What is the difference between CPlugin WebAPI and Toolbox?
WebAPI is an API for developers; Toolbox is a finished application for operators. With WebAPI you write code that calls your MT4 or MT5 server over REST and streams realtime data. With Toolbox you open a browser, connect a server and use ready-made apps such as a trade copier, without writing code.
Side by side
| WebAPI | Toolbox | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A JSON REST interface and a realtime SignalR hub | A browser-based operations desk |
| Who uses it | Developers and technology partners | Brokerage operations staff |
| What you get | Operations for users, orders, groups, symbols and more, plus streams of ticks, margin and trade events | Trades Copier, Trades Blotter, Quotes Monitor, Quotes Comparer, Bulk Symbol Settings, server plugin settings |
| Platforms | MT4 and MT5 | MT4, MT5 and Match-Trader |
| Installation | None; SDKs for TypeScript, .NET, PowerShell and Python are optional | None; nothing is installed on your trade server |
| Billing | Per platform used in the month | Per connected server and per app, by the hour |
The prices of the two are on a separate page: WebAPI and Toolbox pricing.
How they relate
Both reach your trading server through a manager account that you create and control. Toolbox is also where you manage WebAPI: you register your trade platform there and create the API clients (client id and secret) that your code uses. So a WebAPI project starts with a Toolbox account, but you do not have to use any of the Toolbox apps to use WebAPI, and you do not have to use WebAPI to use the apps.
Which one do I need?
- You want to build your own tool, CRM integration or back office on top of MT4 or MT5: WebAPI. Start with how REST access works or go straight to connecting from C#, Python or TypeScript.
- You want to copy trades between servers, watch a live blotter, get alerts when quotes stall, compare your prices with external feeds or change symbol settings in bulk: Toolbox. See the Toolbox product page.
- Both: use the same Toolbox account for both.
Try both for free
Each has a free Sandbox with no billing and no SLA: pre.toolbox.cplugin.com for Toolbox and pre.mywebapi.com for WebAPI.