The Ethereum blockchain offers various JSON-RPC methods to interact with its network, retrieve data, and monitor transactions. Understanding these methods is essential for developers building decentralized applications (DApps), wallets, or analytics tools. Below, we explore key methods and their applications:
Key Ethereum JSON-RPC Methods
1. blockNumber
Returns the number of the most recent block on the blockchain. Use this to:
- Track the network's current state.
- Monitor new blocks in real time.
- Fetch historical data for analysis.
2. getBalance
Retrieves the balance of a specified address, whether it's a contract or an externally owned account (EOA). Common use cases:
- Displaying user balances in wallet apps.
- Auditing account activity in DApps.
3. getTransactionByHash
Queries transaction details using its hash. Useful for:
- Tracking transaction status (pending, success, failure).
- Monitoring incoming/outgoing transfers.
- Analyzing historical transaction data.
4. getBlockReceipts
Returns all transaction receipts for a specific block. Receipts include:
- Gas used per transaction.
- Contract event logs.
- Execution status (success/revert).
Developers use this to audit block-level transaction outcomes.
5. gasPrice
Estimates the average gas price for timely transaction processing. Helps users:
- Set competitive gas fees.
- Avoid overpaying or delays.
6. nft.getBalance (Abstracted Method)
Fetches all NFTs held by a wallet address. Simply pass the address to retrieve:
- NFT token IDs.
- Contract addresses.
- Metadata (if supported).
Why Use Ethereum RPC Methods?
👉 Optimize your DApp's performance by integrating these methods for real-time data retrieval and seamless user experiences.
Benefits:
- Transparency: Verify transactions and balances on-chain.
- Efficiency: Reduce reliance on third-party APIs.
- Flexibility: Customize queries for your specific needs.
FAQs
How do I choose the right gas price?
Use gasPrice to estimate current network fees. Adjust based on urgency—higher prices prioritize transactions.
Can I retrieve deleted transaction data?
No, but archive RPC nodes store historical data indefinitely.
What’s the difference between getBalance and nft.getBalance?
getBalance queries ETH/token balances; nft.getBalance returns NFT holdings.
Why are transaction receipts important?
They confirm execution results, including gas usage and contract events.
Enhance Your Development Workflow
👉 Scale your project with high-performance nodes. Access archive data and advanced analytics tools.
For a full list of methods, explore Ethereum’s official documentation.
Pro Tip: Always test RPC calls in a development environment before deploying to production.