# Stacks Blockchain API

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For the complete OpenAPI spec, navigate [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hirosystems/stacks-blockchain-api/master/openapi.yaml).
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The Stacks Blockchain API is a REST API developed and hosted by [Hiro](https://www.hiro.so/) that extends the [Stacks Node RPC API](https://docs.stacks.co/reference/api/stacks-node-rpc) with additional indexed endpoints. While every Stacks node exposes a minimal set of RPC endpoints (account balances, contract calls, transaction broadcasting), the Blockchain API continuously ingests and indexes on-chain activity into a PostgreSQL database, making it possible to query transaction history, token transfers, smart contract events, and paginated lists of blocks — data that is not directly available from a Stacks node alone.

The public base URL is `https://api.hiro.so`. No infrastructure setup is required, so you can start querying immediately.

<details>

<summary>Who is this API for?</summary>

The Stacks Blockchain API is the recommended API for wallets, dApps, explorers, and general developers who need rich query capabilities without running their own node. It proxies all standard [Stacks Node RPC](https://docs.stacks.co/reference/api/stacks-node-rpc) endpoints and adds the `/extended/` family of indexed endpoints on top.

If you need a more decentralized setup or want direct access to the raw node RPC without a third-party service, see the [Stacks Node RPC API](https://docs.stacks.co/reference/api/stacks-node-rpc). For exchange or institutional integrations using the Coinbase Mesh standard, see the [Stacks Mesh API](https://docs.stacks.co/reference/api/stacks-mesh-api).

</details>

### Key features

* **Real-time data ingestion** -- Continuously indexes blockchain activity as it happens
* **Cached responses** -- Optimized performance through intelligent caching strategies
* **Complete data access** -- Transaction history, smart contracts, accounts, and blocks

### Usage

```bash
curl -L 'https://api.hiro.so/extended' -H 'Accept: application/json'
```

For more usage examples, see [Usage](https://docs.stacks.co/reference/api/stacks-blockchain-api/usage).

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All Stacks Blockchain API responses include rate limit headers that help you monitor your API usage.
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Need help building with the Stacks Blockchain API? Reach out on the **#api** channel on [Discord](https://stacks.chat/) under the Hiro Developer Tools section.
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