
The Bloomberg Terminal API is a game-changer for anyone who needs seamless access to financial data. It allows developers to tap into the vast repository of information available on the Bloomberg Terminal.
With the API, you can access real-time market data, news, and analytics, all from a single interface. This means you can streamline your workflow and make more informed decisions faster.
The API is built on a robust infrastructure that ensures high-speed data transfer and minimal latency. This is crucial for applications that require instant access to market data.
By integrating the Bloomberg Terminal API into your application, you can unlock a wealth of financial data and analytics, giving you a competitive edge in the market.
Understanding the API
To work with the Bloomberg Terminal API, you'll need to install the Bloomberg C++ SDK and make its libraries available to your Python interpreter. This involves setting environment variables like LD_LIBRARY_PATH or DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH for Linux and MacOS users, or the PATH variable for Windows users.
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You can import the blpapi module in your Python script or within the CPython interpreter, but be aware that some Python installations may try to use the local blpapi directory as a module, which can cause issues.
To access Bloomberg data and services, you'll need to use the Bloomberg Terminal Connect (BTC) API, which is an add-on feature of the Bloomberg Terminal. This API allows apps to connect to and integrate with the terminal, enabling users to access data and create workflows between their apps and the terminal.
The Bloomberg Bridge Service communicates with BTC on behalf of your applications, providing a client that your apps, services, and UI components can use to interact with the app service.
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How It Works
To access Bloomberg data and services, you need to have access to the Bloomberg Terminal Connect API, which is an add-on feature of the Bloomberg Terminal.
The Bloomberg Bridge Service is an app service that communicates with the Bloomberg Terminal Connect API on behalf of your applications, showing the status of the connection and managing its configuration.
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This service provides a client that your applications, app services, and user interface components can use to communicate with the app service.
To integrate with the Bloomberg Terminal, you'll need to work with the Bloomberg Bridge Service, which is a key part of the Bloomberg Terminal Connect API.
The Bloomberg Server API (SAPI) is designed for developers and gives them flexible access to good documentation and high-quality support.
Developers can use the Software Development Kit for SAPI to access data interfaces in multiple programming languages, making it easy to integrate with downstream server applications.
The SAPI is available in various programming languages, including C++, .NET Framework, VBA via COM Data Control, Java, and Python.
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Extensive Cross-Asset Coverage
With the API, you'll have access to a wide range of real-time exchange and OTC market data. This is incredibly useful for anyone who needs up-to-the-minute information to make informed decisions.
One of the standout features of the API is its ability to provide unique Bloomberg datasets, such as Bloomberg Indices, BVAL Pricing, and ESG. These datasets can be a game-changer for anyone working with financial data.
You can also access a wide range of Bloomberg data, calculations, and third-party data through the API. This means you'll have a comprehensive view of the market and be able to analyze data from multiple sources.
Here are some of the key data sources you'll have access to:
- Bloomberg Indices
- BVAL Pricing
- ESG
This level of access is a major advantage of using the API, and it's something that can really set you apart from others in your field.
Secure, Reliable Technology
Bloomberg's API is built with robust entitlements control to ensure that data is only accessed by authorized users.
This means that only users with an active Bloomberg Professional service session can access SAPI data.
Data usage is monitored and managed to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
To add an extra layer of security, all connections are encrypted with mutually authenticated SSL sessions.
This ensures that data is transmitted securely and can't be intercepted by unauthorized parties.
The API is also available for deployment over the internet, making it easy to integrate with various systems.
It provides features like fail over, load balancing, and scalability to ensure high availability and performance.
Here are some key features of Bloomberg's API technology:
- Built-in, robust entitlements control
- Data usage monitoring and management
- Encrypted connection with mutually authenticated SSL sessions
- Available deployment over the internet
- Provides fail over, load balancing and scalability
Bloomberg's trusted biometric login ensures that SAPI data is only delivered to authorized users, adding an extra layer of security.
Get Function Name and Parameters
To get the function name and parameters you need, you can refer to the Bloomberg API documentation. The function name can be obtained by looking at the API classes and functions, which can be accessed through Python's built-in help system.
For example, the function bdh is used to extract data. You can use the variable name, equity name, start date, end date, and periodicity to construct the function you need.
