In this text, GetBlock, a top-tier blockchain RPC node provider, explains the concept of blockchain node, RPC methods, and demonstrates how these methods can be used to get the information from veteran blockchain XRP Ledger or XRPL.
What is RPC?
In software development, RPC stands for ‘remote procedure call’, a communication protocol used to request a service or functionality from an application or a network. It allows a program to make a request to another program or server, as if they were on the same machine, without the need for low-level network programming.
In the context of blockchain, RPC is commonly used by decentralized applications (dApps) that are communicating with blockchain nodes. For instance, Ethereum and Bitcoin - two largest blockchains - have JSON-RPC interfaces that allow developers to interact with the blockchain via HTTP requests, including querying the blockchain for information, sending transactions, and deploying smart contracts.
What is an RPC node?
An RPC node is a type of node that provides a remote procedure call (RPC) interface for a blockchain network. It allows developers to interact with the blockchain network via API (application programming interface) calls.
In the context of blockchain, an RPC node typically runs a full node that maintains a complete copy of the blockchain's ledger and participates in the consensus process, and exposes an API interface that can be accessed remotely. This interface enables developers to build blockchain-based applications: cryptocurrency wallets, NFT marketplaces, on-chain exchanges, and so on.
What are RPC methods?
In blockchain development, RPC methods are specific commands that can be called by a client application to interact with a blockchain node. These methods are usually exposed via an API or a network interface that enables communication between the client and the blockchain node.
RPC methods are an essential part of blockchain development because they allow developers to access the data stored on the blockchain and interact with the network with no need to write commands manually again and again.
For instance, let’s check some popular blockchain RPC methods for XRP Ledger, a decentralized network focused on cross-border payments and crypto adoption in retail:
account_lines: retrieves information about an account's trust lines, including balances in all non-XRP currencies and assets;
account_tx: retrieves a list of transactions that involved the specified account;
gateway_balances: calculates the total balances issued by a given account, optionally excluding amounts held by operational addresses;
tx: retrieves information on a single transaction, by its identifying hash
Request:
curl --location --request POST 'https://xrp.getblock.io/mainnet/' \
--header 'x-api-key: YOUR-API-KEY' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data-raw '{"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "fee",
"params": [{}],
"id": "getblock.io"}'
}
Responce:
{
"result": {
"current_ledger_size": "92",
"current_queue_size": "0",
"drops": {
"base_fee": "10",
"median_fee": "5000",
"minimum_fee": "10",
"open_ledger_fee": "10"
},
"expected_ledger_size": "102",
"ledger_current_index": 63648985,
"levels": {
"median_level": "128000",
"minimum_level": "256",
"open_ledger_level": "256",
"reference_level": "256"
},
"max_queue_size": "2040",
"status": "success"
}
}
Here’s how we can check the current state of XRPL fees with the fee method.
All code samples and instructions on how you can run mentioned XRPL RPC methods yourself can be found on GetBlock documentation portal.
What is XRP Ledger?
XRP Ledger or XRPL is a decentralized network (blockchain) launched in 2012 by David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto. The protocol was introduced as ‘Bitcoin without mining’ and prioritized decentralization, usability and open-source approach. XRP is the first native coin of XRP Ledger.
Since 2013, the blockchain has been operated by Ripple Labs. Ripple uses XRPL and XRP to deliver the services of cross-border remittances for individuals and organizations. Ripple’s ‘money corridors’ are popular in LatAm and Asia Pacific.
XRP Ledger doesn’t support smart contracts by default; however, the experiments with NFTs and DeFis on XRPL are curated by XRPL Foundation, a non-profit launched in 2020.
XRPL RPC methods FAQ
In a short F.A.Q., let’s cover the most crucial questions regarding the operations of XRP Ledger blockchain and XRP token.
Does XRP Ledger use XRP?
Yes and yes. First, XRP Ledger charges its account with network fees in XRP tokens. Then, all XRPL-based apps can move value between their users with XRP as a medium of exchange.
Who are the largest XRP holders?
Ripple Inc. (or Ripple), a US-based fintech decacorn, holds the large stake of XRP circulating supply.
Can the XRP Ledger be forked?
Yes, as the XRP Ledger is an open-source software, it can be forked by network enthusiasts. Launched in 2014, Stellar blockchain is the most successful XRPL fork so far. At the same time, the exchanges and RPC providers won’t immediately recognize the new XRP Ledger fork.
What major banks use XRP?
While XRP and Ripple’s money transfer mechanisms are used by dozens of banks over the globe, Bank of America (USA), PNC Bank (USA), Siam Commercial Bank (Thailand), Santander Bank, (USA), and Standard Chartered Bank (UK) are the largest banks of this list.
Is the XRP Ledger decentralized?
Yes, XRP Ledger is among the networks that prioritize decentralization. Ripple doesn’t control the significant share of its validators while tech-savvy network users can choose the list of XRPL validators responsible for their transactions.
XRPL RPC nodes 101: Finding XRP deposit by address
In this primer, we’re going to demonstrate how a crypto wallet with XRP support recovers the details of XRP deposits initiated by known addresses.
For every address in question, let’s find the transactions authorized by it. To do so, we need to use the account_tx method.
Once we get a pool of transactions, let’s find the one in question by parsing;
If it is found, we need to create the transaction on our side with account_info method (required to get the wallet balance) and fee method to check out the network’s commission.
Now, let’s sign and authorize the transaction by the submit method.
To confirm the deposit, we need to check the number of confirmations via the tx method.
P.S. Also feel free to check the demo of how GetBlock users work with XRPL node: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5azQT3xTCWc
That’s it! Now you know the basics of XRPL RPC methods and blockchain APIs. To continue this marvelous journey, sign up and order your first RPC node endpoints: https://account.getblock.io/sign-in
