A REST node is a blockchain node that exposes REST API endpoints, allowing developers to interact with the blockchain network using standard HTTP requests. With Node.js REST API integration, developers can easily send requests to a blockchain node, for example, to broadcast transactions, in a simple, stateless manner.

What is REST used for?

REST simplifies blockchain communication by allowing clients to send HTTP requests (like GET, POST) to interact with the blockchain network. This makes Node REST API a popular choice for Web3 developers who want to create decentralized applications (dApps) using familiar web technologies.

What is the difference between GraphQL and REST nodes?

While both are used to communicate with blockchain networks, GraphQL provides flexibility by allowing clients to specify the exact data they need. In contrast, Node APIs using REST follow a more rigid structure, with predefined endpoints for specific tasks. Additionally, Node REST clients are easier to set up and integrate into existing systems.

REST vs WebSockets: Is there a difference?

REST and WebSocket serve different purposes in blockchain communication. Node REST API implementations use HTTP requests for straightforward on-demand queries. WebSocket is more suitable for real-time updates, such as live blockchain event monitoring for applications requiring continuous data streams.

How to create REST API in Node.js?

To create a REST API in Node.js, you can use popular frameworks like Express, often considered the best Node.js framework for REST API development. For more advanced use cases, developers might also explore using TypeScript with Node.js. You can find Node.js REST API call (GET, POST) examples on GetBlock's website documentation section and start making HTTP requests to GetBlock’s RPC API to interact with the blockchain.

GetBlock

RPC Service

REST

REST Nodes

JSON-RPC is a remote procedure call (RPC) protocol encoded in JSON, facilitating communication between clients and servers. It enables executing commands and retrieving data on blockchain nodes, supporting methods for querying balances and sending transactions. JSON-RPC is lightweight, stateless, and commonly used in decentralized applications (dApps) for interaction with blockchain networks.

Bitcoin

Shared
Dedicated
Limitless

Regions: Frankfurt, US East, Singapore
Mode: Full

Fast and cost-efficient RPC APIs

Blockchain Nodes: List of Advantages