What is Polygon (MATIC) - How it Works, Benefits and Use Cases

Crypto Basics

What is Polygon (MATIC) - How it Works, Benefits and Use Cases

Learn everything about Polygon (MATIC) crypto including its benefits and use cases.

Token Metrics Team

7 minutes

MIN

Index

Overview of Solana Blockchain

Polygon (formerly known as Matic Network) is a protocol for building and connecting Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. It is designed to provide faster and cheaper transactions on the Ethereum network by using side chains and an adapted version of the Plasma framework.

It also offers a wide range of:

Smart contract solutions
Secure identity solutions, and
Wallet solutions.

History of Polygon (MATIC) Crypto

The history of Polygon Matic dates back to 2017 when the project was founded by Jaynti Kanani and Sandeep Nailwal. In 2021, the project took up a rebranding and went from Matic Network to Polygon. This was done in the light of reflecting a broader focus on providing infrastructure for a wide range of blockchain use cases.

With Polygon MATIC, users can easily create and manage their own decentralized applications, securely store and transfer assets, and even trade digital assets. With its powerful features and benefits, Polygon MATIC can be a great tool for you to leverage the power of the blockchain. Find out how it can benefit you in the best ways possible below.

Benefits of Polygon

Polygon MATIC has several benefits that make it a great blockchain solution. Here are a few of its top benefits that you need to be aware of:

Scalability - Polygon MATIC has high scalability and can support millions of users and transactions. It can also scale at a very low cost. This means that it can handle high transaction volumes and can support a large user base.
Security - Polygon MATIC is a secure platform with state-of-the-art security features. You can easily secure your data and transactions on the platform through the use of the platform’s security features.
Wide range of services and tools - Polygon MATIC offers a wide range of services and tools that can benefit different types of users. Whether you are a developer, an individual, or a business, Polygon MATIC can help you with your decentralized applications and smart contracts.
Cost-effective and scalable solutions - With Polygon MATIC, you can easily and cost-effectively deploy various decentralized applications. It also offers scalable solutions that can grow and evolve with your business.

Polygon Use Cases

E-commerce and Online Retail - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help improve e-commerce and online retail. This is because distributed ledger technology can significantly reduce the cost of transactions and make it easier for businesses to manage their supply chain.

Supply chain management - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can also help in supply chain management. It can help track shipments and provide transparency and security across the supply chain.

Gaming - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help improve gaming through tokenization. It can also help gamers exchange their digital assets.

Healthcare - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help in healthcare by enabling secure and immutable record storage. It can also help in improving the efficiency of health-related apps and services.

ICO and Crowdfunding - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help improve the ICO and crowdfunding experience. It can also help in improving the tokenization process and provide transparency.

Polygon Security Features

The Polygon MATIC blockchain is a secure and reliable blockchain solution. It uses a distributed ledger technology that is decentralized and peer-to-peer. This means that there is no single point of failure and it is not controlled by a single entity. This makes it secure and reliable. When it comes to security, the Polygon MATIC blockchain has many features.

Some of these features are discussed below:

Advanced consensus algorithms - The Polygon MATIC blockchain uses advanced consensus algorithms to verify transactions. This makes it secure and reliable. These algorithms include PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance), VRF (Variable Resonance), and EOS consensus.
Strong authentication method - The Polygon MATIC blockchain has a strong authentication method that makes it difficult to hack or spoof. Even if someone is able to hack into the network, they can only hack a single node and not the entire network.
Encrypted communication - The communication between the nodes on the Polygon MATIC blockchain is encrypted. This makes it difficult to hack or spoof.

Polygon (MATIC) Cost

The cost of using Polygon MATIC will depend on your usage. The more you use the platform, the higher the cost will be. You can also choose to outsource your needs and use Polygon MATIC as a service.

Here are a few things you should know about the Polygon MATIC cost:

The cost of using the Polygon MATIC blockchain platform for deploying DApps is $1499.
The cost of deploying a smart contract is $599.
The cost of deploying wallets is $499.
The cost of deploying an identity and security solution is $1199.
The cost of deploying a trading platform is $1499.

Note: These prices may have changed due to change in MATIC's price.

These are the costs of using Polygon MATIC as a service. For more details on the cost, visit their website.

Polygon Crypto Alternatives

Ethereum - Ethereum is a popular blockchain platform used for developing decentralized applications and smart contracts. It is also used for ICOs and crowdfunding.
Hyperledger - Hyperledger is another popular blockchain platform used for developing decentralized applications and smart contracts.
EOS - EOS is also a blockchain platform used for developing decentralized applications and smart contracts.
Cardano - Cardano is a scalable blockchain platform that can support large volumes of transactions.

