Exchange rates have a rapidly changing market dynamic. Developing an application that can instantly follow these changes presents a major coding challenge, especially for software developers. In this context, creating a currency exchange app goes beyond just providing basic currency conversions. It requires users to be able to follow instant changes in exchange rates in real time. Therefore, a powerful and reliable exchange rate API can be used to access accurate and up-to-date data. Such an API allows the application to instantly reflect market fluctuations, taking the user experience to the next level.
The accuracy and reliability provided by real-time data for currency conversions are critical to the success of a currency application. At this point, exchange rate API services offer developers a flexible infrastructure that can instantly adapt to market movements. In particular, the exchangerate.host stands out as a potential API provider by providing accurate and up-to-date exchange rate data to its users today. This API can help developers make their applications more functional and user-friendly by providing reliable data for many different currencies globally. In this article, we will first talk about why developers need to develop a currency exchange app. Then, we will learn step by step how to develop a web application(HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) with today’s best web service.
Top Reasons to Build Your Own Currency Exchange App
Creating your own currency exchange app is much more than just a software development project. Creating such an application offers developers the opportunity to take their coding skills to the next level. When developing a currency exchange application, developers need to create a platform where users can perform currency transactions securely and quickly. This process includes important issues such as the correct processing of data and a simple and functional user interface. Therefore, this expands the developers’ knowledge in the field of software engineering.
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Deepening the understanding of API integration is also a big part of this project when developing a currency exchange application. Within the scope of a currency exchange app project, it will be necessary to use an exchange rate API to get accurate and up-to-date currency rates. Integrating this API will give developers significant experience in real-time data management, data accuracy, API security, etc. This knowledge is extremely valuable not only for this project but also for other projects they may encounter in the future.
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Currency conversion is of vital importance in today’s globalized world. The constantly changing values of different currencies play a critical role in many areas such as trade, tourism, and investment. Currency exchange applications allow developers to develop a tool that responds to these global financial needs. This not only improves their coding skills but also helps them better understand the workings of the global economy.
Finally, developing a financial application of some kind will be a valuable addition to the portfolio of almost any level of developer. Such a comprehensive and useful application is an important reference for employers or clients. When a currency trading application is supported by a user-friendly interface and a solid infrastructure, it becomes a project where you can showcase your competencies both technically and practically. Such projects can increase future job opportunities and put them one step ahead of other developers.
Crafting a Sleek and Dynamic Currency Exchange Web Application
To develop a forex trading application, it is very important to set up the right tools and environment. As a first step, you should choose a suitable IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to develop your project. Popular IDEs such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Atom are a great choice for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript projects. Since you will be using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the basis of your project, it is sufficient to have basic knowledge of these languages. It is also important to integrate the Bootstrap library to beautify and speed up the user interface.
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In addition, it is important to master the basics of JavaScript before starting such a project. When creating a forex trading application, you will need to work with technologies such as AJAX or Fetch API to manage asynchronous transactions. Therefore, in addition to mastering the basic building blocks of JavaScript (variables, functions, loops, conditional statements), it is also a great advantage to understand the concept of asynchronous programming.
Understanding the Exchange Rate API
The exchange rate API is a service that provides real-time or historical data to compare the values of different currencies across the world. These APIs are commonly used in financial applications, currency converters, and similar platforms. The exchangerates.host API provides a reliable service to provide real-time exchange rates and crypto exchange rates. This API provides support for over 168 exchange rates and provides 19 years of historical data. Therefore, it allows developers and businesses to use their currency data securely and without interruption. The average uptime of the exchangerates.host API is 99.99%, making it a reliable option.
The exchange rate API is one of the core components of a currency trading application. By using a reliable API provider like exchangerates.host, you can quickly access both real-time and historical data. This ensures that your application provides accurate and up-to-date exchange rate information to its users. Moreover, the high uptime and wide range of currencies of the API provide you with an infrastructure that you can use with confidence in your global projects.
