Node.js & JavaScript SDK for Kucoin REST APIs and WebSockets
For developers building cryptocurrency trading tools, algorithmic strategies, or market monitoring systems, seamless integration with exchange APIs is essential. The Kucoin API SDK for Node.js and JavaScript delivers a powerful, modern, and fully featured solution for accessing Kucoin’s REST endpoints and WebSocket streams. Whether you're developing spot trading bots, futures strategies, or real-time analytics dashboards, this SDK provides the reliability, performance, and developer-friendly design needed to bring your ideas to life.
Backed by TypeScript support, automatic reconnection logic, and flexible authentication methods, this open-source library stands out as one of the most robust tools available for interacting with Kucoin programmatically.
Key Features of the Kucoin API SDK
This SDK is engineered for both performance and ease of use. Here are the standout features that make it a top choice for developers:
- Complete REST & WebSocket Integration: Access every public and private endpoint offered by Kucoin, including spot, margin, and futures markets.
- TypeScript Ready: Comes with comprehensive type definitions for request and response payloads, enhancing code quality and reducing errors during development.
- Smart WebSocket Management: Automatically handles connection heartbeats, reconnections, and subscription resubscription—critical for maintaining real-time data flow without manual intervention.
- Universal Module Support: Works natively with both ES Modules (ESM) and CommonJS (CJS), making it compatible with modern and legacy projects alike.
- Proxy-Friendly Architecture: Built on Axios, enabling easy configuration through HTTP proxies—ideal for enterprise environments or geographically restricted setups.
- Browser-Compatible HMAC Signing: Securely sign API requests directly in browser-based applications without exposing secrets.
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Getting Started: Installation & Setup
To begin using the SDK, install it via npm:
npm install --save kucoin-apiOnce installed, create your Kucoin API credentials at Kucoin API Key Management. Ensure you enable the necessary permissions (trade, withdraw, etc.) based on your application’s needs.
After obtaining your apiKey, apiSecret, and apiPassphrase, initialize the client:
const { SpotClient } = require('kucoin-api');
const client = new SpotClient({
apiKey: 'your-api-key',
apiSecret: 'your-api-secret',
apiPassphrase: 'your-api-passphrase',
});You can now interact with Kucoin’s spot and margin trading APIs. For futures trading, use the FuturesClient instead.
Using REST APIs: Place Orders and Fetch Data
The SDK simplifies interaction with Kucoin’s REST endpoints. Below is an example of placing a market order:
try {
const result = await client.submitHFOrder({
clientOid: client.generateNewOrderID(),
side: 'buy',
type: 'market',
symbol: 'BTC-USDT',
size: '0.00001',
});
console.log('Order result:', JSON.stringify(result, null, 2));
} catch (error) {
console.error('Request failed:', error);
}Supported operations include:
- Account balance inquiries
- Order placement and cancellation
- Trade history retrieval
- Market ticker and depth data
For full details on available functions, refer to the REST Endpoint Function List in the official repository.
Real-Time Data with WebSockets
Real-time data is crucial for algorithmic trading and monitoring tools. The SDK’s WebsocketClient manages connections efficiently:
const { WebsocketClient } = require('kucoin-api');
const ws = new WebsocketClient();
ws.on('update', (data) => {
console.log('Received data:', data);
});
// Subscribe to public futures ticker
ws.subscribe(['/contractMarket/tickerV2:XBTUSDM'], 'futuresPublicV1');Event types include:
open: Connection establishedupdate: Market or account data receivedreconnect/reconnected: Auto-reconnect workflowresponse: Acknowledgment of subscription/auth requestsexception: Errors during communication
Each WebSocket connection is managed under a unique WsKey, ensuring messages are routed correctly across multiple streams.
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Custom Logging and Debugging
For better observability, you can override the default logger:
const { WebsocketClient, DefaultLogger } = require('kucoin-api');
const customLogger = {
...DefaultLogger,
trace: (...args) => {
if (args[0].includes('Sending ping')) return;
console.log('TRACE:', args);
},
};
const ws = new WebsocketClient({}, customLogger);This allows filtering noise (like ping messages) while preserving critical logs for debugging.
FAQ
What exchanges does this SDK support?
While this SDK is specifically designed for Kucoin, the same developer maintains similar libraries for other major exchanges like Binance, Bybit, OKX, Gate.io, and Bitget. These are ideal for building multi-exchange trading platforms.
Is the SDK suitable for production use?
Yes. With automatic reconnection, error handling, and active community support via Telegram (Node.js Algo Traders), it's widely used in live trading bots and financial applications.
Does it work in browsers?
Yes. The SDK supports browser environments with secure HMAC signing mechanisms that prevent secret exposure.
How do I handle rate limits?
Kucoin enforces rate limits at the API level. The SDK does not include built-in throttling but integrates easily with external rate-limiting tools like bottleneck or p-limit.
Can I contribute to the project?
Absolutely. Pull requests are welcome on GitHub. You can also report issues or suggest enhancements through the issues tab.
Is TypeScript required?
No. While the library is written in TypeScript and provides full typing, it can be used seamlessly in plain JavaScript projects.
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Final Thoughts
The Kucoin API SDK for Node.js and JavaScript is more than just a wrapper—it's a full-featured toolkit built with developer experience in mind. Its strong typing, resilient WebSocket handling, and modular architecture make it ideal for everything from simple scripts to enterprise-grade trading engines.
With active maintenance and community engagement, it continues to evolve alongside Kucoin’s expanding API capabilities. Whether you're building your first bot or scaling a multi-market strategy platform, this SDK offers the foundation you need.
Core Keywords: Kucoin API, Node.js SDK, JavaScript crypto trading, WebSocket integration, REST API client, algorithmic trading tools, TypeScript support, cryptocurrency development