Share New Research 
Hello,
I am wondering if anyone can help explain to me the difference between coding on QuantConnect.com IDE vs using the QuantConnect API?
As I went to look for QuantConnect tutorials at:
https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/home/homeHowever when you click tutorials link it began talking about the QuantConnect API tutorials only. Is QuantConnect API what I use when writing algorithms in the online IDE? The coding examples seem to be the same as how I code in the online IDE, but we are also given an API key in which I do not use online.
Anyhting Helps,
Thanks!
Jared Broad
Hi Ryland! I can understand where the confusion came in. People talk about "QC API" in a few different pretexts -
1) The interface for interacting with LEAN (the algorithmic trading engine) - with all the methods mentioned in the documentation.
2) The interface for applications and tools we create for communicating with the QuantConnect website. ("Website API").
The community generally should never need to use the QuantConnect Website API directly, however, we provide a plugin for Visual Studio, and the ability to download FX data, both of which use the Website-API and require an API Key.
We do not have documentation or tutorials for using the website API. It's generally not intended for public consumption.
Hope that clears things up!
The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation or endorsement for any security or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services by QuantConnect. In addition, the material offers no opinion with respect to the suitability of any security or specific investment. QuantConnect makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed in the website. The views are subject to change, and may have become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. You should consult with an investment professional before making any investment decisions.
Ryland Mathews
The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation or endorsement for any security or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services by QuantConnect. In addition, the material offers no opinion with respect to the suitability of any security or specific investment. QuantConnect makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed in the website. The views are subject to change, and may have become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. You should consult with an investment professional before making any investment decisions.
To unlock posting to the community forums please complete at least 30% of Boot Camp.
You can continue your Boot Camp training progress from the terminal. We hope to see you in the community soon!