Why RPC-JSON API is Used to Fetch Blockchain Data Instead of REST API

Understanding RPC-JSON API

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) JSON API is a communication protocol that allows clients to send commands to a server and receive results. It is widely used in blockchain networks to interact with nodes, query data, and execute transactions.

RPC-JSON API follows the JSON-RPC protocol, a lightweight, stateless, and remote procedure call protocol encoded in JSON. It provides a standard way to make calls to blockchain nodes, fetch data, and send transactions without human intervention.

Key Features of RPC-JSON API:

• Uses JSON format for request and response
• Supports synchronous and asynchronous communication
• Provides direct access to blockchain nodes
• Enables execution of methods directly on the blockchain

Why RPC-JSON API is Preferred Over REST API for Blockchain Data

REST API is widely used in web applications for CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, but when it comes to blockchain data fetching, RPC-JSON API is the preferred choice. Here’s why:

1. Direct Node Interaction

REST APIs often require an intermediary server that fetches data from the blockchain and then presents it in a structured format. RPC-JSON API, on the other hand, allows direct interaction with blockchain nodes, making data retrieval faster and more efficient.

2. Efficient Data Retrieval

Blockchain transactions and smart contracts require fetching large amounts of data, sometimes in real time. REST APIs are not optimized for such frequent and complex queries. RPC-JSON API allows clients to execute precise function calls and get only the required data, reducing overhead.

3. Access to Low-Level Blockchain Functions

Blockchain networks expose core functionalities such as querying block details, checking account balances, or sending transactions via RPC-JSON API. REST APIs often abstract these functions, limiting developers' ability to interact directly with blockchain mechanisms.

4. Faster Response Times

RPC-JSON API is designed to communicate efficiently with blockchain nodes. Since there is no need for intermediary processing, it reduces latency and provides faster responses compared to REST APIs.

5. Support for Smart Contract Interactions

Smart contracts require executing methods with specific parameters. RPC-JSON API allows direct calls to smart contracts via function invocation, while REST APIs usually need an additional abstraction layer to achieve this.

6. Flexible Querying Capabilities

With RPC-JSON API, developers can call custom methods and pass parameters dynamically, whereas REST APIs often rely on predefined endpoints with limited flexibility.

Common Use Cases of RPC-JSON API in Blockchain

• Fetching blockchain transaction details
• Querying account balances and wallet addresses
• Retrieving smart contract data and executing functions
• Submitting new transactions and interacting with decentralized applications (DApps)

Conclusion

While REST API is a powerful tool for many web-based applications, RPC-JSON API is the preferred choice for interacting with blockchain networks due to its direct node access, efficient data retrieval, and ability to handle complex blockchain queries. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, RPC-JSON API will remain an essential tool for developers working with decentralized applications and blockchain ecosystems.