Is Polygon (MATIC) a Good Investment?

As for whether Polygon is a good investment, it's important to remember that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and that investing in any cryptocurrency carries a high level of risk. It's important to do your own research and carefully consider your investment options before making any decisions.

How to Buy Polygon (MATIC) Crypto?

If you're interested in buying MATIC, you can do so on a number of cryptocurrency exchanges that offer it. Some popular options include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. Be sure to carefully compare the fees and features of different exchanges before choosing one to use. Below are the 5 simple steps that you can follow to get your own Polygon:

Choose a Crypto Exchange Broker
Create your account (Crypto Wallet)
Link your Bank Account to your wallet
Pick the Cryptocurrency you want to invest in
Choose your storage method

Great, but, do we know where Polygon is headed in the future?

Future of Polygon (MATIC)

It's difficult to predict the future of Polygon with certainty, but the project has gained significant traction in the cryptocurrency community and has the potential to continue growing and gaining adoption in the future. However, as with any investment, it's important to be aware of the risks and to carefully consider your options before making any decisions.

The Bottom Line

Token Metrics is happy to provide you with AI-driven market updates and information regarding the crypto world but it is you who needs to be the decision maker when it comes to your crypto investments.

Polygon (formerly Matic Network) offers innovative technology that could potentially democratize blockchain through the creation of customized, interoperable networks. While it's difficult to predict the future performance of MATIC, the project has a strong team and partnerships with well-known companies.

However, as with any cryptocurrency investment, there is a high level of risk and it's important to carefully consider all options before making any decisions. Blockchain technology is still in its early stages and it may be more profitable to invest in the technology itself rather than just the hype. It's also important to exercise caution when building a cryptocurrency portfolio.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not constitute investment/trading/financial advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. We only offer comprehensive information which may change according to time.

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Choosing the Right Crypto API for Your Bot: REST vs WebSockets Explained

Token Metrics Team

MIN

As crypto trading automation accelerates into 2025, choosing the right API interface for your bot could be the critical difference between lagging behind or capitalizing on real-time opportunities. But when it comes to REST vs WebSocket crypto APIs, which technology should you select for power, reliability, and performance? This post details the core differences, essential trade-offs, and latest best practices for crypto API comparison, empowering you to make a technical, mission-aligned decision for your next-generation trading bot.

REST and WebSocket: Core Concepts for Crypto APIs

To understand which API protocol is optimal for your crypto bot in 2025, let’s clarify what REST and WebSocket actually do—especially in a high-frequency, automation-driven ecosystem.

The fundamental contrast: REST works in a "pull" model (request/response), while WebSockets operate in a "push" paradigm (real-time streams). This distinction plays a major role in how bots interact with exchanges and handle crypto market shifts.

Performance, Latency, and Reliability for Crypto Bots

Performance and data freshness are critical for crypto APIs in 2025. High-frequency or latency-sensitive trading bots depend on receiving accurate, instant data on price movements and order book changes.

Yet reliability considerations persist. WebSocket connections may experience drops, require reconnection logic, and occasionally miss events during high network volatility. REST, while slower, may provide more consistency under unstable conditions.

Scalability, Security, and Use Cases in Crypto API Comparison

Your crypto bot’s requirements—frequency of updates, types of orders, and compliance frameworks—may drive the API choice. Here’s how REST and WebSocket compare across scenarios relevant in 2025:

Security-wise, REST can offer granular access controls per endpoint. WebSockets, though encrypted, have unique session management and timeout considerations—especially important for bots managing real funds.

Key Trends for 2025: Making the Right Choice for Your Bot

In the ever-evolving crypto automation landscape, developers and researchers are seeing:

Ultimately, the “better” API depends on your bot’s profile: Speed-critical, event-driven bots gravitate to WebSockets, while research bots or those trading on daily signals may remain with REST. Many leading bot frameworks in 2025 offer seamless switching or even run hybrid workflows for best-in-class resilience.

Practical Tips for Comparing REST vs WebSocket Crypto APIs

When evaluating crypto APIs for your bot or automation project, consider these practical criteria:

Above all, test API performance in real-market scenarios—using sandboxes or historical replays—to ensure your bot’s architecture is future-proofed for 2025 volatility and growth.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps & AI Agents with Token Metrics

Token Metrics provides real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API. Grab a Free API Key

FAQ: REST vs WebSocket Crypto APIs for Bots in 2025

What are the main differences between REST and WebSocket APIs?

