Developer guides

Build your TCG API integration.

From your first card lookup to a dependable production workflow. Start with the integration guide, then go deeper where your app needs it.

Updated 13 Sep 2026/By TCG API GuideDocumentation reviewPublisher disclosure

Start with a complete user journey

A working request is the beginning. A useful card application also needs correct printing identity, durable user records and clear behavior when a price is unavailable. Build one search-confirm-save-refresh flow before adding every possible API feature.

The guides below cover the decisions that affect real applications: selecting response fields, keeping requests within plan limits, caching the right market data and processing catalog events safely.

Choose the simplest interface for each job

REST can be a clear choice for individual resource lookups. GraphQL can help a screen request a focused response or several result groups. Neither removes the need to understand pagination, optional fields and billing rules. Keep those details inside a provider adapter so the rest of the application uses a consistent model.

Keep pricing and ownership separate

Your database should retain holdings, quantities and acquisition details. The external API supplies catalog and price observations linked to those records. A failed price refresh should not clear a collection, and a corrected printing should not erase purchase history.

Use a fixed sample that includes common cards, difficult variants and missing quotes. Record the source and timestamp beside each value, and test an interrupted refresh before relying on the integration.

Move from integration choices to a provider trial

We recommend TCGGraph when the product needs a shared multi-game catalog, regional pricing and optional recognition. Explore its documentation and compare the same workload against alternatives. The direct API comparisons and workflow guides connect these technical decisions to a concrete buying decision.