Signing up for the exchangerates.host API and getting started is pretty straightforward. First, you can go to exchangerate.host and choose a free or paid plan. The free plan is limited to 100 requests/month and offers daily updates, which is great for small projects or trial use. If you want to send more requests or get more frequent data updates, you can choose one of the paid plans. For example, the BASIC plan offers 10,000 requests per month and hourly updates, which is good for larger projects. For projects that require more functionality and high request volume, the Professional Plus or Business plans are the way to go.
It is possible to obtain data from this very easy-to-use API with the following JavaScript code:
// set endpoint and your access key
endpoint = 'convert';
access_key = 'YOUR_ACCESS_KEY';
// define from currency, to currency, and amount
from = 'EUR';
to = 'GBP';
amount = '10';
// execute the conversion using the "convert" endpoint:
$.ajax({
url: 'https://api.exchangerate.host/' + endpoint + '?access_key=' + access_key +'&from=' + from + '&to=' + to + '&amount=' + amount,
dataType: 'jsonp',
success: function(json) {
// access the conversion result in json.result
alert(json.result);
}
});Designing an Intuitive and Attractive App Interface
Designing an intuitive and attractive application interface is a critical step to maximize user experience. This interface should primarily allow users to perform their transactions quickly and smoothly. Among the main features of the application we will develop are functions where users can easily select currencies, enter amounts, and instantly see the converted results. The minimal and modern design of the interface emphasizes functionality without distracting users.
When designing the user interface of this application, we will focus on simplicity and ease of use. In the currency selection menu, we will add a search function so that users can quickly access the most frequently used currencies. We should also make sure that the amount of entry fields is clear and understandable. Instant display of results plays an important role in providing feedback to the user. Such features allow users to use the application effortlessly and choose it again and again.
When creating such an interface design, CSS frameworks such as Bootstrap and JavaScript libraries are of great benefit. These tools help you create a responsive and modern-looking design, while also speeding up the coding process. For example, Bootstrap’s grid system makes the interface compatible with mobile devices, while JavaScript makes it easy to manage user interactions. By using such tools effectively in interface design, you can create an application that is both aesthetic and functional.
Developing the Application Code
In this step, we will integrate the exchangerates.host API, which we have previously registered and obtained an API key, into a web application. To do this, first, let’s open a file named ‘index.html’ in the file path where we plan to develop the application for the HTML part where we will create the skeleton of the application. Then, let’s put the following codes in this file with the in-code comments:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<!-- Page title -->
<title>Currency Exchange App</title>
<!-- Include Bootstrap CSS, a framework for building responsive and modern UI quickly -->
<link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet">
<!-- Link to an additional custom CSS file for applying specific styles -->
<link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
<!-- Main container for the entire app -->
<div class="container mt-5">
<!-- App title centered at the top -->
<h1 class="text-center mb-4">Currency Exchange Dashboard</h1>
<!-- Scrolling Ticker for displaying currency rates -->
<div class="ticker-container mb-5">
<!-- The ticker itself that will scroll across the screen -->
<div class="ticker">
<!-- The content of the ticker, will be populated with JavaScript -->
<div id="currency-ticker" class="ticker-content"></div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Currency Converter Interface for user interaction -->
<div class="converter-container">
<h3 class="text-center mb-4">Currency Converter</h3>
<!-- Form for converting currency values -->
<form id="converter-form">
<div class="row mb-3">
<!-- Dropdown for selecting the currency to convert from -->
<div class="col">
<select class="form-select" id="from-currency">
<option value="USD" selected>USD</option>
<option value="AUD">AUD</option>
<option value="CHF">CHF</option>
<option value="EUR">EUR</option>
<option value="GBP">GBP</option>
<option value="PLN">PLN</option>
<option value="TRY">TRY</option>
<option value="CAD">CAD</option>
</select>
</div>
<!-- Dropdown for selecting the currency to convert to -->
<div class="col">
<select class="form-select" id="to-currency">
<option value="GBP" selected>GBP</option>
<option value="USD">USD</option>
<option value="AUD">AUD</option>
<option value="CHF">CHF</option>
<option value="EUR">EUR</option>
<option value="PLN">PLN</option>
<option value="TRY">TRY</option>
<option value="CAD">CAD</option>