REST APIs use isolated request/response cycles and are suited for infrequent or simple queries. WebSocket APIs sustain continuous, two-way connections for real-time market data updates. The choice depends on whether your bot needs static or streaming data.

Which API type is better for real-time crypto trading bots?

WebSocket APIs are preferred for real-time trading bots due to their lower latency and ability to push instant data updates. However, implementation complexity and stability must be considered.

Can I use both REST and WebSocket in the same bot?

Yes. Many bots use REST for account management or trade execution and WebSocket for live data streams. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of each protocol.

Are there security differences between REST and WebSocket crypto APIs?

Both protocols utilize SSL encryption and API key-based authentication, but WebSocket sessions require more careful management and regular re-authentication to prevent stale or hijacked connections.

How do I choose the right API for my crypto bot?

Assess your bot’s use case—speed versus reliability, frequency of queries, data intensity, and integration requirements. Testing both protocols with your trading logic is recommended for optimization.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment, trading, or financial advice. Past performance and API platform capabilities are not guarantees of future results. Always perform independent research and technical due diligence before building or deploying trading bots or utilizing API-based automation tools.

Research

Avoid These Common Pitfalls When Creating Your First Crypto Trading Bot

Token Metrics Team

MIN

Coding your first crypto trading bot can be an exciting journey into algorithmic trading, automation, and the world of digital assets. But for many beginners, the path is full of unexpected hurdles. Rushing into bot development without understanding key risks can lead to costly errors, technical failures, and frustration. In this article, we break down the top mistakes to avoid when building your first crypto trading bot, and offer actionable insights so you can start your automation journey on solid ground.

Jumping in Without Market or Technical Knowledge

Many new developers are eager to start building a crypto trading bot after seeing success stories or reading about impressive returns from algorithmic strategies. However, skipping foundational learning can result in critical errors:

Limited understanding of market structure: Crypto markets operate differently from traditional assets, with unique liquidity, volatility, and trading hours.
Lack of programming proficiency: Writing robust, bug-free code is vital. Even minor logic errors can trigger unexpected trades or losses.
Neglecting data analysis: Bots rely on processed signals and historical data to inform actions. Without knowing how to interpret or validate data sources, a bot may act on false assumptions.

Before you start coding, invest time to learn how exchanges work, typical trading strategies, and the programming language you intend to use (often Python or JavaScript for most bot frameworks). Familiarize yourself with basic quantitative analysis and backtesting tools to ground your bot in solid logic.

Overlooking Risk Management Essentials

One of the most widespread beginner crypto bot mistakes is failing to build robust risk controls into the automated system. While automation can remove human error and emotion, it cannot protect you from strategy-flaws or market anomalies by default. Major risks include:

No stop-loss or position sizing: Without defined parameters, a bot could open positions too large for your portfolio or fail to exit losing trades, compounding losses.
Ignoring exchange downtime or slippage: Bots need to account for order execution issues, network delays, or sudden liquidity drops on exchanges.
Insufficient monitoring: Set-and-forget mentality is dangerous. Even well-designed bots require monitoring to handle edge-cases or technical glitches.

Consider embedding risk-limiting features. For example, restrict order sizes to a fraction of your total balance and always code for the possibility of missed, delayed, or partially filled orders.

Choosing Unstable or Unsafe Exchange APIs

APIs are the backbone of any crypto trading bot, allowing programmatic access to price data, balances, and order actions. For beginners, choosing subpar or poorly documented APIs is a frequent pitfall. Key issues include:

Insecure key storage: API keys grant powerful permissions. Storing them in plain text or repositories increases the risk of theft and account compromise.
Throttling and limits: Many exchanges impose usage limits on their APIs. Failing to handle request throttling can break your bot's functionality at critical moments.
Lack of redundancy: If your bot depends on a single API and it goes offline, your strategy can fail entirely. Good practice includes fallback data sources and error handling routines.

Take time to evaluate API documentation, community support, and reliability. Explore well-maintained libraries and modules, and always use environment variables or secure vaults for your credentials.

Failing to Backtest and Simulate Bot Performance

It's tempting to deploy your trading bot live the moment it compiles without error. However, skipping backtesting—testing your bot on historical data—or forward-testing on a demo account is a recipe for unexpected behavior. Top mistakes here include:

Curve-fitting: Over-optimizing your bot to past data makes it unlikely to work under changing real-world conditions.
Test environment differences: Bots may behave differently in a testnet/sandbox compared to mainnet, especially regarding latency and real order matching.
Poor scenario coverage: Not simulating rare but critical events (such as flash crashes or API downtime) can leave your bot vulnerable when these inevitabilities occur.

