurrency market data. Key methods include:
v1/getExchanges: Retrieves a list of supported exchanges.v1/getSymbols: Fetches details on available trading pairs.v1/getAssets: Provides data on various cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.v1/getCurrentQuotes: Gets the latest price quotes for specified trading pairs.v1/getHistoricalQuotes: Fetches historical price quotes.v1/getCurrentOrderBooks: Retrieves current order book snapshots.v1/getHistoricalTrades: Accesses historical trade data.v1/getHistoricalExchangeRates: Provides historical exchange rates for specified assets.v1/getHistoricalOHLCV: Gets historical Open, High, Low, Close, and Volume data.v1/getCurrentExchangeRates: Fetches the latest exchange rates for specified assets.
These methods allow developers to build powerful applications for crypto wallets, analytics, index providers, brokers, portfolio management, investing, tax/accounting, research, trading bots, and more. By leveraging this API, you can seamlessly integrate real-time and historical market data into your projects.
For this guide, we will focus on creating a crypto portfolio tracker application using the v1/getAssets, v1/getCurrentExchangeRates, and v1/getHistoricalExchangeRates methods.
Configuring Your Development Environment
First, you need to set up your development environment to build the crypto portfolio tracker application. This involves installing necessary dependencies and configuring access to your QuickNode endpoint.
Installing Required Tools and Dependencies
Ensure you have Node.js installed on your system. If not, download and install it from the official website. Node.js includes npm (Node Package Manager), which you will use to install other dependencies.
Next, install TypeScript and ts-node globally if you haven't already:
npm install -g typescript ts-nodeEndpoint Setup
The Crypto Market Data API is a paid add-on. Please review the details and compare plans based on your needs before proceeding.
Setting up an endpoint with the Crypto Market Data API is straightforward. If you haven't already, create a QuickNode account.
Once logged in, navigate to the Endpoints page and click Create Endpoint. This add-on supports endpoints on multiple chains. Select any of these networks and click Next. Activate the Crypto Market Data API add-on, and finally, click Create Endpoint.
If you already have an endpoint without the add-on, go to the Add-ons page within your endpoint dashboard, select Crypto Market Data API, and activate it.
Once your endpoint is ready, copy the HTTP Provider URL and keep it secure, as you will need it in the next section.
Cloning and Running the Example Application
To simplify the process, a sample application is available for you to clone and run locally. Follow these steps to get started:
- Clone the QuickNode Guide Examples repository to your local environment:
git clone https://github.com/quiknode-labs/qn-guide-examples.git- Navigate to the project directory:
cd sample-dapps/crypto-portfolio-tracker-with-the-crypto-market-data-api- Install all required dependencies:
npm install- Rename the
.env.examplefile to.envand update theYOUR_QUICKNODE_ENDPOINTplaceholder with your QuickNode endpoint that has the Crypto Market Data API enabled:
VITE_QUICKNODE_ENDPOINT="YOUR_QUICKNODE_ENDPOINT"Note: While we use dotenv to manage environment variables, be aware that sensitive data like your endpoint could still be exposed on the frontend. This setup is not suitable for a production environment without additional security measures.- Start the development server:
npm run dev- Open your browser and go to
http://localhost:5173/to view the application. - Add your holdings and calculate your portfolio value.
Application Workflow Explained
The application is designed to track and visualize your cryptocurrency portfolio using the Crypto Market Data API. Here’s a detailed overview of its workflow and logic:
1. Fetching and Filtering Assets
- The application first uses the
v1/getAssetsmethod to fetch a list of assets, which includes both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. - The assets are then filtered to separate cryptocurrencies from fiat currencies. Cryptocurrencies are identified by a specific property (
type_is_crypto), allowing the app to distinguish them from traditional currencies. - The filtered list of cryptocurrencies is used to populate the options in the "Add Holding" feature, enabling users to select which crypto they want to add to their portfolio.
- Simultaneously, the filtered list of fiat currencies (e.g., USD, EUR) serves as the base currency options for displaying the portfolio value.
2. User Interaction and Data Retrieval
- Users can input their cryptocurrency holdings by selecting the desired asset and specifying the quantity they hold. This input creates their personalized portfolio.
- The application then uses the
v1/getCurrentExchangeRatesmethod to fetch the current exchange rate for each cryptocurrency in the portfolio. - In addition to current rates, the app retrieves historical data for the assets using
v1/getHistoricalExchangeRatesto generate trends and visualizations showing how the portfolio value has changed over time.
3. Calculating and Displaying Portfolio Value
- The application calculates the portfolio's current value by multiplying the quantity of each cryptocurrency by its current exchange rate in the selected fiat currency.
- For historical values, the app performs similar calculations using the historical exchange rates. This allows users to see how their portfolio value has fluctuated over different periods.
The calculated values are displayed using:
- A pie chart: Shows the distribution of the portfolio, illustrating the proportion of each cryptocurrency relative to the total portfolio value.
- A line chart: Displays the historical value of the portfolio, enabling users to visualize trends and changes in their portfolio's worth over a specified period.
👉 Explore advanced API integration techniques
Alternative Projects Using the Crypto Market Data API
Beyond the portfolio tracker developed in this guide, the Crypto Market Data API can power a variety of other innovative and valuable projects. Here are a few ideas:
- Historical Market Data Analyzer: An application using
v1/getHistoricalQuotes,v1/getHistoricalOrderBooks, andv1/getHistoricalOHLCVto provide detailed analysis of historical market data. - Crypto Trading Bot: An application that integrates with automated trading strategies, using
v1/getCurrentQuotes,v1/getCurrentOrderBooks, andv1/getHistoricalTradesto execute trades. - Crypto Arbitrage Finder: An app that identifies arbitrage opportunities across different exchanges by comparing prices using
v1/getCurrentQuotesandv1/getCurrentOrderBooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the Crypto Market Data API?
The Crypto Market Data API provides developers with access to real-time and historical market data from hundreds of cryptocurrency exchanges. Its primary purpose is to enable the creation of applications like portfolio trackers, trading bots, and analytical tools that require reliable and comprehensive market data.
Do I need extensive programming knowledge to use this API?
While basic familiarity with JavaScript or TypeScript is helpful, the provided example application allows developers of various skill levels to get started quickly. Understanding fundamental programming concepts and API interactions is sufficient to build upon the basic portfolio tracker.
How does the portfolio tracker calculate historical value?
The application uses the v1/getHistoricalExchangeRates method to retrieve past exchange rates for the assets in your portfolio. It then calculates the historical value by multiplying the quantity of each asset held by its historical price at specific points in time.
Can I use this for professional financial analysis?
The application serves as a solid foundation for personal use and learning. For professional financial analysis, you would likely need to extend its features, add more robust error handling, and ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations in your jurisdiction.
What are the costs associated with using this API?
The Crypto Market Data API is a paid add-on on the QuickNode platform. Costs depend on your usage tier and the specific data endpoints you access. It's important to review the current pricing plans on QuickNode's marketplace to estimate potential expenses.
Is my data and portfolio information secure?
The example application runs locally on your machine, and your portfolio data is not transmitted to external servers. However, your QuickNode endpoint URL is used in API calls. For production use, you must implement proper security measures to protect sensitive information.
Conclusion
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the methods available in the Crypto Market Data API and detailed the workflow of a Crypto Portfolio Tracker application. The app demonstrates how to integrate market price data to track portfolio performance and gain valuable insights.
The application built here is just a starting point. You can customize and extend it to meet your specific needs, whether for personal use, financial analysis, or developing other crypto-related projects. Furthermore, you can develop other applications that leverage the various methods of the Crypto Market Data API.