Avalanche (AVAX) API - Building Your Web3 dApps

What is an Avalanche (AVAX) API?

Avalanche API acts as a middle layer that enables developers to interact with the AVAX blockchain programmatically or add this functionality within their applications.

Interacting with blockchains like Avalanche typically means being able to send commands to nodes that maintain the network to retrieve some data or initiate transactions.

The first approach implies self-managing node software installed processing these commands, which requires high-spec hardware and could be complex to configure and maintain.

Alternatively, most blockchain nodes expose APIs that provide a more user-friendly way to talk to decentralized networks. Their main role is to handle communication “from the outside”.

The process is facilitated via endpoints that receive HTTP requests, generate appropriate responses, or execute corresponding actions on the blockchain.

Essentially, APIs simplify the interaction process and reduce the need for developers to manage nodes directly.

Some of the API use cases include retrieving data from the Avalanche nodes, initiating transactions, monitoring network activity, or deploying smart contracts and applications interfacing with them.

In the context of decentralized applications (dApps), it serves as a bridge between the app’s front end and the network of blockchain nodes, enabling applications to function and interact with the blockchain in a distributed and trustless manner.

Why use Avalanche (AVAX) API?

The main advantage of Avalanche APIs is their simplified accessibility compared to a local node setup. Web3 infrastructure services like GetBlock specialize in offering easy and immediate access to blockchain node APIs.

Let’s review some of the benefits associated with using node provider APIs as opposed to maintaining infrastructure in-house.

1. Reliability: Infrastructure services have the expertise to deliver consistent and uninterrupted connections challenging to achieve for individuals or small teams, but standard with professional node providers;
2. Flexible Pricing: Customers can choose from different pricing tiers based on their usage levels or desired features, aligning with the project’s development stage;
3. Tailored Solutions: The service level can be easily adjusted based on changing project requirements, ensuring that users only pay for the resources and features they actually use;
4. Seamless Scalability: Projects can seamlessly scale node requirements without managing this scalability internally. This factor is vital in the space where user numbers and transaction volumes can fluctuate dramatically;
5. Expert Assistance: Dedicated support teams offer expert guidance and assistance with integrating APIs and troubleshooting.

For developers looking to leverage the unique characteristics and benefits of the Avalanche blockchain and integrate them into applications, leveraging node provider APIs might be the most efficient solution.

Key Features of Avalanche API

The APIs accessible with GetBlock provide comprehensive functionality for both reading from and writing to the blockchain. Let's categorize some specific use cases:

The combination of these features enables the development of diverse applications catering to various user needs within the blockchain and crypto ecosystem.

How to Get Started with Avalanche (AVAX) API

The following guide will aid new users in navigating GetBlock services and accessing its APIs.

1. Setting Up a User Account

Registering for a GetBlock.io account is most conveniently done by connecting a MetaMask wallet. Alternatively, users can sign up with an email and password.

Registered users will automatically get access to a free package with 40,000 daily requests, ideal for testing the service before considering other tariff options.

2. Authentication with access tokens

Users can create an endpoint URL required to access GetBlock's AVAX API directly from the dashboard.

To do so, select Avalanche from the dropdown menu, choose one of the available networks (e.g. Testnet C-Chain), and interface options (JSON-RPC, WebSocket).

The generated URL with a unique access token acts as a key that unlocks access to the API.

3. Integrating the API

To test the API connection, we can send a simple JSON-RPC request to the newly generated URL using "eth_gasPrice", which is a common method in Ethereum-compatible blockchains to retrieve the current gas value.

When directing requests to Avalanche's C-Chain endpoints, ensure to include '/ext/bc/C/rpc' in the URL path.

Example:

curl --location --request POST 'https://go.getblock.io//ext/bc/C/rpc' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data-raw '{
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "eth_gasPrice",
    "params": [],
    "id": "getblock.io"
}'

Response

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": "getblock.io",
  "result": "0x5d21dba00"
}

Available Avalanche API Methods

The syntax, commands, and procedures for interacting with Avalanche's API services are consistent with those used in Ethereum. Therefore, methods available via GetBlock’s AVAX API are also similar:

• eth_getBalance: Returns the account balance;
• eth_estimateGas: Obtains an estimation of the gas cost based on transaction parameters;
• eth_sendRawTransaction: Delivers a signed transaction to the network without using an external service;
• eth_getCode: Retrieves the bytecode associated with a contract;
• eth_getChainConfig: Fetches chain ID and parameters of the Avalanche network.

For a complete API reference, feel free to consult GetBlock’s documentation page.

Pricing and Plans for Avalanche (AVAX) API

GetBlock provides users with three distinct offerings, each with its own pricing structure and advantages: shared nodes, dedicated nodes, and enterprise solutions.

Flexible pricing

Shared node infrastructure refers to a service model where multiple clients utilize endpoints simultaneously.

Aside from a free tariff that allows up to 40,000 requests daily, two additional options are available:

• Package plans: starting from 5 million requests with a rate limit of 200 requests per second (RPS);
• Unlimited requests: option available through a monthly subscription, ensuring consistent performance at 300 RPS.

This setup offers a cost-effective yet reliable solution, particularly suitable for small-scale projects or application testing scenarios.

Dedicated AVAX API

Clients seeking exclusive server access can opt for a dedicated AVAX API, available starting at $600 per month. This plan provides customizable settings without any RPS or request limits, along with archival node access and over 99.9% uptime for all endpoints.

DEDICATED NODE

Private server with custom settings

Requests

Unlimited

Rate Limit

Unlimited

Data

Archive

Starting at

$

600

/ month

Start building

Tailored for decentralized applications handling the increased workload, this option offers robust and dependable infrastructure.

Enterprise AVAX solutions

GetBlock's Enterprise Solutions cater to large-scale businesses and applications with substantial resource demands. This offering includes advanced analytic tools and a dedicated support team.

Users also benefit from the deployment of any protocol node upon request and optimized infrastructure solutions to minimize downtimes.

This solution delivers infrastructure capable of adapting to the evolving requirements of large projects and businesses.