Research

How to Choose the Right API: Decision Frameworks & Best Practices

Explore proven frameworks and best practices for selecting the right API for crypto and AI projects. Learn how smart tools and structured analysis can simplify your API decision process.
Token Metrics Team
6
MIN

In a landscape shaped by rapid technological change and increasing demand for real-time data, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the connective tissue for building innovative apps, platforms, and AI agents—especially in the fast-paced crypto and AI sectors. But with hundreds of APIs available, each promising flexibility, deep data, or robust security, making the right choice is both crucial and challenging. If you’re wondering "Choosing an API. What's your go to?"—this guide breaks down the frameworks, considerations, and strategies you need to make a confident selection.

Why APIs Matter: The Backbone of Modern Apps

APIs are essential for bridging the gap between complex systems, enabling everything from portfolio trackers to trading bots and DeFi dashboards. In crypto markets, they empower developers by delivering live prices, historical charts, blockchain analytics, and more into their applications.

  • Innovation: APIs enable developers to rapidly build, iterate, and pivot, speeding up time-to-market.
  • Interoperability: They connect disparate services—wallets, exchanges, analytics, NFT platforms—into seamless user experiences.
  • Scalability: APIs allow platforms to handle large data loads and user requests without reinventing the wheel.

For data-driven sectors like crypto, the right API can differentiate an average product from a market leader.

API Selection Criteria: Core Factors to Consider

When facing numerous API choices, relying on a structured evaluation framework is key. Here are the essential factors to weigh during your decision process:

  1. Reliability & Uptime
    Stable APIs with high uptime ensure your application runs smoothly, even during market volatility. Look for SLAs, status pages, and real-world uptime statistics.
  2. Data Quality & Coverage
    Comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date data are essential, especially in crypto. Evaluate the sources (on-chain, exchanges, news) and the breadth of data offered.
  3. Latency & Performance
    In trading or analytics, milliseconds matter. Check for low response times, efficient endpoints, and server locations close to your users.
  4. Security & Compliance
    Ensure robust authentication, encrypted endpoints (HTTPS), and clear data privacy statements. Regulatory compliance is vital for applications handling user data.
  5. Documentation & Developer Experience
    Clear, thorough API documentation and active developer support can dramatically shorten integration times and reduce errors.
  6. Pricing & Scalability
    Transparent pricing, free tiers, and scalable plans let you grow without sudden cost surprises.
  7. Community & Ecosystem
    APIs with vibrant user communities, SDKs, and public forums can accelerate troubleshooting and feature discovery.

The diversity of APIs reflects the wide array of use cases in crypto and AI development. Here are some common scenarios:

  • Market Data APIs: Stream real-time and historical price data, order books, trading volumes, and alerts.
  • On-Chain Analytics APIs: Access wallet balances, smart contract events, token transfers, and blockchain statistics to power dashboards or compliance tools.
  • AI-Driven APIs: Leverage sentiment analysis, natural language processing, or predictive analytics for smarter trading or portfolio decisions.
  • Trading APIs: Automate order execution, risk management, and portfolio rebalancing on centralized or decentralized exchanges.
  • Wallet & Custody APIs: Integrate secure wallet operations, user authentication, and multi-signature security features within mobile or web apps.

Selecting the right type of API depends on your application goals and the core problem you aim to solve.

Data-Driven API Comparisons: Practical Steps

How do you move from a long list of API options to a shortlist—and ultimately, the best fit for your needs? Here’s a practical approach:

  • 1. Define Your Requirements: Document the specific features, data endpoints, and performance needs for your app. Is real-time accuracy essential? How much historical data do you need? Do you require high-frequency updates?
  • 2. Demo and Test: Use sandbox or free API tiers to benchmark latency, data freshness, and error responses. Tools like Postman or cURL can help automate these checks.
  • 3. Scorecard Evaluation: Assign weighted scores to your main criteria (e.g., security, coverage, uptime). Compare options side by side.
  • 4. Community Insights: Check developer reviews, GitHub repositories, and forums for candid feedback about integration pain points or standout benefits.
  • 5. Evaluate Support and Updates: Prioritize APIs from providers that clearly communicate changelogs, roadmap updates, and offer responsive technical support.
  • 6. Monitor Long-Term Viability: Assess whether the provider is reputable and investing in continued infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and new features.