</select>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Input field for the amount of money to convert -->
<div class="mb-3">
<input type="number" id="amount" class="form-control" placeholder="Amount" value="10">
</div>
<!-- Submit button to trigger the conversion -->
<button type="submit" class="btn btn-primary w-100">Convert</button>
</form>
<!-- Display the conversion result here -->
<div class="result-container mt-4">
<h5 id="conversion-result" class="text-center"></h5>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Include Bootstrap JS bundle for interactive components -->
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js"></script>
<!-- Link to the JavaScript file containing the app's logic -->
<script src="app.js"></script>
</body>
</html>Then, let’s move on to the JavaScript section where we integrate the exchangerates.host API in the application. In this section, let’s open a file named ‘app.js’ in the application file path and put the following codes in it:
// Get references to key elements in the HTML document
const tickerElement = document.getElementById('currency-ticker'); // The element where currency rates will be displayed
const form = document.getElementById('converter-form'); // The form element for the currency converter
const resultElement = document.getElementById('conversion-result'); // The element where conversion results will be displayed
const apiKey = 'API_KEY'; // Replace 'API_KEY' with your actual API key for authentication
// Function to update the scrolling ticker with the latest currency rates
async function updateTicker() {
// Fetch the latest currency exchange rates from the API
const response = await fetch(`https://api.exchangerate.host/live?access_key=${apiKey}¤cies=AUD,CHF,EUR,GBP,PLN,TRY,CAD`);
const data = await response.json(); // Parse the response as JSON
if (data.success) {
// If the API request was successful, extract the currency quotes
const quotes = data.quotes;
// Update the ticker element with formatted currency rates
tickerElement.innerHTML = `
USD/AUD: ${quotes.USDAUD} |
USD/CHF: ${quotes.USDCHF} |
USD/EUR: ${quotes.USDEUR} |
USD/GBP: ${quotes.USDGBP} |
USD/PLN: ${quotes.USDPLN} |
USD/TRY: ${quotes.USDTRY} |
USD/CAD: ${quotes.USDCAD}
`;
}
}
// Event listener for the currency converter form submission
form.addEventListener('submit', async (e) => {
e.preventDefault(); // Prevent the default form submission behavior
const fromCurrency = document.getElementById('from-currency').value; // Get the selected "from" currency
const toCurrency = document.getElementById('to-currency').value; // Get the selected "to" currency
const amount = document.getElementById('amount').value; // Get the amount to convert
// Fetch the conversion result from the API
const response = await fetch(`https://api.exchangerate.host/convert?access_key=${apiKey}&from=${fromCurrency}&to=${toCurrency}&amount=${amount}`);
const data = await response.json(); // Parse the response as JSON
if (data.success) {
// If the conversion was successful, display the result
resultElement.textContent = `${amount} ${fromCurrency} = ${data.result.toFixed(2)} ${toCurrency}`;
} else {
// If the conversion failed, display an error message
resultElement.textContent = "Conversion failed. Please try again.";
}
});
// Set an interval to update the ticker every 60 seconds
setInterval(updateTicker, 60000);
// Call updateTicker once immediately to display rates when the page loads
updateTicker();Finally, we need a CSS file where we will hold the style codes of the application we developed. For this, let’s create a class named ‘styles.css’ and put the following codes in it:
body {
background-color: #f8f9fa;
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
}
/* Ticker container styling */
.ticker-container {
background-color: #2c3e50; /* Dark background for contrast */
border-radius: 8px; /* Rounded corners for a modern look */
overflow: hidden; /* Ensures smooth scrolling */
box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); /* Adds a subtle shadow */
}
/* Ticker content styling */
.ticker-content {
display: inline-block;
white-space: nowrap;
padding: 10px 0;
color: #ecf0f1; /* Light text color for readability */
font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; /* Modern font choice */
font-size: 16px; /* Appropriate font size */
font-weight: 500; /* Slightly bold for emphasis */
animation: ticker 30s linear infinite; /* Smooth, continuous scrolling */
}
/* Keyframes for ticker animation */
@keyframes ticker {
0% {
transform: translateX(100%);
}
100% {
transform: translateX(-100%);
}
}
@keyframes ticker-move {
0% {
transform: translateX(100%);
}
100% {
transform: translateX(-100%);
}
}
.converter-container {
max-width: 400px;
margin: auto;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #ffffff;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}
#conversion-result {
font-size: 1.5rem;
color: #28a745;
}Test the Currency Exchange App with the Best Exchange Rate API
Before testing the application, let’s put our own API key in the ‘API_KEY’ field in the ‘app.js’ file. Then let’s run the ‘index.html’ file.
