The Voltage API empowers developers to manage their Lightning nodes efficiently. With this API, you can create, stop, start, and update nodes, mirroring the functionality available in the Voltage dashboard. This flexibility allows you to extend the capabilities of the Voltage platform, such as creating nodes for users directly within your own applications.
Programmably manage your node to create custom services and applications that want to interact with the Lightning Network. You simply need to define your API endpoint (Clearnet), the macaroon (authentication token), and the certificate if applicable. All of these are provided on your Voltage node dashboard for easy access.
Read the full documentation here.
Interacting with LND Nodes API on Voltage
Voltage's Nodes API allows you to interact with your Lightning node as if it were running on your own hardware. Think of it like having your own personal lightning cloud server set up. To begin, you’ll need to download your macaroon, which can be found under the 'Admin Macaroon' tile on your node's home page. This macaroon functions similarly to an API key, enabling authentication for your node's APIs.
Base URL: Each node has a unique base URL, which you can find in the Node Details tile on your node's dashboard. This URL is essential for accessing and managing your node through the API.
Here is an example of how you can create a new node through the Voltage API and then get that node’s info:
Create a node:
curl --location --globoff 'https://api.voltage.cloud/organizations/{organization_id}/nodes' \
--header 'Accept: application/json' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'X-VOLTAGE-AUTH: {voltage_api_key}' \
--data '{"name":"node-name","network":"mainnet","type":"standard","settings":{"autopilot": false,"grpc":true,"rest":true,"keysend":true,"whitelist":[],"alias":"node-alias","color":"#FF5000"}}'
Get a node’s info:
curl --location --globoff 'https://api.voltage.cloud/organizations/{organization_id}/nodes/{node_id}' \
--header 'Accept: application/json' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'X-VOLTAGE-AUTH: {voltage_api_key}'
Once you have a node spun up you can start interacting with its interface directly. For further details, refer to the LND API Reference.
What makes Voltage unique is that you have full access to the complete LND API library. This gives your team full access and capability to interact with any open-source software.
Our APIs can be used for many lightning payment use cases, some include:
- Payment Processing: Integrate Bitcoin payments into online stores, allowing customers to pay with Bitcoin. Use the API to create and manage payment nodes, handle transactions, and automate payment processing.
- Autonomous AI Transactions: Enable AI agents and Large Language Models (LLMs) to perform financial transactions independently. The API can facilitate real-time payments between AI entities, supporting use cases like automated trading, service payments, and data exchange between AI models.
- Subscriptions and Invoicing: Set up recurring billing and invoicing systems for subscription-based services. The API can automate the creation of invoices and ensure timely payments.
- User-to-User Transfers: Develop peer-to-peer payment platforms where users can send and receive Bitcoin instantly. Use the API to manage user nodes and ensure secure, real-time transactions.
- Trading Platforms: Implement Bitcoin trading functionalities, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin. The API can manage user accounts, execute trades, and handle settlements.
- International Transactions: Facilitate cross-border payments and remittances. The API ensures fast, low-cost, and secure transactions across different regions.
By leveraging Voltage's Nodes API, companies can enhance their payment systems with robust Bitcoin and Lightning Network capabilities, driving innovation and efficiency in financial transactions.
Conclusion
Voltage's Lightning Network API offers extensive capabilities for managing and interacting with your nodes. By utilizing these endpoints, developers can seamlessly integrate and scale their Lightning Network operations, ensuring robust and secure infrastructure for their applications. For detailed information on each endpoint, refer to the Voltage API documentation.
