Arbitrum (ARB) API - Building Your Web3 Dapps

What is an Arbitrum (ARB) API?

When developers need to both write on (submit transactions) and read (query data) from the Arbitrum network, they need to either set up software configured to connect to the ARB network or gain access to a comprehensive API that facilitates the exchange of data between existing nodes within the network.

In this context, APIs serve as the primary communication channels between users, dApps, and blockchain networks.

They provide standardized endpoints and protocols for interacting with a decentralized network of nodes, making it easier for developers to access the whole scope of blockchain functionality and integrate it into their applications.

Arbitrum APIs specifically adhere to widely adopted standards like JSON-RPC, GraphQL, and WebSockets, providing a user-friendly way to send requests—such as submitting transactions, querying data, or subscribing to blockchain events—and receiving responses from the blockchain network.

Therefore, APIs are indispensable for dApps that rely on the data and functionality of the L2 blockchain and are commonly used by developers in building applications that function in a decentralized manner, facilitating secure, transparent, and immutable transactions and activities.

Various node services provide the necessary infrastructure for developers to establish interactions with multiple blockchains. GetBlock, one of such providers, offers ARB access in addition to 50 more blockchain protocol APIs.

Why use Arbitrum (ARB) API?

Developers building and deploying their applications often have to deal with the complexities of infrastructure setup and maintenance. API, as a more streamlined approach, saves time and resources but also encourages broader participation in blockchain development by making it more accessible to a wider range of Web3 engineers.

Let’s list some of the major benefits of using ARB API:

• Simplicity: Offers a user-friendly interface, sparing users from the necessity to configure hardware for optimal performance with node software. Developers can bypass this requirement entirely, which makes blockchain technology more accessible;
• Versatile Interactivity: Enables a wide range of interactions with the ARB blockchain network such as accessing various data types, submitting transactions, communicating with contracts, and propagating data across the network;
• Facilitated Application Development: The versatility of API features and functions allows developers to create all types of applications, relying on Arbitrum, remaining in synch with the blockchain state, and relaying user requests from an app interface to the network of nodes.

Ultimately, it accelerates the pace of innovation within the blockchain ecosystem by enabling developers to quickly and efficiently bring their ideas to fruition.

RPC node providers, in this context, play a crucial role in democratizing access to blockchain technology.

Key Features of Arbitrum API

Developers choose to build on the network for its scalability, low gas fees, interoperability with Ethereum, enhanced privacy features, and robust ecosystem support.

In terms of functionality, dApps built on Arbitrum often require a whole set of features ​​that APIs facilitate. Let’s categorize them into four key areas:

APIs play a crucial role in facilitating these functionalities by providing developers and app users with easy access to the ARB network.

How to Get Started with Arbitrum (ARB) API

Follow this brief guide to start your journey with GetBlock’s API.

Step 1: Set Up an Account

Navigate to Getblock.io and locate the "Dashboard" button in the website header. Proceed to sign up for a free account by either connecting your MetaMask wallet or registering with an email or Google account.

Users can begin exploring the functionality of APIs with the allocation of 40,000 free daily credits.

Step 2: Generate Endpoints

To unlock access to the API, users need to generate an endpoint URL with an access token:

https://go.getblock.io/ACCESS_TOKEN

To do that, simply navigate to the dashboard and select Arbitrum from available networks. GraphQL, JSON-RPC, and WebSockets interface option will offers different methods for interacting with the ARB API.

Users can create multiple endpoint and use them in applications or scripts to interact with GetBlock's API.

Step 3: Integrate the API

As an example, let’s connect to the generated URL using web3 library and retrieve the balance of the ARB address in Ether:

const { Web3 } = require('web3');
const web3 = new Web3('https://go.getblock.io/');

(async () => {
    const balance = await web3.eth.getBalance("0xBD9415db6358Bf010eFcaecF28De0dDDF4119fd9");
    console.log(web3.utils.fromWei(balance, 'ether'));
  })();

Response “0.02329024” correlates with the Arbiscan data:

Available Arbitrum API Methods

Simialrly to getBalance, ARB nodes provide with a range of familiar API methods to interact with its network:

• eth_getTransactionReceipt: Obtains information about the outcome of a transaction and logs emitted;
• eth_estimateGas: calculates the gas cost prior to transactions execution;
• eth_signTransaction: Allows to locally sign a transaction before sending;
• eth_sendRawTransaction: Broadcast transactions to the Arbitrum network for execution;
• eth_call: Retrieves the return value of a function from a Solidity contract without creating an actual transaction.

For more detailed information and usage guidelines, refer to the GetBlock documentation.

Pricing and Plans for Arbitrum (ARB) API

Explore a variety of pricing options enabling GetBlock users to fins solutions that align with their requirements while ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Shared infrastructure provides access to nodes shared among peers, offering the most cost-effective solution. This option is well-suited for initial test deployments and includes a generous allocation of 40,000 free daily requests. For those requiring additional resources, paid plans start at $29.

Flexible pricing

Dedicated ARB API

Opt for dedicated resources to eliminate any usage rate restrictions, making it ideal for applications seeking scalability to serve a vast user base.

DEDICATED NODE

Private server with custom settings

Requests

Unlimited

Rate Limit

Unlimited

Data

Archive

Starting at

$

600

/ month

Start building

This plan offers a suite of features geared towards facilitating scaling efforts, including maximum availability and a personalized setup enabling developers to fine-tune node configurations according to their unique specifications and preferences.

Enterprise Arbitrum solutions

Transform your operations with enterprise-grade solutions crafted to cater to the unique requirements of projects and companies with significant market presence.

These solutions are finely tuned to address unparalleled performance and steadfast support. They boast advanced features like comprehensive analytics and load balancer systems, enabling enterprises to fine-tune their infrastructure for heightened performance, unwavering reliability, and seamless scalability.