IB API

Your application, our trading system.

Our proprietary API solutions let you create your own trading programs that take advantage of our high-speed order routing and broad market depth.

IB API Software

Use our proprietary Application Program Interface (API) to build your own automated rules-based trading application in your favorite programming language or protocol, including:
  • Java – Our most popular API technology
  • C++ (POSIX-compliant)
  • Python
  • .NET (C#) – You can use the C# library with any .NET supported language
  • ActiveX – Integrate our ActiveX control into other programs such as Excel and Matlab
  • DDE – Use our Excel sample application to get you started, or any DDE-aware program
Our API requires connectivity via Trader Workstation (TWS) or IB Gateway. Always test your API components with your Paper Trading account or the TWS Demo System before you actually implement any new API system.
programming

Use the following table to see which API technology best fits your needs.

Notes:

1. The C++ (MFC) API is deprecated as of API Version 9.72.

2. Also included in our API software is ActiveX for Excel sample application for our clients who want to take advantage of our ActiveX API in an easy-to-use spreadsheet interface.

Access TechnologyPerformancePlatformHas Sample Application
JavaVery robust and reliable; high performance.Platform-independentYes
C++ (POSIX-compliant)Very robust and reliable; high performance.Platform-independentYes (limited functionality)
PythonVery robust and reliable; high performance.Platform-independentYes
.NET (C#)Very robust and reliable; high performance.Windows onlyYes
C++ (MFC) ¹Very robust and reliable; high performance.Windows onlyYes
ActiveX ²Somewhat robust and reliable (ActiveX can lose events); fairly high performance.Windows onlyYes
DDELimited; uses obsolete technologies; lower performance.Windows onlyYes (limited functionality)

IB Gateway

Notes:

The C++ (MFC) API is deprecated as of API Version 9.72.

Feature TWSIB Gateway
Provides a GUI that allows you to see and manage API orders.YesYes
Must remain running to maintain access to IB trading system.YesYes
Can be installed from the IB web site LOG IN menu.YesYes
Can also be used as a connection interface for the FIX CTCI API.YesYes
GUI-less interface runs more efficiently and uses fewer system resources. YesYes

FIX CTCI

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WT WEB API

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