Crypto Basics

What is Shiba Inu (SHIB) Coin and is it a Good Investment?

Learn everything about Shiba Inu, its history, benefits and top features in this descriptive guide.
Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

Shiba Inu (SHIB) is an Ethereum-based altcoin in the world of cryptocurrencies and has recently gained attention. It is a meme-inspired project based on the "Dogecoin" meme featuring the Shiba Inu dog as its mascot.

SHIB has been launched as a decentralized cryptocurrency built on the Ethereum blockchain. It is a deflationary token designed to be used as a medium of exchange and store of value. SHIB has a total supply of 1,000,000,000,000 tokens and is currently being traded on major exchanges such as Binance, OKEx, and Huobi.

SHIB has seen a huge surge in price and popularity since its launch in May 2021 and has become one of the most talked about cryptocurrencies in the market, with arguably the largest community than Bitcoin.

In this article, we will look at Shiba Inu coin, its features, and its potential for investors.

History Of Shiba Inu

Originally, Shiba Inu was launched as a direct competitor of Dogecoin as a joke. Both Shiba Inu and Dogecoin come under the category of meme coins. The meme coin originated from a 2013 meme featuring the Japanese breed dog of the same name. What began as a community-driven token representing a meme became a multi-billion dollar crypto project.

In 2020, an anonymous person or group called "Ryoshi” created a token named after the animal to continue the series of dog meme cryptocurrencies. After gaining full traction in 2021, it was declared the official rival of Dogecoin, leading Floki Inu, Akita Inu, and Dogelon Mars.

From its creation to up until October 2021, the SHIB coin raised from a low of $0.000000000056 to an all-time high of $0.00008616, rising an incredible 150 million percent.

Also, the generous donation of $1 billion in SHIB was a crucial moment in the coin's history that Ethereum's lead engineer and co-founder Vitalik Buterin granted to help fight the devastating spread of COVID-19 in India, making it the largest donation ever given in history. 

The Limelight Of SHIB

Having the support of Elon Musk is like getting the blue tick certification. Elon and his tweets have an extreme market sentiment influence which can make or break the deal for a cryptocurrency.

Shiba Inu is one such outrageously positive outcome of his tweets. When he first posted the Shiba Inu dog image, it gave the first major push to the SHIB token, powering it up by nearly 300%.

Some of the SHIB supporters believe it to be the "Dogecoin-Killer," too.

Top Features of SHIB

SHIB is a deflationary token designed to be used as a medium of exchange and store of value. It is a privacy-enabled decentralized peer-to-peer blockchain network. 

Three types of tokens affect the SHIB ecosystem:

  1. Shiba Inu (SHIB): This is the predominant currency of this project, which sums up to a total supply of 1 quadrillion tokens when it was launched. It can be exchanged with any of the ERC20 tokens of the Ethereum ecosystem.
  2. Leash (LEASH): It is the second token in the Shiba Inu ecosystem, with a total supply of only 107,646 tokens, and was initially a rebase token tied to the price of Dogecoin. A rebase token has a flexible monetary base in that its supply is set to increase or decrease to adjust the token price without affecting the value of anyone's share of coins. The rebase function was later switched off for good, and the token returned to its ERC20 design. 
  3. Bone (BONE): With a total supply of 250,000,000 tokens, only available on ShibaSwap, BONE is intended to fill up the circulation supply gap between the other two tokens. It is a kind of governance token that will allow the ShibArmy to vote on proposals. The more BONE users possess, the more weight their vote will carry in the decision process of future projects.

What are the Benefits of Investing in SHIB?

A Meme-Inspired Cryptocurrency - The core feature of SHIB is that it is a meme-inspired cryptocurrency launched on the Ethereum blockchain. It is a deflationary token designed to be used as a medium of exchange and store of value.

A Lower Price - SHIB is a low-priced token worth in pennies, which is easier for most people to invest in compared to something like Bitcoin.‍

A Decentralized Network - SHIB aims to be a decentralized network to keep on running, without any reasons for halting.‍

An Easy-To-Use Wallet - The SHIB blockchain network has been designed to be easy to use. This makes it a preferred option for most users. Three different wallets are available for use: Android, iOS, and Web.

How to Purchase SHIB Token?

SHIB and LEASH can be bought and sold on ShibaSwap, Uniswap, and a growing number of centralized exchanges (CEXs). On September 16, 2021, Coinbase listed SHIB, joining popular CEXs like Binance, Huobi, and Kucoin in trading the token. 

However, Robinhood, a U.S. financial services platform, has yet to list SHIB due to concerns over its security, as stated by its CEO. In contrast, Robinhood's rival Public.com listed SHIB in October 2021.

Is SHIB Token a Good Investment in 2023?

Shiba Inu's growth largely depends on market sentiment. During extremely fearful times, Shiba Inu underperforms; however, during euphoric times, Shiba Inu has the potential to explode in popularity.

While you analyze Shiba Inu's market position, make it a point to distinguish between market capitalization and price. SHIB's low price can deceive new investors, causing them to inaccurately gauge SHIB's price potential. Market capitalization is usually calculated by multiplying the total circulating supply of coins by the current market price of a single coin, which is useful for determining growth potential. 

At the time of writing, SHIB's price is roughly $0.000012. Therefore, if SHIB were to reach $0.01, investors would experience a return of over 800x. However, more importantly, to reach $0.01, Shiba Inu would need to reach a whopping market value north of $5 trillion. This value is greater than the market value of Apple, Google, and Bitcoin combined. As a result, when making realistic price predictions, it's paramount to consider market capitalization.

SHIB Price and Market Capitalization

As of Feb 1st,2023, Shiba Inu is trading at $0.000012 USD. The current market capitalization of the SHIB token is over $6.70B. This makes SHIB rank 81st in terms of market capitalization among all cryptocurrencies.

The Bottom Line

The Shiba Inu developing team is quite secretive about the coin roadmap. Therefore, it's rather difficult to anticipate what's in the cards for the cryptocurrency in the near future.

The developers might decide to burn other coins to make SHIB more deflationary than it is now and help with a price appreciation. We recently learned that Shiba is preparing to enter the Metaverse and will be burning more SHIB soon, further reducing the total supply.

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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.

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:

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    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.

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    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.

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    Failing to Backtest and Simulate Bot Performance

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    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.
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    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?

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

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    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?

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    Getting Started with Binance API Trading

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

    1. Create Your Binance Account: Ensure that your account is verified. Navigate to the Binance user center and access the API Management section.
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    3. 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.
    4. 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.

    1. 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.
    2. Authentication: The Coinbase API uses a combination of API key, secret, and passphrase. All API requests must be authenticated for private endpoints.
    3. 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.

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    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.

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    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.

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