Combining technical due diligence with community feedback reduces the risks of costly mid-project API switches.

How AI Tools and Research Platforms Support Smarter API Choices

AI-driven research and analytics platforms have made it easier to analyze and compare APIs, especially for those without specialized technical backgrounds. Examples include:

  • Automated API benchmarking tools for latency, uptime, and data completeness.
  • Natural language search for finding relevant APIs using AI-powered documentation digests.
  • Platforms like Token Metrics that leverage AI to analyze on-chain data, predict trends, and integrate signals directly via API for smarter app and agent development.

The net result: Even development teams with limited resources can access robust, institutional-grade data and insights. AI also supports informed decision-making by highlighting anomalies, flagging downtime events, and even scoring APIs based on historical reliability.

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FAQ: Choosing the Right API

What is the difference between public and private APIs?

Public APIs are open for use by anyone and often serve broad developer needs, while private APIs are restricted—typically for internal or partner use, offering greater security and custom functionality.

How can I assess an API's security risk?

Look for secure authentication protocols (OAuth 2.0, API keys), encrypted endpoints (HTTPS), regular audits, and transparent vulnerability disclosures from the provider. Always test endpoints for data leakage and follow best practices.

What tools help measure API latency and reliability?

Popular tools include Postman, Pingdom, Uptrends, and custom monitoring scripts. Many major providers also publish real-time status dashboards with uptime statistics.

How can I smoothly integrate a new API into my application?

Prioritize APIs with SDKs in your preferred programming language, thorough documentation, and active developer support forums. Use staging environments to iron out bugs before going live.

Is it common to use multiple APIs in a single project?

Yes. Many advanced apps combine several APIs—such as price feeds, trading, and on-chain analytics—for richer functionality. Using multiple sources can also increase data reliability and coverage.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with appropriate professionals before making technology or operational decisions in the crypto sector.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

How to Earn Crypto in 2024? 7 Simple Ways [Answered]

S. Vishwa
6 Minutes
MIN

If you are looking for ways to earn free crypto this year, in 2024, this is the place to be. Yes, it is possible to earn free cryptocurrency by participating in certain activities or using certain services. For example, some websites and apps offer rewards in the form of cryptocurrency for completing tasks, such as answering surveys or watching videos.

Additionally, some cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, can be earned through a process called mining, in which individuals use their computer's processing power to help verify and record transactions on the blockchain.

However, it is important to be cautious when seeking out opportunities to earn free cryptocurrency, as there are many scams and fraudulent schemes that claim to offer free crypto but actually steal users' personal information or funds. It is always a good idea to thoroughly research any opportunity before participating and to use only trusted and reputable sources.

How to Earn Free Crypto?

Many people never invest in cryptocurrencies due to fear of losing their money, or because they do not have enough money to invest in the first place. However, there are several ways to get cryptocurrencies for free without risking any of your own money.

Let's explore them all.

Learn and Earn Platforms

Learn and Earn platforms are a great way to earn free crypto while also gaining knowledge about the industry. These platforms, such as Coinbase and CoinMarketCap, offer users the opportunity to learn about specific coins and earn rewards in exchange.

To participate in a Learn and Earn platform, users typically need to open an account and pass a KYC verification. Once verified, users can access educational materials and quizzes on the platform, and earn rewards for completing them. These platforms regularly update their offerings, so it is important to check back frequently to see what new opportunities are available.

Airdrops

Airdrops are a popular method of earning free crypto. These are marketing campaigns drawn up by new crypto platforms to gain visibility and increase their customer base. As part of their marketing strategy, these platforms give out free coins to new and existing users in exchange for creating awareness about their project.

To qualify for an airdrop, users must typically be active crypto traders or at least have a crypto wallet. Airdrops can be a win-win for both the trading platform and the user, as the platform gains visibility and the user earns free crypto.

