Top 10 TON APIs

NIKITA MAHOVIYA
Coinmonks
11 min readJul 1, 2024

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The Open Network (TON) Chain, is the core component of the TON network. It is a distributed ledger that records all transactions and operations on the TON platform.

TON blockchain has experienced remarkable growth and is one of the fastest-growing blockchains in 2024. Here are some key statistics highlighting its rapid development:

  • User Base Expansion: Since 2022, the number of addresses on the TON blockchain has surged from 170,000 to 3.5 million, marking a 20-fold increase​
  • Incentives and Partnerships: TON’s growth has been fueled by various initiatives, including the “Open League” incentives program, which is distributing $150 million in rewards across DeFi, NFT, token, and app ecosystems.
  • Performance and Reliability: TON is preparing to demonstrate its capabilities in a public network performance test scheduled for October 31, 2023. This test, involving 256 servers for validator nodes, aims to showcase TON’s reliability, scalability, and speed

TON blockchain APIs are a set of application programming interfaces that allow developers to interact with the TON blockchain. These APIs provide the necessary tools and endpoints to access blockchain data, perform transactions, manage wallets, deploy and interact with smart contracts, and participate in network governance and validation.

List of TON APIs

1. Bitquery

Fig: Bitquery

Bitquery is a comprehensive blockchain data provider that offers APIs for accessing and analyzing blockchain data across 40+ networks. In the context of the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, the API provides information on wallets, transactions,events, traces, and more.

Key Features of Bitquery for TON Blockchain API

Data Querying and Retrieval

  • GraphQL API: A powerful and flexible API that allows querying of TON historical and real-time blockchain data using GraphQL. Developers can retrieve specific data points, such as transactions, blocks, and account balances, with precision.
  • Comprehensive Data Access: Access to detailed information about blocks, transactions, accounts, and smart contracts on the TON blockchain.

Transaction and Block Data

  • Transaction Histories: Retrieve detailed transaction histories for specific accounts or addresses, including information on token transfers, contract calls, and more.
  • Block Information: Access data about blocks, including block height, hash, timestamp, and the list of transactions in each block.

Account and Token Data

  • Account Balances: Query current and historical balances of accounts on the TON blockchain.
  • Token Transfers: Access detailed information about token transfers, including sender, receiver, amount, and token type.

Smart Contract Data

  • Contract Calls: Retrieve data on smart contract interactions, including function calls, parameters, and execution results.
  • Contract State: Query the current state of smart contracts deployed on the TON blockchain.

Event Subscription and Notifications

  • Real-time Data: Subscribe to real-time updates on blockchain events such as new transactions, block creation, and smart contract events.
  • Webhooks: Set up webhooks to receive notifications for specific events or conditions on the blockchain.

Everscale Data

  • Bitquery provides Everscale data, enabling comprehensive monitoring and analysis of the onchain activities.
  • Bitquery’s Everscale Explorer allows users to access detailed information about transactions, smart contracts, and network activity, facilitating deeper insights into the blockchain’s operations​

2. OpenMask

OpenMask is a browser extension that acts as a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing users to manage their blockchain assets, interact with decentralized applications (DApps), and perform transactions directly from their web browser. In the context of the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, OpenMask can be seen as an essential tool that leverages the TON Blockchain API to provide seamless and secure interactions with the TON ecosystem.

Key Features of OpenMask in Terms of TON Blockchain API

Wallet Management

  • Account Creation and Management: OpenMask allows users to create and manage multiple TON accounts. It uses the TON Blockchain API to generate new addresses, store private keys securely, and manage user identities.
  • Balance Checks: Through the TON Wallet API, OpenMask retrieves and displays the current balance of TON tokens for each account.

Transaction Handling

  • Send and Receive Tokens: OpenMask enables users to send and receive TON tokens. It uses the TON Blockchain API to broadcast transactions to the network and confirm their completion.
  • Transaction History: Users can view their transaction history, including details such as sender, receiver, amount, and transaction status, all fetched using the TON API.

DApp Integration

  • DApp Browser: OpenMask includes a DApp browser that allows users to interact with decentralized applications built on the TON blockchain. It uses the TON Smart Contract API to interact with smart contracts directly from the browser.
  • Seamless Interaction: OpenMask injects the TON Blockchain API into DApps, enabling seamless communication between the DApp and the user’s wallet without needing to leave the browser.
Fig: OpenMask

3. Chainbase

Chainbase is a blockchain infrastructure provider that offers APIs and services to interact with and manage blockchain data. In the context of the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, Chainbase can be considered as a robust platform that leverages the TON Blockchain API to provide extensive data access, analytics, and integration capabilities for developers and businesses.

