Free Python

How to Authenticate with the CryptoDataDownload API Token

Apr 3, 2024 · by CryptoDataDownload

CryptoDataDownload API Authentication / Data Access

We've developed our API to be super flexible in terms of use and accessibility! We are going to walk thru several examples for how to authenticate with the API token and begin accessing data right away! Once you upgrade your account to a CDD API subscription, your access token will appear on your profile page like in the below image. Not only do we provide access to our database backend via the API, but we offer bespoke endpoints that you won't find at other providers. We also make it possible to choose how you would like the data returned between 3 different formats: JSON, CSV, or XLSX (Excel!).
--> Don't have a token? Get One here! <--

API Token Location

Accessing Via Our Documentation Page

One of the easiest ways to access data right away is on our documentation page. On the top right hand side, you will see a button that says "Authorize". Once you click it, a text field will appear --> Enter the word "TOKEN", then a space, then your API key and click Authorize. Expanding any of the endpoint links on the page will then let you pass parameters directly and pull data !

Documentation Authentication

Accessing Via Your Browser

Pulling data via your browser is even simpler. You will pass all of the arguments for the endpoint in the browser URL, including your API key in the parameter "auth_token". Here is an example of how you would pull public blockchain data for BTC using the blocks endpoint

Browser Authentication

Accessing Via cURL

One common way of accessing APIs has been thru the use of cURL, which we also support. Here is an example for accessing thru cURL:
curl -X GET "https://api.cryptodatadownload.com/v1/data/summary/blockchain/blocks/?symbol=btc&limit=25&return=JSON" -H "accept: application/json" -H "Authorization: TOKEN b456bc2badf969275"

Accessing Via Python

You can also easily access the API via your favorite programming language (ours is Python). We've laid out two examples in the code below. One method uses the requests library to pull as if you were passing a URL string to the browser. And the other method passes the Authentication header in the headers of the request. Both methods work.

Live codebase Python

# CryptoDataDownload
# MIT License
# No express warranty
import requests
import pandas as pd
TOKEN = 'YOUR API TOKEN'

def example_1():
    """This example will pull BTC blockchain block data and load into a Pandas Dataframe """
    api_url = f"https://api.cryptodatadownload.com/v1/data/summary/blockchain/blocks/?symbol=btc&limit=25&return=JSON&auth_token={TOKEN}"
    response = requests.get(api_url)
    data = response.json()

# Load the data into a pandas DataFrame
    df = pd.json_normalize(data, 'result')
    print(df.head())  # print sample rows

def example_2():
    """This example will pull BTC blockchain block data and load into a Pandas Dataframe using Auth Header"""
    api_url = f"https://api.cryptodatadownload.com/v1/data/summary/blockchain/blocks/?symbol=btc&limit=25&return=JSON"

headers = {
        'Authorization': f'TOKEN {TOKEN}'
    }
    response = requests.get(api_url, headers=headers)  # include token in header
    data = response.json()

# Load the data into a pandas DataFrame
    df = pd.json_normalize(data, 'result')
    print(df.head())  # print sample rows

if __name__ == "__main__":
    example_1()
    example_2()

Notice: Information contained herein is not and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell securities. The information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable; however no guarantee is made or implied with respect to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness. Author does not own the any crypto currency discussed. The information and content are subject to change without notice. CryptoDataDownload and its affiliates do not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is the opinion of the author, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, investment, tax, legal, accounting advice. You should consult your own investment, tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. All content published by CryptoDataDownload is not an endorsement whatsoever. CryptoDataDownload was not compensated to submit this article. Please also visit our Privacy policy; disclaimer; and terms and conditions page for further information.

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