API (Application Programming Interface) trading involves using a set of protocols to interact directly with trading platforms for executing trades automatically. On Orderly Network, the API facilitates direct market access by providing tools for data retrieval, trade execution, and account management, allowing traders to implement sophisticated, automated trading strategies.

Benefits of API trading include:

• Efficiency: Automated processes replace manual entry, reducing errors and increasing the speed of trade execution, including but not limited to placing orders and managing orderbooks. Traders can also automatically retrieve account balances, transaction histories, and manage withdrawals.
• Strategy Implementation: Traders can program algorithms to execute trades based on specific market conditions.
• Market Data Access: APIs provide real-time access to market data, which is crucial for making informed trading decisions. Traders can access real-time price feeds, historical data, and market depth information.

Examples of automated trading strategies include:

• Algorithmic Trading: Use algorithms to make trade decisions based on predefined criteria.
• High-Frequency Trading (HFT): Execute a large number of orders at very fast speeds.
• Statistical Arbitrage: Exploit statistical mispricing between equivalent assets.

Orderly Network's API allows for superior trade handling by enabling both complex strategies and high-volume trading with faster execution speeds and precise control through specific trade parameters.

Accessing the API

To start using the Orderly Network API, traders need to register an account and create Orderly Keys for API authentication. More details on accounts and authentication here and here.

The above authentication can be handled via our Python or TS SDKs to make the connection to Orderly APIs easier.

Secure API keys as you would passwords – do not share them with anyone. There are two types of Orderly Keys:

• Read only: Can only read data and cannot create orders.
• Trade: Can read and access order APIs

API trading on the Orderly Network offers advanced traders the tools necessary to implement complex, efficient, and effective trading strategies. When building your Orderly Network API integration, prioritize robust error handling and respect rate limits to ensure smooth operation. Utilize websockets for real-time data and consider co-location with Orderly's GCP Tokyo servers for ultra-low latency, especially for high-frequency trading. Finally, automate risk management practices to safeguard against market fluctuations.

By leveraging these capabilities, traders can gain significant advantages in the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency trading. Start integrating the Orderly Network API today to unlock the full potential of automated trading, and be sure to check out our supporting documentation, which includes comprehensive guides and references for developers.