Key Features of Chainbase in Terms of TON Blockchain API

Data Access and Querying

  • GraphQL and REST APIs: Chainbase offers flexible GraphQL and REST APIs to query TON blockchain data. This allows developers to retrieve specific data points such as transaction details, block information, and account balances.
  • Comprehensive Data Retrieval: Access detailed information about blocks, transactions, accounts, and smart contracts on the TON blockchain.

Event Subscriptions and Notifications

  • Webhooks for Blockchain Events: Set up webhooks to receive notifications about specific blockchain events, such as new transactions, block creation, and smart contract events.
  • Real-time Updates: Subscribe to real-time updates and get notified instantly when specified events occur on the TON blockchain.

Analytics and Reporting

  • Blockchain Analytics: Perform detailed analytics on blockchain data, including transaction volumes, network health, and user behavior.
  • Custom Reports: Generate custom reports based on blockchain activity and data trends.
Fig: Chainbase

4. Getblock

GetBlock is a blockchain infrastructure provider that offers nodes-as-a-service and APIs for various blockchain networks, including The Open Network (TON). It simplifies the process of accessing blockchain data and performing transactions without the need for developers to manage their own nodes. In terms of the TON Blockchain API, GetBlock provides a range of features that make it easy for developers to interact with the TON blockchain.

Key Features of GetBlock in Terms of TON Blockchain API

Node Access and Management

  • Full Nodes and Light Nodes: GetBlock offers access to both full and light nodes of the TON blockchain, allowing developers to choose the appropriate node type based on their needs.

API Access and Security

  • REST API: Provides a REST API for easy integration with applications, enabling developers to perform various blockchain operations programmatically.
  • API Key Management: Secure API key management to ensure that only authorized applications can access the node services.

Account and Balance Data

  • Account Balances: Query the current balance of any account on the TON blockchain.
  • Account History: Fetch historical data related to an account, including past transactions and balance changes.
Fig: Getblock

5. NOWnodes

NOWNodes is a blockchain-as-a-service provider that offers access to full nodes and APIs for various blockchain networks, including The Open Network (TON). It provides a reliable and scalable infrastructure, allowing developers to interact with blockchain data and perform transactions without needing to manage their own nodes. Here’s how NOWNodes relates to the TON Blockchain API:

Key Features of NOWNodes in Terms of TON Blockchain API

Node Access and Infrastructure

  • Full Nodes Access: NOWNodes provides access to full nodes of the TON blockchain, enabling developers to interact with the blockchain as if they were running their own node.
  • Reliable Infrastructure: Ensures high availability and reliability, with infrastructure maintained and updated by NOWNodes, so developers don’t need to handle node maintenance.

Blockchain Data Querying

  • Block Information: Retrieve detailed information about blocks, such as block height, hash, timestamp, and the list of transactions within each block.
  • Transaction Details: Access comprehensive details about individual transactions, including sender, receiver, amount, fees, and status.

DeFi Platforms and developments

  • Build decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms that require reliable access to smart contract interactions, token transfers, and other blockchain operations.
  • Enable decentralized applications (DApps) to interact with the TON blockchain by querying smart contract states, tracking token transfers, and monitoring real-time events.
Fig: NOWNodes

6. TONCenter API

TONCenter is a service that provides an API for accessing and interacting with The Open Network (TON) blockchain. It offers developers the tools to query blockchain data, manage transactions, and interact with smart contracts, all without needing to run their own nodes. Here’s an explanation of TONCenter in terms of the TON Blockchain API:

Key Features of TONCenter in Terms of TON Blockchain API

Developer Tools and Documentation

  • SDKs and Libraries: Provide SDKs and libraries for different programming languages, making it easier for developers to integrate TONCenter services into their applications.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed documentation and guides to help developers understand and utilize the available API endpoints effectively.

Scalability and Performance

  • High Throughput: Capable of handling a high volume of requests with low latency, ensuring fast and efficient blockchain interactions.
  • Scalable Solutions: Scalable node infrastructure that can grow with the needs of the application, ensuring consistent performance.