Here are the key parameters you'll need to get started:
- Function name: bdh
- Variable name: ESG_DISCLOSURE_SCORE
- Equity name: APPL US Equity
- Start date: 1/01/2010
- End date: 8/07/2021
- Periodicity: Per=Y
These parameters will help you get the data you need via the API.
He's the Content, I'm the Wrapper

I wanted to create an API that was simple to use and easy to consume. I didn't want to introduce unnecessary dependencies, so I decided to stick to standard .NET types.
The Bloomberg API comes with custom data types, but I didn't want to use them unless absolutely necessary. This way, if I needed to hand data onto another application, I wouldn't be making each of them dependent on the Bloomberg Open API.
To get the data out of the Bloomberg API, there's a lot of boilerplate code that handles large responses and parsing out the data. It's not exactly a beacon of simplicity.
I came up with a simple C# Console project that contained a wrapper class for Open API operations. This class essentially wraps the Bloomberg API, making it easier to use and consume.
Here's a breakdown of what my wrapper class does:
- It allows me to invoke the Bloomberg API with security codes and required fields.
- It returns nicely structured data, eliminating the need for custom data types.
My wrapper class has been a game-changer for me, making it easy to work with the Bloomberg API without getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity.
Sapi for Developers
The Bloomberg Server API, or SAPI, is a game-changer for developers working in the financial industry. It was designed with developers in mind, providing flexible access to good documentation and high-quality support.
SAPI gives developers access to data interfaces in multiple programming languages, including C++, .NET Framework, VBA via COM Data Control, Java, and Python. This makes it easy to integrate with downstream server applications.
The Software Development Kit for SAPI is a must-have for any developer looking to work efficiently in today's technology-driven financial institutions. It's a powerful tool that can help you get the job done quickly and accurately.
Here are some of the programming languages you can use with SAPI:
- C++
- .NET Framework
- VBA via COM Data Control
- Java
- Python
SAPI is a key component of the Bloomberg API, and it's essential for any developer looking to work with Bloomberg data. With SAPI, you'll have access to a wide range of Bloomberg data, calculations, and third-party data.
Searching and Retrieving Data
The Bloomberg Terminal API allows you to search for securities via the Bloomberg Bridge, which returns results in around 120 to 150 ms.
You can use these search results to power an autocomplete or typeahead search, making it easy for users to quickly find the information they need.
Searching for securities is a key feature of the Bloomberg Terminal API, enabling you to retrieve data in a fast and efficient manner.
The speed of the Bloomberg Bridge is impressive, allowing you to access data in a matter of milliseconds.
Send Commands to Panels
To send commands to Bloomberg Terminal panels, you need to include a mnemonic, which is the specific command entered into the terminal, such as DES, YAS, or VCON.
A mnemonic must be included in the command, and it's also necessary to specify the panel number.
The command must include a mnemonic and the panel number, which is the minimum requirement.
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You can send commands to multiple panels by including an array of Bloomberg security strings, known as securities.
Arguments specific to the mnemonic, known as tails, can also be included if necessary.
To send commands to panels, you need to know the Bloomberg panel number to send the command to.
Here's a breakdown of the elements required to send a command:
- Mnemonic: the specific command (for example DES, YAS, VCON)
- Panel: the Bloomberg panel number to send the command to
- Securities: an array of 0 or more Bloomberg security strings
- Tails: arguments specific to the mnemonic (optional)
Example Use Cases
The Bloomberg Terminal API is incredibly versatile, and its use cases are numerous. You can use it to build custom applications that integrate with the Terminal's data and analytics.
With the API, you can access real-time and historical market data, including equities, options, futures, and foreign exchange. This data can be used to power trading platforms, risk management tools, and market research applications.
One of the key benefits of the Bloomberg Terminal API is its ability to provide secure and reliable access to sensitive financial data. This is particularly important for applications that require high levels of security and compliance, such as those used in regulated industries.
By leveraging the API, developers can create applications that integrate with the Terminal's data and analytics in real-time. This enables users to make more informed investment decisions and stay ahead of market trends.
Developer Resources
As a developer, you'll appreciate the flexible access to good documentation and high-quality support provided by the Bloomberg Server API (SAPI).
The SAPI was designed with developers in mind, making it easy to integrate with downstream server applications.
To work efficiently, development teams need access to data interfaces in multiple programming languages. The Software Development Kit for SAPI offers this, including C++, .NET Framework, VBA via COM Data Control, Java, and Python.
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