Carefully test your strategies with a range of market conditions and environments before risking live funds. Look for open-source backtesting libraries and consider using paper trading features offered by many exchanges.

Neglecting Security and Compliance Considerations

Crypto trading bots operate with sensitive account access and sometimes large balances at risk. New developers often underestimate the importance of security and regulatory compliance. Watch out for:

API abuse or leaks: Credentials, if exposed, can lead to unauthorized actions on your exchange accounts.
Open-source hazards: Downloading random code from forums or GitHub can introduce backdoors or exploits.
Compliance oversight: Depending on your location, automated trading or data collection may have legal implications. Always review exchange policies and seek out reliable, neutral sources on legal requirements before deploying trading bots.

Implement best practices for code security and stay attentive to legal developments in your jurisdiction. Avoid shortcuts that could put your assets or reputation in danger.

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Token Metrics provides real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API. Grab a Free API Key

What programming languages are best for building a crypto trading bot?

Most crypto trading bots are built in Python or JavaScript due to strong libraries and exchange support. Some advanced users deploy bots in Java, C#, or Go for higher performance, but Python is considered beginner-friendly.

How can I test my crypto bot safely before going live?

Start with backtesting using historical data, then use exchange-provided sandboxes or paper trading environments. This lets you observe your bot’s actual behavior without risking real money or assets.

What are best practices for managing API keys securely?

Store API keys in environment variables or encrypted vaults, restrict key permissions, and never share or publish them. Rotate keys periodically and monitor logs for unauthorized activity.

Can a crypto bot lose money even with a tested strategy?

Yes; even well-tested bots can lose money due to market changes, exchange outages, slippage, or unforeseen bugs. Continuous monitoring and updates are essential for risk control.

What tools or platforms can help beginners build better crypto trading bots?

Platforms offering real-time market data, robust APIs, and community support can help. AI-powered research tools like Token Metrics can assist with backtesting and market analysis, while open-source frameworks provide learning resources.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or trading advice. Crypto trading bots carry risks, and readers should conduct thorough research and consult with professionals as appropriate. Always follow relevant laws and exchange terms of service.

Research

Mastering Binance & Coinbase APIs for Automated Crypto Trading

Token Metrics Team

MIN

Automating crypto trading with APIs is revolutionizing how traders and developers interact with digital asset markets. If you've ever wondered how to connect directly to exchanges like Binance and Coinbase, automate your strategies, or build your own trading bots, understanding their APIs is the crucial first step. This guide unpacks the essentials of using the Binance and Coinbase APIs for automated crypto trading—explaining the technology, potential use cases, and important considerations for getting started.

What Are Crypto Trading APIs?

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, enable software to interact directly with external services. Within cryptocurrency trading, APIs provide a standardized way for users and programs to connect with exchange platforms, fetch market data, execute trades, manage portfolios, and access account information programmatically.

Market Data: Real-time and historical prices, order books, trade volume, and related metrics.
Order Placement: Automated buying/selling, stop-loss, take-profit, and other order types.
Account Management: Retrieve balances, view transaction history, or monitor active positions and orders.

This seamless integration supports the development of sophisticated trading strategies, algorithmic trading bots, portfolio trackers, and research analytics. The most widely adopted crypto trading APIs are those offered by Binance and Coinbase, two of the largest global exchanges.

Getting Started with Binance API Trading

Binance’s API is well-documented, robust, and supports diverse endpoints for both spot and futures markets.

Create Your Binance Account: Ensure that your account is verified. Navigate to the Binance user center and access the API Management section.
Generate API Keys: Label your key, complete security authentication, and note both your API key and secret. Keep these credentials secure and never share them publicly.
API Permissions: Explicitly select only the API permissions needed (e.g., read-only for analytics, trading enabled for bots). Avoid enabling withdrawal unless absolutely necessary.
Endpoints: The Binance REST API covers endpoints for market data (public), and trading/account management (private). It also offers a WebSocket API for real-time streams.

Popular use cases for Binance API trading include automated execution of trading signals, quantitative strategy deployment, and real-time portfolio rebalancing. The official documentation is the go-to resource for development references. Consider open-source SDKs for Python, Node.js, and other languages to streamline integration.

Unlocking the Power of the Coinbase API

Coinbase provides comprehensive APIs for both its retail platform and Coinbase Advanced Trade (previously Coinbase Pro). These APIs are favored for their security and straightforward integration, especially in regulated environments.

