> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.stellar.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# APIs Overview

> Learn about the services that provide access to real-time Stellar network data.

| Features | RPC | Horizon |
| - | - | - |
| Real-time Data | ✅ | ✅ |
| Historical Data | ❌ | ❌\* |
| Smart Contracts | ✅ | ❌ |
| Transaction Simulation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Curated and Parsed Data | ❌ | ✅ |

\**Horizon can provide full historical data if you run your own instance, but it is not the recommended tool for that. Use [Hubble](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data/analytics/hubble) or [Galexie](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data/indexers/build-your-own/galexie) instead. For a side-by-side comparison of all four SDF data products, see [Compare Data Products](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data.md#compare-data-products).*

## [RPC](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data/apis/rpc)

The RPC provides real-time access to the current state of the Stellar network, including account balances, smart contract states, and recent transaction queries (within a seven-day retention window), while also allowing transaction submission. It is designed to be simple, minimal, and scalable, making it ideal for applications and wallets that require live data availability.

> [!NOTE]
>
> RPC is the recommended API for accessing and interacting with Stellar network data in real-time.

## [Horizon](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data/apis/horizon)

> [!WARNING]
>
> Horizon is nearing end-of-life and will eventually be deprecated in favor of Stellar RPC and [Portfolio APIs](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data/indexers#portfolio-apis). While it will continue to receive updates to maintain compatibility with upcoming protocol releases, it won't receive new feature development.
>
> If your application already uses Horizon, see [Migrate from Horizon to RPC](https://developers.stellar.org/docs/data/apis/migrate-from-horizon-to-rpc.md).

Horizon is an API for accessing and interacting with Stellar network data.