user96585: I'm using bitcoin core json-rpc api in python and am wondering why... 
getreceivedbyaddress()

...doesn't allow me to specify an address that isn't in my local wallet?
The whole blockchain is open, I can search anyone's address/balance via a web browser, so why would the API prevent me checking?
Is there another method for doing this that I'm missing?

user7272: Bitcoin Core does not track each individual address, only the addresses associated with your wallet.
There are other clients, such as bitcore-insight and btcd, which maintain a separate address index.
Alternatively, you can implement an index yourself, or run an existing one such as ElectrumX.

96585: <p>I'm using bitcoin core json-rpc api in python and am wondering why... </p>

<pre><code>getreceivedbyaddress()
</code></pre>

<p>...doesn't allow me to specify an address that isn't in my local wallet?</p>

<p>The whole blockchain is open, I can search anyone's address/balance via a web browser, so why would the API prevent me checking?</p>

<p>Is there another method for doing this that I'm missing?</p>
 7272: <p>Bitcoin Core does not track each individual address, only the addresses associated with your wallet.</p>

<p>There are other clients, such as bitcore-insight and <a href="https://github.com/btcsuite/btcd" rel="nofollow noreferrer">btcd</a>, which maintain a separate address index.</p>

<p>Alternatively, you can implement an index yourself, or run an existing one such as <a href="https://github.com/kyuupichan/electrumx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">ElectrumX</a>.</p>
