How to Work with Binance Exchange in Python Using python-binance

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to interact with Binance cryptocurrency exchange using Python and the powerful python-binance library. Whether you're looking to retrieve market data, manage your assets, or execute trades programmatically, this tutorial covers all essential aspects.

Getting Started with python-binance

The python-binance library is an unofficial Python wrapper for Binance's REST API v3. Binance remains one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges globally, offering both public and private APIs for developers.

Installation

pip install python-binance

This command installs the necessary library to begin working with Binance's API.

Retrieving Exchange Information

The get_exchange_info function provides crucial details about the exchange, including rate limits and available trading pairs (symbols).

#!/usr/bin/python
import asyncio
from binance import AsyncClient

async def main():
    client = await AsyncClient.create()
    res = await client.get_exchange_info()
    print(f'Number of symbols: {len(res["symbols"])}')
    for sym in res['symbols']:
        print(f"{sym['symbol']}: base {sym['baseAsset']}, quote {sym['quoteAsset']}")
    await client.close_connection()

asyncio.run(main())

Key points:

Symbols represent trading pairs (e.g., BTCBUSD = Bitcoin vs. BUSD stablecoin)
The response includes base and quote assets for each pair
The API provides current information about all available markets

Accessing Market Data

Retrieving Ticker Information

Tickers provide real-time price information for specific cryptocurrency pairs:

#!/usr/bin/python
import asyncio
import json
from binance import AsyncClient

async def main():
    client = await AsyncClient.create()
    res = await client.get_ticker(symbol='LTCBUSD')
    print(json.dumps(res, indent=2))
    await client.close_connection()

asyncio.run(main())

This returns comprehensive data including:

Current price and price changes
Trading volume
High/low prices for the period
Opening and closing prices

Managing Your Binance Account

Accessing Deposit Addresses

To receive cryptocurrency into your Binance account:

#!/usr/bin/python
import asyncio
import os
from binance import AsyncClient

async def main():
    api_key = os.getenv('BINANCE_API_KEY')
    api_secret = os.getenv('BINANCE_SECRET_KEY')
    client = await AsyncClient.create(api_key, api_secret)
    
    btc_address = await client.get_deposit_address(coin='BTC')
    print(btc_address)
    
    await client.close_connection()

asyncio.run(main())

Important notes:

Requires API keys for authentication
Provides unique deposit addresses for each cryptocurrency
Addresses are managed by Binance, not personally owned

Checking Asset Balances

Monitor your cryptocurrency holdings:

#!/usr/bin/python
import asyncio
import os
from binance import AsyncClient

async def main():
    api_key = os.getenv('BINANCE_API_KEY')
    api_secret = os.getenv('BINANCE_SECRET_KEY')
    client = await AsyncClient.create(api_key, api_secret)
    
    balance = await client.get_asset_balance(asset='LTC')
    print(f"Asset: {balance['asset']}")
    print(f"Available: {balance['free']}")
    print(f"Locked: {balance['locked']}")
    
    await client.close_connection()

asyncio.run(main())

👉 For secure cryptocurrency trading, explore advanced exchange features

Trade Management

Viewing Trade History

Analyze your past trades for specific pairs:

#!/usr/bin/python
import asyncio
import os
from datetime import datetime
from binance import AsyncClient
from rich import box
from rich.console import Console
from rich.table import Table

async def main():
    api_key = os.getenv('BINANCE_API_KEY')
    api_secret = os.getenv('BINANCE_SECRET_KEY')
    client = await AsyncClient.create(api_key, api_secret)
    
    trades = await client.get_my_trades(symbol='SHIBBUSD')
    
    # Create formatted table output
    table = Table(title='Trade History', box=box.ASCII)
    table.add_column('Time', justify='center')
    table.add_column('Price', justify='right')
    table.add_column('Quantity', justify='right')
    table.add_column('Total Value', justify='right')
    
    for trade in trades:
        time = datetime.utcfromtimestamp(trade['time']/1000.0)
        table.add_row(
            f"{time:%Y-%m-%d %H:%M}",
            f"{float(trade['price']):.8f}",
            f"{float(trade['qty'])}",
            f"{float(trade['quoteQty']):.8f}"
        )
    
    Console().print(table)
    await client.close_connection()

asyncio.run(main())

Managing Fiat Transactions

Track your fiat-to-crypto purchases:

#!/usr/bin/python
import asyncio
import os
from binance import AsyncClient
from binance.helpers import date_to_milliseconds
from datetime import datetime
from rich.console import Console
from rich.table import Table

async def main():
    api_key = os.getenv('BINANCE_API_KEY')
    api_secret = os.getenv('BINANCE_SECRET_KEY')
    client = await AsyncClient.create(api_key, api_secret)
    
    start = date_to_milliseconds('2023/01/01')
    end = date_to_milliseconds('March 31, 2023')
    
    payments = await client.get_fiat_payments_history(
        transactionType=0,  # 0 for buys
        beginTime=start,
        endTime=end
    )
    
    table = Table(title='Fiat Payments')
    table.add_column('Date')
    table.add_column('Fiat Amount')
    table.add_column('Crypto Received')
    
    for payment in payments['data']:
        date = datetime.utcfromtimestamp(payment['createTime']/1000.0)
        table.add_row(
            f"{date:%Y-%m-%d}",
            f"{payment['sourceAmount']} {payment['fiatCurrency']}",
            f"{payment['obtainAmount']} {payment['cryptoCurrency']}"
        )
    
    Console().print(table)
    await client.close_connection()

asyncio.run(main())

👉 Discover more about cryptocurrency trading and APIs

FAQ Section

What is python-binance?

python-binance is an unofficial Python wrapper for Binance's REST API v3, allowing developers to interact programmatically with Binance's cryptocurrency exchange.

How do I get API keys for Binance?

API keys can be generated in your Binance account settings under the API Management section. Remember to keep your secret key secure and never share it publicly.

What's the difference between base and quote assets?

In a trading pair like BTC/USDT, BTC is the base asset (the cryptocurrency being bought/sold), while USDT is the quote asset (the currency used to price the base asset).

Can I trade automatically with python-binance?

Yes, python-binance supports all trading functionalities available through Binance's API, including market orders, limit orders, and more advanced trading options.

Is python-binance suitable for high-frequency trading?

While python-binance can be used for automated trading, Binance has strict rate limits. For high-frequency trading, consider using Binance's WebSocket API for real-time updates.

Conclusion

The python-binance library provides comprehensive access to Binance's cryptocurrency exchange through Python. From retrieving market data to executing trades and managing your portfolio, this guide has covered the essential functionality you need to automate your cryptocurrency operations.

For more advanced trading strategies and features, consider exploring additional resources and documentation. Always remember to implement proper risk management when trading cryptocurrencies programmatically.