Solana is a speedy blockchain that prioritizes scaling and throughput, which makes it the top pick for Web3 developers to build on. Let’s dig deeper into what makes this chain special, with a particular focus on Solana nodes, which see growing interest among the developer community on par with Ethereum.
RPC nodes explained
Decentralized software can’t function independently; it needs a connection to a blockchain to respond to user requests. Nodes, computers connected to the network and each other via a specialized client, provide this connection.
Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) make it possible for Web3 applications to communicate with these blockchain nodes more easily.
As an example, the primary function of ETH RPC is to enable interaction between on-chain software and remote programs hosted on the Ethereum network. Specifically, they provide a set of APIs that enable various functionalities:
- Querying blockchain data.
- Submitting transactions.
- Executing smart contract functions.
- Retrieving information about network status and transaction history.
Most importantly, RPC calls enable users to request various resources from a server located elsewhere, directly from their local computer. This means that anyone, regardless of their technical expertise, can effortlessly initiate communication with remote servers and retrieve the necessary data or services.
Ethereum RPC
The Ethereum network has popularized the usage of smart contracts and remains the popular choice among developers searching for chains to host their applications. The blockchain gives users the ability to deploy multitudes of transparent and independent decentralized applications, all thanks to ETH RPC, which facilitates the following tasks:
- Deploying smart contracts.
- Enabling transactions within blockchain-based applications.
- Transferring, storing, and requesting encrypted data securely and verifying its correctness.
Essentially, RPC-enabled Ethereum nodes are a great choice for supercharging the development of any type of dApp.
Solana nodes
While developing smart contracts, NFTs, and DeFi apps are traditionally done on Ethereum, Solana steps in offering the same suite of options at higher speeds and lower costs compared to the ETH’s foundation layer.
Solana nodes play a crucial role in the network’s architecture, enabling its remarkable speed and efficiency. Thanks to the novel consensus approach, the blockchain can handle about 65,000 transactions every second without risking security, while ETH still takes a while to agree on transaction blocks.
On top of that, the protocol has integrated Ethereum’s Solidity programming language allowing ETH-based dApps to run on Solana, which is projected to boost the ecosystem even more.
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Guide to GetBlock’s RPC services
The shortest way to integrate Solana or ETH RPC is to opt for node providers that have a team of professionals managing blockchain infrastructure and providing access to RPC endpoints for every popular network. GetBlock, one of the leaders in this field, allows access to 50+ blockchains.
![The shortest way to integrate Solana or ETH RPC is to opt for node providers that have a team of professionals managing blockchain infrastructure and providing access to RPC endpoints for every popular network. COURTESY ILLUSTRATION](https://i0.wp.com/pctechmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RPC-services.jpg?resize=1084%2C564&ssl=1)
Predictably, transaction speeds and a low-fee environment are highly appealing to developers choosing the SOL chain as the foundation for their decentralized applications. To leverage a Solana node, offered by GetBlock, users can follow this straightforward setup:
- Sign up for a free account on the GetBlock.io.
- Select the network from the available protocols list and generate an HTTP link that will grant access to SOL node APIs.
- Embed the link within your application’s code structure, ensuring that all requests originating from your dApp are directed straight to the node.
The same process applies to acquiring access to ETH RPC using the service. With multiple available tariffs and packages, the platform ensures that every user discovers the option suitable for their need.
Selecting the integration options
Beginners may want to try shared nodes open for access to simultaneous use by multiple clients of the platform. They are perfectly suitable for experimental launches before rolling out a full-fledged product to the main chain.
GetBlock’s killer feature is its dedicated nodes, privately designed for users with intentions to build speedy and high-quality apps. With exclusive access to dedicated servers, users enjoy unlimited ETH RPC endpoints or any protocol of their choice, custom configurations, and the full capacity of the node.
To wrap it up, while Solana is perfectly suitable for developing high-throughput apps like exchanges, lending platforms, or gaming projects, ETH RPC remains a highly demanded service for developers preferring a well-established and time-tested ecosystem and extensive developer tools and resources.
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