Exchange Connectors Overview

Understand Hummingbot’s exchange connector architecture and how to use different connector types

Hummingbot connectors standardize REST and WebSocket API interfaces to different types of exchanges, enabling you to build sophisticated trading strategies that can be deployed across many exchanges with minimal changes.

Over the past year, Hummingbot users have generated over $34 billion in trading volume across 140+ unique trading venues using these connectors.

Connector Types

We classify exchange connectors into three main categories based on their architecture and custody model:

CLOB CEX

Centralized exchanges with central limit order books. Custodial, connect via API keys.

CLOB DEX

Decentralized exchanges with on-chain order books. Non-custodial, connect via wallet keys.

AMM DEX

Automated market maker protocols. Non-custodial, connect via Gateway middleware.

CLOB CEX: Centralized Limit Order Book Exchanges

Centralized exchanges take custody of your funds and maintain off-chain order books. They offer:

• High liquidity and fast execution
• Advanced order types and trading features
• API key-based authentication
• Support for both spot and perpetual futures markets

Sub-types:

• Spot: Trading spot markets for immediate settlement
• Perpetual: Trading perpetual futures contracts with leverage

CLOB DEX: Decentralized Limit Order Book Exchanges

Decentralized exchanges with on-chain central limit order books. They provide:

• Non-custodial trading (you control your keys)
• On-chain settlement and transparency
• Wallet key-based authentication
• Lower counterparty risk

Sub-types:

• Spot: Trading spot markets on-chain
• Perpetual: Trading perpetual futures on-chain

AMM DEX: Automated Market Maker Exchanges

Decentralized exchanges using Automated Market Maker protocols. They feature:

• Non-custodial liquidity pools
• Gateway middleware integration
• Permissionless market making
• Composable DeFi protocols

Sub-types:

• Router: DEX aggregators that find optimal swap routes across multiple pools
• AMM: Traditional constant product (x*y=k) liquidity pools
• CLMM: Concentrated Liquidity Market Maker pools with customizable price ranges

How to Use Connectors

Connecting to Exchanges

1. Choose your exchange type

   Select an exchange connector based on your trading needs:

   • CLOB CEX for high liquidity and advanced features
   • CLOB DEX for on-chain transparency and non-custodial trading
   • AMM DEX for liquidity provision and DEX aggregation
2. Set up credentials

   Configure your authentication method:

   • CLOB CEX: Generate API keys from the exchange dashboard
   • CLOB DEX: Connect your wallet private keys
   • AMM DEX: Install Gateway middleware and configure wallet
3. Configure in Hummingbot

   Use the connect command in Hummingbot to add the exchange:

   connect [exchange_name]
   

   Follow the prompts to enter your credentials securely.

4. Verify connection

   Test your connection to ensure proper configuration:

   balance
   

   This displays your balances across all connected exchanges.

API keys and private keys are stored locally and encrypted. Hummingbot never sends your credentials to external servers.

Connector Configuration

Each connector type has specific configuration requirements:

CLOB CEX

Configure API keys with appropriate permissions:

• Spot: Read balance, place orders, cancel orders
• Perpetual: Additional permissions for futures trading and leverage

Never enable withdrawal permissions on API keys used for trading bots.

CLOB DEX

Configure wallet credentials:

• Private key for signing transactions
• RPC endpoint for blockchain connectivity
• Gas settings for transaction fees

Always use a dedicated trading wallet. Never use your primary wallet with significant holdings.

AMM DEX

Install and configure Gateway:

# During setup, answer 'y' when prompted
Include Gateway? [y/N]

Gateway provides standardized connectors for AMM protocols across different blockchain networks.

Supported Features by Type

Different connector types support different trading features:

Feature	CLOB CEX	CLOB DEX	AMM DEX
Limit orders	Yes	Yes	No
Market orders	Yes	Yes	Yes (swaps)
Stop-loss orders	Yes	Some	No
Leverage trading	Perpetual only	Perpetual only	Some protocols
Liquidity provision	No	Some	Yes
Cross-chain trading	No	Limited	Yes

Exchange Sponsors

The following exchanges actively support Hummingbot development through broker partnerships and sponsorships:

• Binance - CLOB CEX (Spot, Perpetual) - 10% fee discount
• Gate.io - CLOB CEX (Spot, Perpetual) - 20% fee discount
• KuCoin - CLOB CEX (Spot, Perpetual) - 20% fee discount
• OKX - CLOB CEX (Spot, Perpetual) - 20% fee discount
• Hyperliquid - CLOB DEX (Spot, Perpetual)
• dYdX - CLOB DEX (Perpetual)

Visit the individual exchange pages for referral links and discount details.

Next Steps

CLOB CEX Spot

Explore centralized spot trading connectors

CLOB CEX Perpetual

Explore centralized perpetual futures connectors

CLOB DEX Spot

Explore decentralized spot trading connectors

CLOB DEX Perpetual

Explore decentralized perpetual connectors

AMM DEX

Explore automated market maker connectors

Installation

Install Hummingbot to start trading