API Creation: Log in to your Coinbase account, go to API settings, and generate an API key. Set granular permissions for activities like account viewing or trading.
Authentication: The Coinbase API uses a combination of API key, secret, and passphrase. All API requests must be authenticated for private endpoints.
Endpoints & Features: The API allows retrieval of wallet balances, transaction histories, live price data, and supports programmatic trading. The Coinbase API documentation offers detailed guides and SDKs.

Use the Coinbase API for automated dollar-cost averaging strategies, portfolio analytics, or to connect external research and trading tools to your account. Always apply IP whitelisting and two-factor authentication for heightened security.

Key Challenges and Considerations in Automated Crypto Trading

While APIs empower sophisticated trading automation, several technical and strategic considerations should be addressed:

API Rate Limits: Both Binance and Coinbase restrict the number of API calls per minute/hour. Exceeding limits can lead to throttling or IP bans, so efficient coding and request management are essential.
Security First: Secure storage of API keys, use of environment variables, and permission minimization are vital to prevent unauthorized access or loss of funds.
Handling Market Volatility: Automated trading bots must account for slippage, API latency, and unexpected market events.
Testing Environments: Utilize the exchanges’ testnet or sandbox APIs to validate strategies and avoid live-market risks during development.

For more complex strategies, combining data from multiple APIs—including on-chain analytics and AI-powered research—can provide deeper insights and help navigate uncertain market conditions.

Leveraging AI and Advanced Analytics for Crypto API Trading

The real advantage of programmatic trading emerges when combining API connectivity with AI-driven analytics. Developers can harness APIs to fetch live data and feed it into machine learning models for signal generation, anomaly detection, or portfolio optimization. Tools like Python’s scikit-learn or TensorFlow—paired with real-time data from Binance, Coinbase, and third-party sources—enable dynamic strategy adjustments based on shifting market trends.

AI agents and intelligent trading bots are increasingly built to interface directly with crypto APIs, processing complex data streams to execute trades or manage risk autonomously. Such systems benefit from robust backtesting, frequent monitoring, and a modular design to ensure security and compliance with exchange requirements.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps & AI Agents with Token Metrics

Token Metrics provides real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API. Grab a Free API Key

FAQ: How Do Binance and Coinbase APIs Compare?

Both Binance and Coinbase offer REST APIs, but Binance has broader asset coverage and advanced trading features, including futures and options support. Coinbase’s APIs prioritize security, are well-suited for U.S. users, and offer streamlined integration for both spot and advanced trade scenarios.

FAQ: What Programming Languages Can Be Used for Crypto Trading APIs?

Python, JavaScript/Node.js, and Java are the most popular choices for building automated trading bots due to the availability of SDKs and community support. Most modern APIs are RESTful and compatible with any language that can perform HTTP requests.

FAQ: How Do I Keep My API Keys Secure?

Best practices include storing API keys in environment variables, never exposing them in source code repositories, limiting permissions, and regularly rotating keys. Also, use IP whitelisting and two-factor authentication if supported by the exchange.

FAQ: Can I Use Multiple Exchange APIs Together?

Yes. Many advanced traders aggregate data and trade across several exchange APIs to increase liquidity access, compare prices, or diversify strategies. This often requires unifying different API schemas and handling each exchange’s unique rate limits and authentication protocols.

FAQ: What Are the Risks of Automated Trading with Crypto APIs?

Automated trading can lead to unintended losses if there are bugs in the code, API changes, or sudden market movements. Proper error handling, backtesting, and initial development in sandbox/testnet environments are key risk mitigation steps.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency. Always implement robust security practices and perform due diligence before integrating or deploying automated trading solutions.

Token Metrics Media LLC is a regular publication of information, analysis, and commentary focused especially on blockchain technology and business, cryptocurrency, blockchain-based tokens, market trends, and trading strategies.

Token Metrics Media LLC does not provide individually tailored investment advice and does not take a subscriber’s or anyone’s personal circumstances into consideration when discussing investments; nor is Token Metrics Advisers LLC registered as an investment adviser or broker-dealer in any jurisdiction.

Information contained herein is not an offer or solicitation to buy, hold, or sell any security. The Token Metrics team has advised and invested in many blockchain companies. A complete list of their advisory roles and current holdings can be viewed here: https://tokenmetrics.com/disclosures.html/

Token Metrics Media LLC relies on information from various sources believed to be reliable, including clients and third parties, but cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of that information. Additionally, Token Metrics Media LLC does not provide tax advice, and investors are encouraged to consult with their personal tax advisors.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money you invest, and past performance does not guarantee future performance. Ratings and price predictions are provided for informational and illustrative purposes, and may not reflect actual future performance.

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