We all know by now Coinbase and GDAX love to go offline during the WORST possible times! But when you finally get it loaded again you notice something, PEOPLE WERE TRADING! HOW! Well I'm about to give you the secret ;)

What are API Keys?

API keys are what allow an external piece of software to control a system (such as coinbase or gdax) without actually having direct access or knowledge for the inner workings of the system. For example, I simply say to GDAX, Place an order for 1 Bitcoin at $10,000 USD. I do not need to know how their system makes the order work, I just need to know they either return back an order id, or a failure notice.

How do I get my API Keys?

Inside GDAX, You will need to go to your account settings and you will see a spot that you can generate API keys. I advise creating at least Trading Keys. This will allow you to place trades using external software even if the website goes offline.

Why does this matter?

Well for one, I have PROVEN that even when the website goes offline, even when 2fa stops working, the API is live and I can trade! This is a HUGE advantage only a few people seem to realize and I feel sharing it is important for others!

How can I use these keys?

Well I built a VERY simple example code that you can use and modify to do everything you need. It includes the examples needed to create and delete and order, as well as check your account balances and order statuses. Feel free to modify the code as you need, it is only an example and the absolute most BASIC you can get! But it get's the job done if you are stuck with their website not loading and the API is still up!

Code: https://github.com/bigdeej/gdax_simple_example/blob/master/gdax_simple_example.py

Hope this helps someone!