Support and Maintenance

  • 24/7 Support: Offers round-the-clock support to assist developers with any issues or queries related to the node services.
  • Regular Updates: Ensures that nodes are updated with the latest software versions and security patches, maintaining a secure and efficient environment.
Fig: TONCenter API

7. TON Explorer API

TONExplorer is a tool that provides APIs for accessing and interacting with The Open Network (TON) blockchain. It allows developers and users to query blockchain data, monitor transactions, and obtain information about accounts and smart contracts. Here’s an explanation of TONExplorer in terms of the TON Blockchain API:

Key Features of TONExplorer in Terms of TON Blockchain API

Data Querying and Retrieval

  • Block Information: Access detailed information about blocks, such as block height, hash, timestamp, and the transactions contained within each block.
  • Transaction Details: Retrieve comprehensive details about individual transactions, including sender, receiver, amount, fees, and status.

User-friendly Interface

  • Web Interface: TONExplorer provides a user-friendly web interface that allows users to visually explore the TON blockchain, view transactions, blocks, and account details.
  • Interactive Features: Interactive features such as search and filtering options make it easy to navigate and find specific blockchain data.

Smart Contract Interaction

  • Contract State: Query the current state of smart contracts deployed on the TON blockchain.
  • Contract Execution: Execute smart contract functions and retrieve results, facilitating interaction with decentralized applications (DApps).

When choosing a TON Blockchain API, several factors need to be considered to ensure it meets your specific requirements and provides the necessary functionality, performance, and security. Here are the key factors to consider:

Factors to be considered while choosing TON API

When choosing a TON Blockchain API, several factors need to be considered to ensure it meets your specific requirements and provides the necessary functionality, performance, and security. Here are the key factors to consider:

Functionality and Features

  • Comprehensive Data Access: Ensure the API provides access to all necessary blockchain data, including blocks, transactions, account balances, and smart contract states.
  • Smart Contract Interaction: Check if the API supports deploying, managing, and interacting with smart contracts.

Ease of Use

  • Documentation: Comprehensive and clear documentation is crucial for understanding how to use the API effectively.
  • Developer Tools: Availability of developer tools such as interactive API explorers, code examples, and tutorials.

Performance and Scalability

  • Low Latency: Ensure the API can handle requests with minimal delay to provide a responsive user experience.
  • High Throughput: Managing a high volume of requests without performance degradation.

Security

  • Authentication and Authorization: Secure API key management and robust authentication methods to protect access to the API.
  • Data Encryption: Ensure that data transmitted between your application and the API is encrypted.

Reliability and Availability

  • Uptime Guarantees: Look for SLAs that guarantee a high level of availability and uptime for the API service.
  • Redundancy and Failover: The infrastructure should include redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure continuous service in case of failures.

Cost

  • Pricing Model: Understand the pricing model, whether it’s based on usage, subscription, or a combination of both. Bitquery for example, adopts a point-based system and a customized pricing model to suit every customer.
  • Cost Efficiency: Evaluate the cost relative to the features and performance offered to ensure it fits within your budget.

Support and Maintenance

  • Customer Support: Availability of reliable customer support to assist with any issues or questions.
  • Community Support: A strong developer community and active forums can be invaluable for troubleshooting and advice.

Integration and Compatibility

  • Compatibility: Ensure the API is compatible with your existing technology stack and can integrate smoothly with your application.
  • Customizability: Look for APIs that offer customization options to tailor the service to your specific needs.

Reputation and Trustworthiness

  • Provider Reputation: Choose a provider with a solid reputation in the industry, known for reliability and quality service.
  • User Reviews and Case Studies: Check for user reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge the experiences of other developers and businesses.

Geographical Considerations

  • Data Centers: The location of the provider’s data centers can impact latency and performance. Choose a provider with data centers close to your user base.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure the provider complies with the legal and regulatory requirements of the regions in which you operate.

The Open Network (TON) blockchain APIs are powerful tools that allow developers to access and interact with the TON blockchain, offering capabilities such as data retrieval, transaction management, wallet services, and smart contract interactions. These APIs are essential for developing applications that leverage the TON blockchain’s features, providing comprehensive endpoints for accessing blocks, transactions, account balances, and smart contract states.

When choosing a TON Blockchain API, it is important to consider factors such as functionality, ease of use, performance, security, reliability, cost, support, integration, reputation, and geographical considerations. Ensuring the API meets these criteria will help you find a solution that offers the necessary tools, supports seamless integration, and provides reliable and secure access to the TON blockchain.

By carefully evaluating these aspects, developers can select an API that aligns with their technical needs and business objectives, facilitating efficient development and robust performance. This will enable the creation of innovative applications that fully utilize the capabilities of the TON blockchain, providing a solid foundation for growth and success.

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