ccxt-python

# CCXT for Python

A comprehensive guide to using CCXT in Python projects for cryptocurrency exchange integration.

## Installation

### REST API (Standard)
```bash
pip install ccxt
```

### WebSocket API (Real-time, ccxt.pro)
```bash
pip install ccxt
```

### Optional Performance Enhancements
```bash
pip install orjson      # Faster JSON parsing
pip install coincurve   # Faster ECDSA signing (45ms → 0.05ms)
```

Both REST and WebSocket APIs are included in the same package.

## Quick Start

### REST API - Synchronous
```python
import ccxt

exchange = ccxt.binance()
exchange.load_markets()
ticker = exchange.fetch_ticker('BTC/USDT')
print(ticker)
```

### REST API - Asynchronous
```python
import asyncio
import ccxt.async_support as ccxt

async def main():
    exchange = ccxt.binance()
    await exchange.load_markets()
    ticker = await exchange.fetch_ticker('BTC/USDT')
    print(ticker)
    await exchange.close()  # Important!

asyncio.run(main())
```

### WebSocket API - Real-time Updates
```python
import asyncio
import ccxt.pro as ccxtpro

async def main():
    exchange = ccxtpro.binance()
    while True:
        ticker = await exchange.watch_ticker('BTC/USDT')
        print(ticker)  # Live updates!
    await exchange.close()

asyncio.run(main())
```

## REST vs WebSocket

| Import | For REST | For WebSocket |
|--------|----------|---------------|
| **Sync** | `import ccxt` | (WebSocket requires async) |
| **Async** | `import ccxt.async_support as ccxt` | `import ccxt.pro as ccxtpro` |

| Feature | REST API | WebSocket API |
|---------|----------|---------------|
| **Use for** | One-time queries, placing orders | Real-time monitoring, live price feeds |
| **Method prefix** | `fetch_*` (fetch_ticker, fetch_order_book) | `watch_*` (watch_ticker, watch_order_book) |
| **Speed** | Slower (HTTP request/response) | Faster (persistent connection) |
| **Rate limits** | Strict (1-2 req/sec) | More lenient (continuous stream) |
| **Best for** | Trading, account management |