> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://coincapapi.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> This guide will walk you through everything you need to quickly integrate our API into your projects and start accessing live cryptocurrency data.

### Step 1: Understand the Basics

The CoinCap API uses RESTful architecture and delivers data in JSON format. All requests are made using the **GET** method, ensuring compatibility with most development environments.

#### Base URL:

**All API endpoints are accessed via:**

```
https://api.coincap.io/v2/
```

### Step 2: Setup Your API Key (Optional)

While CoinCap API supports unauthenticated usage, requesting an API key unlocks higher rate limits and additional features.

### Without API Key:

200 requests per minute
Access to 11 years of historical data

### With API Key:

500 requests per minute
Enhanced access to historical data

### Request API Key

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/coincapapi/ue5mqfi_oqELhJNJ/images/coincap.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ue5mqfi_oqELhJNJ&q=85&s=7fbe9067d741def835a05f6784966a9b" alt="title" width="1472" height="651" data-path="images/coincap.png" />

To obtain your API key, request your API key [here](https://coincap.io/api-key). Once received, use it as a Bearer Token in your headers:

```
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
```

### Step 3: Send Your First Request

Now that you’re ready, try a basic API call to fetch the latest cryptocurrency data:

```
GET https://api.coincap.io/v2/assets
```

This request will return a list of cryptocurrencies, including names, symbols, prices, and market data.

### Step 4: Explore the Endpoints

The CoinCap API provides a range of endpoints for data retrieval, including:

* Assets: Comprehensive data on cryptocurrencies
* Markets: Information about trading pairs across exchanges
* Exchanges: Details of supported exchanges
* Rates: Exchange rates for popular fiat and crypto currencies

Check out the [API Reference](/api-reference/introduction) section for detailed endpoint documentation.

### Need Help?

We’re here to support your journey! Submit feedback, report issues, or share suggestions via our [support portal](https://shapeshift.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new).

Start building today and unlock the power of real-time cryptocurrency data with CoinCap API 2.0!