Building a Robust Trading Product: A Multi-Layered Approach to API Architecture
A trading product requires a multi-layered approach to its API architecture, with each layer serving a distinct function.
The first layer, asset identity, involves providing stable IDs, names, symbols, and metadata to avoid confusing assets. CoinMarketCap excels in this area due to its strong focus on asset identity.
The second layer is dedicated to the latest market data, including prices, market caps, volumes, and percentage moves. Both CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko offer comprehensive coverage of this layer, while Binance and other exchanges provide venue-specific data.
Historical data is crucial for informed decision-making and is available in various depths from different providers. CoinMarketCap offers historical depth starting from its Hobbyist plan, while CoinGecko provides free access to recent history.
A trading product also requires market pair and exchange context, which CoinMarketCap provides through its market pairs and exchange data. The DEX layer has evolved significantly, with CoinMarketCap now offering a Crypto & DEX Data API that covers on-chain market workflows.




