Set Up Real-Time Crypto Alerts with Azure Functions and CoinGecko API

ChatGPT · Jan 20, 2025

Welcome to the future of cryptocurrency alerts! If you're navigating the whirlwind of crypto price volatility, having real-time data and timely alerts in your pocket is critical. Enter Azure Functions paired with CoinGecko's robust API: a match made in serverless heaven. Today, we will break down how you can set up a smart, scalable solution to track crypto prices and fire off alerts when they hit your specified thresholds. Whether you dabble in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin, this guide will put you in control without breaking the bank.

Why Serverless is Your New Best Friend

Before we dive into the fun of coding and infrastructure setup, let’s talk about why serverless computing deserves a seat at your geeky dinner table:

Cost Efficiency: Stop paying rent for idle servers. Serverless computing uses a pay-for-what-you-use model, like only tipping a barista when you grab a coffee. Whether the Ethereum market is stable or in flux, you’re billed only for actual compute time.
Automatic Scalability: Got a hundred users today but 50,000 tomorrow? Fear not. Serverless platforms will scale up and down like an overpowered yo-yo. You're always running optimally.
Zero Maintenance: Forget about updating servers or patching vulnerabilities in your infrastructure. Microsoft Azure does the heavy lifting, so you focus on writing killer code.

Bottom line: Serverless works with you as your crypto audience grows.

Gear Up for Deployment: What You’ll Need

First, gather your tools. If you're new to this, don’t panic. Think of this as loading your gear for a space mission (minus zero gravity):

Azure Account: Signup is free, and Azure throws in a hefty set of free-tier perks to get you started.
Terraform CLI: An Infrastructure-as-Code tool to simplify provisioning (trust us, you'll love its "set and forget" feel!).
Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Your IDE buddy for writing, editing, and deploying Azure Functions.
Azure Functions Extension: Supercharges your VS Code for creating and deploying Azure Functions.
CoinGecko API Key: Get this from their https://www.coingecko.com/. The free tier should suffice.
Postman: Your API testing tool extraordinaire.
Additional Software:
Azure CLI
.NET Core SDK
Terraform for defining Azure resources
Gmail account for sending alerts (with App-specific passwords)

The Infrastructure Plan: Terraform It!

Terraform is your blueprint and runtime companion. Think of it as the recipe that tells Azure, “Hey, here’s what I need for my crypto-alert masterpiece!” With Terraform, you'll create these key resources:

Resource Group: Like folders to organize your cloud toys.
Storage Account: Stores your app's files (e.g., state config).
App Service Plan: Houses your Azure Functions.
Function App: Runs scripts to fetch real-time prices and process alerts.

Key Terraform Snippets

Here’s the backbone of your Terraform configuration:

Code:

provider "azurerm" {

  features {}

  subscription_id = "YOUR_AZ_SUBSCRIPTION_ID"

}

resource "azurerm_resource_group" "crypto_rg" {

  name     = "rg-crypto-alerts"

  location = "East US"

}

resource "azurerm_function_app" "crypto_function_app" {

  name                = "func-realtime-crypto-alerts"

  resource_group_name = azurerm_resource_group.crypto_rg.name

  os_type             = "Linux"

  tags = {

    environment = "production"

  }

  app_settings = {

    "COINGECKO_API_KEY" = "<YOUR_COINGECKO_API_KEY>"

  }

}

Once defined, use terraform init to configure the working directory and terraform apply to deploy the resources.

Coding Your Azure Function: Fetching Real-Time Data

Now that Azure is set up, it’s time to code the brains of this operation.

In VS Code, initialize a new Azure Function project.
Choose .NET as your runtime.
Select an HTTP trigger for flexible URL-based access.
Write the Function Logic:
Your function fetches prices from CoinGecko using an HTTP client. If Bitcoin or Ethereum prices slide below your defined threshold, it fires off an email alert using SMTP.

Here’s a minimal but functional setup:

C#:

using Newtonsoft.Json;

using System.Net.Http;

using System.Net.Mail;

[FunctionName("CryptoPriceAlert")]

public static async Task<IActionResult> Run(

    [HttpTrigger(AuthorizationLevel.Function, "post")] HttpRequest req, ILogger log) {

    string apiUrl = "https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/simple/price?ids=bitcoin,ethereum&vs_currencies=usd";

    string apiKey = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("COINGECKO_API_KEY");

    var response = await client.GetStringAsync($"{apiUrl}&x_cg_pro_api_key={apiKey}");

    var prices = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Dictionary<string, Dictionary<string, decimal>>>(response);

    decimal btcPrice = prices["bitcoin"]["usd"];

    decimal ethPrice = prices["ethereum"]["usd"];

    if (btcPrice < 30000) {

        SendEmail("Bitcoin dropped below $30,000", $"Bitcoin: ${btcPrice}, Ethereum: ${ethPrice}");

    }

Don't forget to configure your email login (GMAIL_PASSWORD, SMTP) in Azure's configuration panel under "Settings > Application Settings."

Testing Locally with Postman

Before releasing your function into the wild, test it rigorously:

Install Azure Functions Core Tools.
Run func start to boot the function locally.
Use Postman or curl to send requests to [url="http://localhost:7071/api/CryptoPriceAlert%5B/ICODE"]http://localhost:7071/api/CryptoPriceAlert%5B/ICODE[/url]. [/LIST] If successful, you’ll receive a JSON response with live crypto prices [I]and[/I], when conditions are met, an email alert. Spiffy! [HR][/HR] [HEADING=1]Deploy & Enjoy: Taking Things Live on Azure[/HEADING] [LIST] [*][B]Deploy[/B]: Use VS Code’s Azure Functions Extension to publish your function app directly to Azure. Login via [ICODE]Azure: Sign In and select your target subscription.
Performance Monitoring: Keep tabs on execution times, request counts, and backend health from the Azure Portal.

Extend the Functionality

What you just built is the spine of an insanely helpful tool. Got some time? Add more flair:

Custom Alerts: Let users pick coins and set their own price thresholds.
Push Notifications: Support browser notifications via Firebase for instant updates.
Web Dashboard: Use React or Vue for a sleek frontend to display trends and historical data.
Historical Analysis: Fetch rolling averages from CoinGecko for smarter decision-making.

Wrapping It Up

Azure Functions paired with CoinGecko’s API sets the stage for a killer real-time alert system. Not only is it cost-effective and scalable, but its event-driven model ensures you never miss a dip or spike in your favorite coin’s price.
Crypto doesn't sleep, but this setup ensures you can—secure in the knowledge that you'll only get alerted when something big happens. Go build your serverless solution, and happy trading out there in the volatile crypto wilds!

Source: CoinGecko https://www.coingecko.com/learn/api-azure-functions-serverless-solutions

Set Up Real-Time Crypto Alerts with Azure Functions and CoinGecko API

Why Serverless is Your New Best Friend​

Gear Up for Deployment: What You’ll Need​

The Infrastructure Plan: Terraform It!​

Key Terraform Snippets​

Coding Your Azure Function: Fetching Real-Time Data​

Testing Locally with Postman​

Extend the Functionality​

Wrapping It Up​

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