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# bch-api
[![License](https://img.shields.io/npm/l/@psf/bch-js)](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-js/blob/master/LICENSE.md)
[![js-standard-style](https://img.shields.io/badge/javascript-standard%20code%20style-green.svg?style=flat-square)](https://github.com/feross/standard)
This is a REST API server, written in node.js JavaScript, using [Express.js](https://expressjs.com/) framework. The purpose of this code is to create a REST API server that provides a common interface for working with a Bitcoin Cash full node and various indexers. See [this article](https://psfoundation.cash/blog/cash-stack) to learn about the 'Cash Stack'. Visit [FullStack.cash](https://fullstack.cash), sign up for a free account, and use this REST API right away with the [bch-js](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-js) JavaScript library.
This repository is intended to be paired with [bch-js](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-js), an npm JavaScript library for building Bitcoin Cash apps.
![Cash Stack Network Diagram](./generic-network-diagram.png)
Both bch-api and bch-js are part of the 'Cash Stack' [full stack of BCH software](https://troutsblog.com/research/bitcoin-cash/how-to-bch-full-stack-developer).
- [API Documentation](https://fullstack.cash/documentation)
- [Example Code](https://fullstack.cash/examples)
Have questions? Need help? Join our community support:
[Telegram channel](https://t.me/bch_js_toolkit)
## Features
The following features set this repository apart from rest.bitcoin.com:
- Fine grain access is controlled with a JWT token using
[this back end auth server](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/jwt-bch-api) and [this front end](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/jwt-bch-frontend). Can be used to monetize access to the REST API.
- Typescript removed and ES8 JavaScript used instead.
- `npm audit fix` frequently run to fix dependencies.
## Live Demo
You can test a live demo of the REST API by running the
[bch-js examples](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-js-examples).
Rate limits are 20 requests per minute, but you can increase them to 100 with a [paid account](https://fullstack.cash/pricing).
You can bootstrap your own REST API server by downloading and installing the infrastructure listed on the [CashStrap](https://fullstack.cash/cashstrap) page.
### Configure bch-js
The live servers can be used by [bch-js](https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-js) by settings the `restURL` config property to one of these servers:
- BCHN Mainnet REST API server: https://bchn.fullstack.cash/v4/
- ABC Mainnet REST API server: https://abc.fullstack.cash/v4/
- Testnet3 REST API server: https://testnet3.fullstack.cash/v4/
- Check server status: https://metrics.fullstack.cash
## Installation
There are two installation paths, depending if you want a *development* or
*production* environment. You'll also need to set up the underlying infrastructure
described on [this page](https://psfoundation.cash/blog/cash-stack).
This code targets the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Linux OS or higher.
### Development
This is a standard node.js project. The installation is as follows:
- Clone this repository:
`git clone https://github.com/Permissionless-Software-Foundation/bch-api && cd bch-api`
- Install dependencies:
`npm install`
- Customize the [start-dev-example.sh](start-dev-example.sh) shell script to
point to the required infrastructure. Start the bch-api REST API by running
this script:
`./start-dev-example.sh`
### Production
For a production environment, a Docker container is provided in the
[docker](docker) directory. One for mainnet and one for testnet. Again, these
containers target the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Linux OS.
- Install Docker and Docker Compose by following the commands on
[this Dev Ops page](https://troutsblog.com/research/dev-ops/overview).
- Customize the [bash script](docker/mainnet/start-local-mainnet.sh) for your
installation.
- Build the Docker container with:
`docker-compose build --no-cache`
- Run the Docker container with:
`docker-compose up`
## Support
Have questions? Need help? Join our community support
[Telegram channel](https://t.me/bch_js_toolkit)
## IPFS
Copies of this repository will occasionally be uploaded and hosted on [IPFS](https://ipfs.io):
- v1.25.1: [QmXFzFJHenymhReDc9oGAxbpmvK2fJYnisQ2pJn3gGyKKX](https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXFzFJHenymhReDc9oGAxbpmvK2fJYnisQ2pJn3gGyKKX)
## License
[MIT](./LICENSE.md)
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