Play-To-Earn Games

Play-to-earn games are a fun and exciting way to earn free crypto. These games allow users to have fun while also earning rewards in the form of crypto. Examples of these games include CoinHunt World, where users can explore a digital environment and earn rewards for finding keys and answering trivia questions, and Crypto Popcoin, where users can earn rewards by grouping cryptocurrencies together and popping them.

To earn actual crypto through these games, users typically need to register their ERC-20 wallet address and have the real crypto token airdropped to their account. Some games may also allow users to earn crypto through their Coinbase account.

Cryptocurrency Dividends

Cryptocurrency dividends are a new way for investors to earn passive income through their digital assets. Similar to traditional stocks, some cryptocurrencies offer dividend payments to their holders as a reward for holding their tokens for a specific period.

These payments can be in the form of additional tokens or other cryptocurrencies, depending on the protocol. For instance, some blockchain networks offer staking rewards to users who lock up their coins to secure the network, while others distribute a portion of their transaction fees to token holders.

By earning crypto through dividends, investors can benefit from both capital appreciation and recurring income, potentially increasing their overall returns on investment. However, as with any investment, it is crucial to do thorough research and assess the risks before committing funds to any cryptocurrency project.

Credit Cards

One way to earn crypto through credit cards is by using a credit card that offers rewards or cashback in the form of cryptocurrency. Several credit card companies now offer rewards in a form of cryptocurrencies. Users can earn rewards on their purchases and then transfer the earned crypto to their digital wallet.

Another option is to use a crypto credit card, which allows users to earn rewards in cryptocurrency directly. These cards work like traditional credit cards, but instead of earning cashback or points, users earn crypto rewards that can be redeemed for various products and services.

Referral Bonuses

Referral bonuses are a common way for people to earn cryptocurrency without necessarily making a direct investment or engaging in trading. Referral programs are typically offered by cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, and other platforms that offer a commission or bonus for referring new users to their services.

To earn crypto through referral bonuses, individuals simply need to share their unique referral links with friends, family, and acquaintances who might be interested in using the platform. When someone signs up using the link and completes certain actions, such as making a deposit or trading, the referrer receives a bonus in cryptocurrency.

Referral bonuses can vary in size and scope, but they can be a great way to earn crypto passively and without having to invest a significant amount of time or money.

Browser and Search Engine Rewards

Some search engines and browsers, such as Brave and Pre-search, offer rewards in the form of crypto for viewing ads or just browsing. This is a simple and easy way to earn free crypto without having to invest any money.

While earning free crypto can be a great way to get started in the world of cryptocurrency, it is important to be cautious. This is because not all opportunities to earn free crypto are legitimate or safe.

There are many scams and fraudulent schemes that claim to offer free crypto, but are actually designed to steal users' personal information or funds. These scams can take many forms, such as fake airdrops, fake games, or fake search engines that promise rewards but never actually deliver on them.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is important for users to carefully research and verify any opportunity to earn free crypto before participating. They should look for reputable platforms and sources, and be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true.

Additionally, users should always protect their personal information and crypto assets by using secure wallets and following best practices for online security.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Crypto Basics

What is Web 3.0? Web 1 vs Web 2 vs Web 3 | Explained

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

If you're wondering what is Web 3, this is the place to be.

In this article, we'll learn more about the evolution of web over time, and what's next.

Evolution of Web

Being around for 3 decades, the internet has gone through multiple stages of evolution. With each evolution comes new tools and applications relevant to modern-day users, leading us to Web 3.0.

The first generation of the web is called Web 1.0. As the earliest version of the internet, it is known as the “read-only web”. As its name implies, web users can look up facts and information and read upon it. Websites were basic and had very limited functions.

When it comes to  Web 1.0, there is a lack of interactions that takes place between online internet content and internet users. Sites are not interactive and there are no contributions, alterations, or impacts that can be made by the average website visitor. Most common from the 1990s to 2005, Web 1.0 connected information with users.

