What is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface, providing an abstract layer for interacting with software, simplifying the underlying implementation. Essentially, an API allows you to access another developer's application without needing all the code. The key aspect here is access.
APIs come in different types based on access restrictions, depending on the software process being followed. Let's delve into the Bitcoin blockchain. The main steps in the network are:
- A Bitcoin client creates a transaction that is executed on the blockchain and then enters the memory pool.
- A miner processes the transaction and includes it in a block.
- Within 10-20 minutes, the transaction is confirmed and connected to the network.
This process is quite complex. Therefore, the Bitcoin API is offered as a network server to create various applications, such as block explorers or wallets. It provides the necessary tools for developers or users to customize their queries, saving time and allowing them to focus on the application's overall logic.
How to use the Bitcoin API?
To use the endpoints, you need an API key for authentication. First, generate an API key in the IP dashboard by clicking "Generate a new API key." This key can be used in development, quality control, and production.
Content-Type: application/jsonX-API-Key: my-api-key
Endpoint for General Information
To obtain general information about a node or the last block, use the GET method on the resource. The returned object will contain information about the blockchain, such as its height, time/hash of the last block, and more.
Block Endpoint
To request a specific block, you can use a hash string or height as parameters. The returned object will provide information about the block in JSON format, including its height, the number of transactions, and the transaction hashes in the order they appear in the block.
Address Endpoints
The API can also retrieve information on addresses, wallets, transactions, payment forwarding, webhook notifications, and more. For example, you can get information about a Bitcoin address, including its balance and associated transactions, using the default address endpoint. If the address is part of a multisig address, Y-API provides a Multisig address endpoint.
Creating Wallet Endpoints
The Address API can handle both HD wallets and regular wallets using their $NAME instead of $ADDRESS. This groups the set of addresses contained in the wallet. To create a new wallet, POST a partially populated Wallet or HDWallet object, depending on the endpoint.
For regular wallets, include the WALLET_NAME attribute and at least one public address in the ADDRESSES array:
{"walletName": ${WALLET\_NAME},"addresses": ${ADDRESSES}}
For HD wallets, include the WALLET_NAME, ADDRESS_COUNT, and PASSWORD attributes:
{"walletName": ${WALLET\_NAME},"addressCount": ${ADDRESS\_COUNT},"password": ${PASSWORD}}
If successful, it will return a Wallet or HDWallet object with the requested data.
Integrating APIs into Your Website
Here are some examples of how endpoints help integrate APIs into your website using Y-API's ready-made solutions. If you have other requirements, our professional team is ready to assist you!