Discussing the article: "Introduction to MQL5 (Part 36): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (X)"
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Check out the new article: Introduction to MQL5 (Part 36): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (X).
This article introduces the basic concepts behind HMAC-SHA256 and API signatures in MQL5, explaining how messages and secret keys are combined to securely authenticate requests. It lays the foundation for signing API calls without exposing sensitive data.
In APIs, a signature functions similarly to a special seal that is appended to each request. The server can verify two things with this seal: the request is truly from you, and nothing was altered before its arrival. Put differently, the signature informs the server that "this request is safe to trust." Without it, anyone may impersonate your requests, which is risky when managing delicate transactions like placing orders or making trades.
To verify requests, signatures are crucial. The authenticity of a request must be verified by servers. This is accomplished by employing cryptographic methods such as HMAC-SHA256 to create a signature using the request data and a secret key. This signature is sent with the request to the server, where the same computation is carried out. The request's legitimacy is confirmed by a matched result. Think of it as a signed letter to help you grasp it. Someone can be certain that a handwritten letter bearing your signature at the bottom was written by you. The receiver would be able to tell the letter wasn't genuine if someone attempted to fake it without your signature. Similar to this, in APIs, the signature guarantees that your request is identified as originating from you and hasn't been altered by anybody else while it was being transmitted.
Author: Israel Pelumi Abioye