This lack of interaction made Web 1.0 flat and stationary. As the name suggests, “the read-only Web” lacks the forms, visuals, controls, and interactivity we enjoy on today’s Internet. The developers of Web 1.0 sites typically build their sites and develop in text or graphic format.

Static websites and personal sites would be considered part of Web 1.0. Unlike today where many websites aim for high traffic and user return rates, content distributed on Web 1.0 may be useful but does not give people a reason to return.

Web 3.0, also known as the semantic web, is the current stage of the evolution of the web. It is characterized by the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a more intuitive and personalized web experience.

Web 3.0 also enables the integration of data from multiple sources and the creation of intelligent, self-learning systems that can understand the meaning and context of information on the web. This stage of the web is still in development, but it promises to bring significant advancements in terms of user experience and the ability of the web to connect and analyze data.

Web 3.0 – The New Internet

The future stages of the internet will be built on public blockchains. Blockchains are distributed databases that are shared among a number of computer networks. Web 3.0 is decentralized, which means there is no central authority. This is possible because with Web 3.0, information is stored in multiple locations concurrently.

Additionally, because it is trustless and permissionless, anyone can interact with the web without permission from a middleman. This gives users the freedom to interact with the web privately or publicly without having to trust a middleman.

With Web 3.0, individuals finally have the ability to own and govern parts of the internet, rather than relying on companies like Google or Facebook to access it.

Web 3.0 is still very new, and we have not even come close to unlocking its full potential. Characteristics of Web 3.0 can already be seen in blockchain games, the Metaverse, and decentralized finance.

In short, Web 3.0 allows users to interact, exchange information, and securely facilitate different types of transactions without a central authority, which means that Web 3.0 users become content owners rather than just content users.

Advantages of Web 3.0

Web 3.0 offers several key benefits to users, including:

  1. Ownership and control of personal data and information: In Web 3.0, control and access to personal data and information is returned to the user. This means that users will have complete ownership and control over their data, while still being able to share it on a permission-based or case-by-case basis.
  2. Access to information from anywhere: One of the main benefits of Web 3.0 is the ability to access data and information from anywhere, using only a smartphone or computer. This technology aims to expand on current ideas and allow devices to collect and share user data, making it more widely accessible.
  3. Elimination of centralized control: Web 3.0 and blockchain technology allow for the creation of decentralized networks, where data is fully encrypted and unmodifiable. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, such as large companies or governments, to control user data.
  4. Permissionless blockchain technology: In Web 3.0, anyone can create an address and interact with the blockchain network with complete privacy and security. This means that users are not required to go through any kind of verification process, such as KYC checks, in order to access and use blockchain services.
  5. Constant availability of services: The use of decentralized networks and encrypted data storage in Web 3.0 means that services are less likely to be suspended or disrupted. Since there is no single point of failure, service disruption is minimized and users have constant access to their data.

Disadvantages of Web 3.0

However, there are also disadvantages to Web 3.0, including:

  1. Potential for increased cyber attacks: Decentralized networks and encrypted data storage make it more difficult for hackers to access and modify user data. However, this also makes it more difficult for security experts to detect and prevent attacks.
  2. Need for infrastructure changes: In order for Web 3.0 to be fully adopted, significant changes to current infrastructure will be necessary. This includes changes to network protocols and the development of new software and hardware.
  3. Early stage of development: Web 3.0 is still in its early stages of development, and has yet to be widely adopted. This means that there are still many challenges and uncertainties associated with the technology.
  4. Lack of understanding and education: Many people are not familiar with the concept of Web 3.0 and the benefits it offers. This lack of understanding can make it difficult for the technology to gain widespread acceptance.

Key Takeaways

The development of Web 3.0 represents a significant advancement in technology, offering users the ability to read, write, and own data and information. This technology is still in its early stages, but has the potential to break into other industries and change the way we think about data and information ownership. While there are benefits to using Web 3.0, there are also risks involved.

It is up to individuals to determine whether the rewards of using this technology outweigh the potential drawbacks. Overall, the development of Web 3.0 is a major event in the history of modern technology.

Research

How To Find New Crypto Coins? Finding Cryptocurrency Projects

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

If you are wondering how to find new crypto coins, this is the place to be.

