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Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) guide

Developers usually meet Bloomberg data through a Terminal on their desk. BLPAPI lets a program on that machine request the same data, within the Terminal’s licence.

Build a Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) strategyOfficial docs

Last verified · Also known as BLPAPI, B-PIPE, Bloomberg Terminal API

Quick answer

Bloomberg’s programmatic access is BLPAPI, an SDK (C++, C#, Java, Python blpapi) that connects to a running Bloomberg Terminal (Desktop API), a Server API or the B-PIPE enterprise feed; reference and history can also come from Bloomberg Data License via REST, SFTP or cloud delivery. It is contract-priced and entitlement-controlled, not a self-serve API key.

Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) at a glance

Pricing
Enterprise contracts
Availability
Terminal and enterprise subscribers
Paper trading
Not applicable (data only)
Integration type
Local gateway
In AlgoGP
Design and backtest in AlgoGP, connect the exported code
SDK
BLPAPI: C++, C#, Java, Python (blpapi)
Desktop API
Local Terminal session (localhost:8194)
Enterprise
Server API, B-PIPE, Data License
Pricing
Enterprise contracts

Desktop API vs B-PIPE vs Data License

ProductWho it is forNotes
Desktop APITerminal usersData for use on that desktop; usage limits apply
Server API / B-PIPEFirms distributing data to appsNormalized real-time enterprise feed
Data LicenseBulk reference and historyREST/SFTP/cloud delivery

Build a Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) strategy with AlgoGP

AlgoGP does not connect to Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) natively yet. Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) connects through a local gateway, socket, FIX or Protobuf stack rather than plain HTTPS, so it runs as a separate process next to your strategy.

  1. 1

    Design and backtest in AlgoGP

    Describe the strategy to the copilot and backtest it on years of normalized history. The result does not depend on any vendor.

  2. 2

    Export the Python project

    Every project exports strategy.py, market_data.py, brokers.py and live.py. The strategy only sees bars, cash, positions and orders, never a vendor’s wire format.

  3. 3

    Plug in Bloomberg API (BLPAPI)

    Implement the four adapter methods (account, positions, submit_market_order and a candle fetcher) with Bloomberg API (BLPAPI)’s SDK, or keep a built-in platform for paper trading and add Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) when you go live.

Built-in data sources for the same markets: Alpaca, Yahoo Finance, Alpha Vantage, OANDA.

Bloomberg API (BLPAPI): frequently asked questions

Is the Bloomberg API free?

BLPAPI SDKs are free to download, but data access needs a Terminal or enterprise licence.

Can I use Bloomberg data in a web app?

Only under an enterprise agreement such as B-PIPE; Desktop API data is licensed for the Terminal user.

Design and backtest your Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) strategy first

AlgoGP turns an idea into Python and tests it on years of history before you connect it to Bloomberg API (BLPAPI). The exported code keeps the broker behind four small adapter methods.

  • AI copilot writes and revises the rules
  • Backtests with realistic costs
  • Exported Python ready to wire to Bloomberg API (BLPAPI)
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Bloomberg API (BLPAPI) alternatives

Independent guide. AlgoGP is not affiliated with Bloomberg API (BLPAPI). Limits, prices and availability change; confirm them in the official documentation. Nothing here is investment advice.