At the top of the page that opens, we see the sliding currency conversion values. These values are updated every 60 seconds with the data obtained by sending a request to the ‘live’ endpoint of the exchangerate.host. In the conversion section at the bottom, we use the ‘convert’ endpoint of exchangerate.host to easily convert between the desired currencies.
Adding Advanced Features
It is possible to add various advanced features to make a currency exchange application more functional and user-friendly. These features not only improve the user experience but also expand the services offered by the application, providing a more comprehensive and useful tool.
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Historical Exchange Rate Data
Conversions using historical exchange rate data allow users to analyze how exchange rates have changed over a specific date range. For example, an investor can make more informed decisions by examining exchange rate fluctuations over the past years. This feature can be easily integrated using an API endpoint such as historical currency conversion. This endpoint provides exchange rate data for a specific date, and users can convert based on the exchange rate on a specific date.
For example, the URL “https://api.exchangerate.host/convert?access_key=YOUR_ACCESS_KEY&from=USD&to=GBP&amount=10&date=2005-01-01” can be used to convert from USD to GBP on January 1, 2005.
Currency Fluctuation Alerts
Notifying users when there are sudden fluctuations in exchange rates can increase the value of the application. Such alerts allow users to react immediately to changes in exchange rates. To enable currency fluctuation alerts, current exchange rates obtained from the API are constantly monitored and a notification is sent to the user when they exceed or fall below a certain threshold. This feature can be integrated with JavaScript and backend services to continuously monitor exchange rates and trigger alerts according to parameters specified by users.
Offline Functionality
The ability of users to use the application without an internet connection increases the usability of the application. To provide offline functionality, the last received exchange rate data can be stored in local storage. Users can perform currency conversions using this data even when there is no internet connection. This feature can be integrated with caching data obtained from the exchange rate API, and the user can access the latest updated data even when offline.
Conclusion
To sum up, developing a currency conversion application provides developers with valuable experience in API integration, data processing, and user-friendly interface design. A reliable exchange rate API like exchangerate.host contributes significantly to the successful implementation of such projects by providing access to real-time and historical data. With the capabilities offered by this API, developers can easily manage complex financial calculations and provide a reliable currency conversion experience for users.
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FAQs
Q: Why should I use a foreign exchange API when developing a currency conversion application?
A: Using a foreign exchange API when developing a currency conversion application allows you to get real-time and accurate currency rate data. These APIs instantly update currency rates around the world, allowing you to provide your users with the most up-to-date information. These APIs also provide access to historical currency rate data.
Q: Will developing a currency exchange application increase my chances of getting a job?
A: Yes, developing a currency exchange application can increase your chances of getting a job. Such a project showcases your important software development skills such as API integration, data management, user interface design, and financial calculation. Moreover, such an application can attract the attention of potential employers and make you a more attractive candidate when it is included in your portfolio. Such projects are especially important for companies working in the financial technology field.
Q: Why should developers use the exchangerates.host API?
A: Developers should use the exchangerates.host API in their financial applications. The most important reasons for this are its high accuracy and reliability, providing easy access to real-time exchange rates. It also provides uninterrupted service with 19 years of historical data and 99.99% uptime.
Q: What should a good foreign exchange rates API be like?
A: A good foreign exchange rates API should provide high accuracy and real-time data. It should also have a high uptime rate to provide uninterrupted service with a wide range of currencies and historical data. Moreover, it should use HTTPS encryption for secure data transfer and should be customizable according to users’ needs.