Finding new crypto coins has become important since the rise of Bitcoin and the wealth gained by early investors. The crypto market has experienced a surge of new investors who hope to find the next big coin, but many are unsure of how to navigate the space and identify new coins. It can be exciting to discover new coins, but it's important to beware of scams like the Squid token that exploited the popularity of the Squid Game movie series. Before looking for new crypto coins, here are some points to consider before making an investment decision.

Checklist Before Investing:

A project's whitepaper is a good starting point for researching a new crypto project. Most new crypto projects have a whitepaper or official document that includes information such as the project's use case, tokenomics, team members, and roadmap. The presence or absence of a whitepaper can tell you a lot about the project's seriousness. While reading a project's whitepaper, there are a few things to look out for:

Use case: This is the main problem that the crypto project is trying to solve, or its unique function. For example, there are several Layer 2 projects that aim to improve the low latency and transaction times of traditional blockchains without compromising security and decentralization.

Tokenomics / Token Economics: This is the basic plan for how the project's new crypto tokens will be distributed. This includes how many tokens will go to the founding team, advisors, how many will be available for sale to the community, how many will be in the treasury, and what type of token it will be (deflationary or inflationary, with a limited or unlimited supply).

Lock-up period: This is the period of time that the founding team agrees to lock up their tokens before they can access them. A longer lock-up period can give investors more confidence in the project's long-term commitment.

Founding team: It's important to check the background of the project's founding team. Are they experienced, do their backgrounds match the project, and do they have any fraudulent history with past projects? The profiles of the advisors and investors/backers of the project can also be useful.

Social virality: Decentralization is at the core of crypto, so projects are often community-driven. The growth of the project's community can be a good indicator of investor confidence. Twitter, Telegram, and Discord are popular platforms for building crypto communities.

Roadmap: The project's roadmap contains its major plans and timeline. This can indicate the project's seriousness, especially when compared to what they have accomplished. Have they achieved any of the earlier plans on the roadmap within the specified timeline?

In addition, looking at the number of people on the project's watchlist, and whether it is listed on CoinMarketCap.com or CoinGecko, can also be a good confidence booster.

How to Find New Crypto Coins

Before new crypto coins are listed on exchanges, they are often first offered as Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), or Initial Dex Offerings (IDOs). These offerings give investors the opportunity to get in early on projects before they go mainstream. This is where early investors can get into major projects before they are listed on crypto exchanges.

There are several platforms that feature upcoming crypto projects, including:

  • Top ICO List: This website provides white papers and one-pagers of ICOs of new crypto coins. You can find a comprehensive list of ICOs and information on some of the best ICOs in the market, as well as information on past ICOs to use as a benchmark for evaluating the performance of ICOs you are considering.
  • CoinGecko: This is a useful tool for crypto traders and investors to stay up to date with the market. It provides real-time prices of cryptocurrencies from multiple exchanges, as well as other important information about different cryptocurrencies, such as their historic performance data, community, and insights into the coin development. CoinGecko also provides an ICO list of new crypto coins with relevant information about the new crypto coin/project.
  • CoinMarketCap: Like CoinGecko, CoinMarketCap is an alternative that some investors use to find new crypto coins. It provides a list of ICOs and relevant information, as well as information on hundreds of other crypto projects and actionable data. The watchlist feature is also useful for seeing how many people are interested in a project.
  • ICO Bench: This is a useful tool for finding new crypto coins. ICO Bench is an ICO grading website that uses crowdsourced ratings from crypto traders and experts. The experts evaluate projects using various parameters and grade them accordingly.
  • Token Metrics: Token Metrics is another great resource for finding new cryptocurrencies with its research, deep dives, AI, and more. The best part is that you can use Token Metrics to evaluate whether the newly found project is good or bad and decide whether you should spend more time researching it further.

With over 10,000+ crypto coins, there are many opportunities out there. But there are also many shady platforms and crypto projects, so it's important to know how to find crypto with potential and make sure the projects are viable. Using the tips above can help you do that.

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