Why do I get the error "Please verify that blpapi3.jar is included on the MATLAB javaclasspath" when using the "blp" command in MATLAB R2013a?

I am trying to use the "blp" command in the Datafeed Toolbox in MATLAB R2013a to connect to a local Bloomberg server, but I receive the following error message:

Error using blp

Please verify that blpapi3.jar is included on MATLAB javaclasspath.

Is there a solution or workaround for this issue?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

How to Add blpapi3.jar to the MATLAB Java Class Path

In order to connect to a local Bloomberg server using the "blp" command in the Datafeed Toolbox 4.5 (R2013a), the "blpapi3.jar" file must be on the MATLAB Java class path. If this file already exists on the current machine, it can be found in either the "C:\blp\api\APIv3\JavaAPI\lib\blpapi3.jar" or the "C:\blp\api\APIv3\JavaAPI\vX.X.X.X\lib\blpapi3.jar" directories. If the file does not already exist, it can be downloaded from the Bloomberg website as follows:

1. In a Bloomberg terminal, execute the following to navigate to the Desktop/Server API screen:

   >> WAPI
2. Next, download the "Desktop v3.x API". To do this, click on the "Download Software" link under "Desktop API" as shown below:
   
   This link will navigate to the following screen:
   
   Click on the "Download" button next to the "Desktop API" product.  This will download a file called "NoAdmin_DesktopAPI_SDK.zip".
3. Extract the contents of the downloaded file under "C:\blp\". If you already have a "C:\blp\API", extract the contents of "APIv3" here.  "APIv3" is one directory below the top level directory, "API", in "NoAdmin_DesktopAPI_SDK.zip".
   Take note of where the "blpapi3.jar" file is located.  It should be located under a path similar to "C:\blp\api\APIv3\JavaAPI\vX.X.X.X\lib\blpapi3.jar".
4. Once the "blpapi3.jar" file is on your system, you must add it to the Java class path during start-up time.  In order to do this, create a file called "startup.m" and add the following line:

   javaaddpath('C:\blp\api\APIv3\JavaAPI\vX.X.X.X\lib\blpapi3.jar')

   where the input string specifies the path to "blapi3.jar" from step 3. Save the "startup.m" file at the location returned by executing the following command in the MATLAB Command Window:

   >> userpath

5. Restart MATLAB.
6. In order to use Bloomberg within MATLAB, you need to start the "BBComm" service which establishes a secure connection to the Bloomberg server. This program should be under "C:\Bloomberg API\startBBComm".  You may notice that the first connection to Bloomberg needs several tries before it is successfully established.  You may also need to use a biometric fingerprint reader to log into your account. If you are having troubles logging into your Bloomberg account using the Bloomberg terminal, you should contact Bloomberg directly.

Other Causes and Workarounds

If you have confirmed that the "blpapi3.jar" is on the class path and "BBComm" is running, you may still encounter this message while using the "blp" command if Bloomberg force updates its app. Note that you may attempt to move the "blpapi3.jar" file to a different location and add this location to the "javaclasspath.txt" file. This step may help bypass the Bloomberg force update, as the location of the "blpapi3.jar" file would be different.

However, this connectivity issue between MATLAB and Bloomberg could potentially be resolved by upgrading to the latest version of the Datafeed Toolbox. You may use the "bloomberg" command instead of the "blp" command. This command was introduced in MATLAB R2021a and should work similarly to the "blp" command.

For more information, please visit the "bloomberg" function documentation.

[Abhishek Pandey]

Hi Philipo,

I hope you would have got the answer by now. Yes, this should work with Datafeed toolbox 5.0 as well. If you are still facing any difficulties, please feel free to contact MathWorks Technical Support.

- Abhishek