General
Beginner
Updated 1/15/2025
What is
API (Application Programming Interface)?
A programming interface that allows applications to interact with the Ergo blockchain, query data, submit transactions, and build dApps.
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols, routines, and tools that enable different software applications to communicate with each other. In the context of Ergo, APIs allow developers to interact with the blockchain without needing to run a full node or understand the low-level protocol details. Ergo provides several APIs including the Node API for blockchain operations, Explorer API for querying historical data, and various dApp-specific APIs for interacting with ecosystem applications like DEXs and oracles.
Key Points
- Ergo Node API provides full blockchain interaction capabilities
- Explorer API enables querying transactions, addresses, and tokens
- REST APIs use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
- APIs abstract complex blockchain operations into simple function calls
- Essential for building wallets, dApps, and blockchain integrations
- Most Ergo APIs return data in JSON format
Use Cases
1
Building cryptocurrency wallets and portfolio trackers
2
Creating trading bots and DEX interfaces
3
Developing blockchain explorers and analytics tools
4
Integrating Ergo payments into e-commerce platforms
5
Building oracle data feeds and price aggregators
Technical Details
The Ergo Node API runs on port 9053 (mainnet) or 9052 (testnet) and provides endpoints for wallet operations, transaction submission, blockchain queries, and mining. The Explorer API (api.ergoplatform.com) offers read-only access to indexed blockchain data including address balances, transaction history, and token information. For dApp development, libraries like Fleet SDK and ergo-lib-wasm provide high-level API wrappers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about API (Application Programming Interface)
Common questions about this topic
How to get started with Ergo?
Start by getting a wallet (Nautilus for browser, Terminus for mobile). Back up your seed phrase securely offline. Get some ERG from an exchange (Gate.io, KuCoin) or DEX (Spectrum). Make a test transaction. Then explore: try DeFi on Spectrum, check out NFTs, or dive into the technology if you're a builder.
How-to
Getting Started
Is Ergo a good investment?
This is not financial advice. Ergo has strong fundamentals: fair launch (no VC dump risk), innovative technology (eUTXO, Sigma Protocols, NiPoPoWs), active development, and a cypherpunk ethos. It's a smaller market cap project with higher risk/reward than established chains. Research thoroughly, understand the technology, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Comparison
Getting Started
What can I do with Ergo?
Ergo supports a full ecosystem: trade on Spectrum DEX, use SigmaUSD stablecoin, mix transactions with ErgoMixer, collect NFTs on SkyHarbor, mine with GPUs, lend/borrow on DuckPools, bridge to other chains via Rosen, and build dApps with ErgoScript. It's a complete platform for decentralized finance and applications.
Explainer
Getting Started
How to use Spectrum DEX on Ergo?
Connect your Nautilus wallet to Spectrum Finance, select tokens to swap, review the rate and slippage, then confirm. Spectrum uses AMM liquidity pools for instant trades. You can also provide liquidity to earn fees. All trades are atomic - they complete fully or not at all, with no front-running possible.
How-to
DeFi