Web3 Gateways - A "Biblical" Guide

Web3 gateway! Web3 gateway! What an interesting word to just stumble upon. Like you’re one of those early Christian converts eagerly absorbing the words of Jesus as he promises eternal life and an end to all the troubles of your harsh olden days life. Remember that? Well I’m blockchain Jesus about to expose immortal words that could lead you to web 3 heaven. Be saved from centralized tyranny. Whoever heeds my words shall not perish but have “crypternal” life! Be saved from centralized tyranny. Whoever heeds my words shall not perish but have “crypternal” life! I kid of course. However heavenly crypto has come to be though this, article focuses on a more immediate earthly problem. How to communicate with the blockchain? Blockchain technology has permeated the entire globe and almost everyone on the internet is spewing crypto slangs to sound cool. Great if you ask me. Asides the awesome PR though, people still have to understand how to navigate the technicalities of blockchain technology and utilize the system for maximum benefit. That’s the web 3 dream right? Decentralized utility. Free and fair access to all digital benefits to anyone, anywhere around the world. Decentralized utility. Free and fair access to all digital benefits to anyone, anywhere around the world. How can you benefit from such digital salvation though if you can’t even interact with the blockchain? The blockchain, however exciting it sounds is a rather technical and recent technology which a lot of people around the world are yet to fully understand hence, they can’t benefit. But web 3 enthusiasts (like me 😎) are relentless though. This complicated access to the underlying infrastructure triggered the development of web 3 gateways which i’ll now detail to you. No netizen left behind! No netizen left behind! Web 3 gateways are middleware tools that enable non web 3 professionals (regular developers and other internet users) to easily interact with the blockchain and maximally utilize it’s immense potential. These gateways are in three main categories namely; Web 3 libraries web 3 apis RPC node providers Web 3 libraries web 3 apis RPC node providers I shall now detail each of these categories with great comprehension so that any explorer of the technology is well equipped to access the abundant bounties of the web 3 dream. 1. Web 3 Libraries 1. Web 3 Libraries A Web3 library is a collection of ready made code that allows developers to interact with blockchains. These libraries provide an easy-to-use interface for developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) and interact and retrieve data from a blockchain. The most popular Web3 libraries are web3.js and ethers. Each Web3 library caters to a distinct development ecosystem. The choice of library should align with your development stack, use case, and performance needs. Many teams use combinations (e.g., Ethers.js on the frontend and Web3.py on the backend) to build comprehensive Web3 products. Popular web 3 libraries are discussed below. 1.1. Web3.js 1.1. Web3.js Web3.js is one of the most established JavaScript libraries for interacting with Ethereum. It allows web applications to communicate with Ethereum nodes using HTTP, IPC, or WebSocket. Web3.js Advantages Advantages Wide Adoption: A mature, battle-tested library used in thousands of DApps. Comprehensive API: Covers nearly all Ethereum RPC functionality. Browser & Node.js Support: Can run in client-side browsers or backend Node.js environments. Strong Community Support: Extensive documentation and community examples. Wide Adoption: A mature, battle-tested library used in thousands of DApps. Wide Adoption Comprehensive API: Covers nearly all Ethereum RPC functionality. Comprehensive API Browser & Node.js Support: Can run in client-side browsers or backend Node.js environments. Browser & Node.js Support Strong Community Support: Extensive documentation and community examples. Strong Community Support Use Cases Use Cases Frontend DApps: Connecting web interfaces to Ethereum wallets like MetaMask. Smart Contract Interaction: Calling, reading from, and writing to deployed smart contracts. Token Transfers: Sending ERC-20 or ERC-721 tokens. Event Listening: Subscribing to smart contract or network events in real time. Frontend DApps: Connecting web interfaces to Ethereum wallets like MetaMask. Frontend DApps Smart Contract Interaction: Calling, reading from, and writing to deployed smart contracts. Smart Contract Interaction Token Transfers: Sending ERC-20 or ERC-721 tokens. Token Transfers Event Listening: Subscribing to smart contract or network events in real time. Event Listening Notable Endpoints / Functions Notable Endpoints / Functions web3.eth.getBalance(address): Fetches the ETH balance of an address. web3.eth.sendTransaction(txObject): Sends a signed transaction. web3.eth.call(): Executes a call to a smart contract without broadcasting. web3.eth.Contract(abi, address): Instantiates a contract object for interaction. contract.methods.myMethod().send({from: address}): Invokes a contract method with a transaction. contract.events.MyEvent(): Subscribes to smart contract events via WebSockets. web3.eth.getBalance(address): Fetches the ETH balance of an address. web3.eth.getBalance(address) web3.eth.sendTransaction(txObject): Sends a signed transaction. web3.eth.sendTransaction(txObject) web3.eth.call(): Executes a call to a smart contract without broadcasting. web3.eth.call() web3.eth.Contract(abi, address): Instantiates a contract object for interaction. web3.eth.Contract(abi, address) contract.methods.myMethod().send({from: address}): Invokes a contract method with a transaction. contract.methods.myMethod().send({from: address}) contract.events.MyEvent(): Subscribes to smart contract events via WebSockets. contract.events.MyEvent() Example Use Case Example Use Case Creating a simple NFT marketplace frontend that interacts with a smart contract deployed on Ethereum. Web3.js connects the user’s MetaMask wallet, fetches their NFT metadata, and allows them to list or buy NFTs. 1.2. Ethers.js 1.2. Ethers.js Ethers.js is a lightweight and secure JavaScript library designed to work with Ethereum. It’s often preferred over Web3.js due to its modular structure, better TypeScript support, and security design principles. Ethers.js Advantages Advantages Modular and Lightweight: Built to be minimal and efficient with smaller bundle sizes for frontend apps. Immutable Data: Data returned by the library is always immutable, improving reliability. Full TypeScript Support: Great for modern frontend stacks and type-safe development. Extensive Wallet Support: Includes an in-built HD wallet implementation. Modular and Lightweight: Built to be minimal and efficient with smaller bundle sizes for frontend apps. Modular and Lightweight Immutable Data: Data returned by the library is always immutable, improving reliability. Immutable Data Full TypeScript Support: Great for modern frontend stacks and type-safe development. Full TypeScript Support Extensive Wallet Support: Includes an in-built HD wallet implementation. Extensive Wallet Support Use Cases Use Cases Wallet Apps: Build or integrate wallets using mnemonic phrases or hardware wallets. Secure Transaction Signing: Sign transactions locally without exposing private keys. DApp Frontends: React and Next.js-based Web3 apps with live blockchain interaction. DeFi Dashboards: Fetching token balances, liquidity pool info, and governance stats. Wallet Apps: Build or integrate wallets using mnemonic phrases or hardware wallets. Wallet Apps Secure Transaction Signing: Sign transactions locally without exposing private keys. Secure Transaction Signing DApp Frontends: React and Next.js-based Web3 apps with live blockchain interaction. DApp Frontends DeFi Dashboards: Fetching token balances, liquidity pool info, and governance stats. DeFi Dashboards Notable Endpoints / Functions Notable Endpoints / Functions provider.getBalance(address): Gets ETH balance for an address. provider.getTransaction(hash): Fetches transaction details. contract.functions.myFunction(): Calls a contract function. contract.on("EventName", callback): Listens to events in real time. wallet.sendTransaction(tx): Signs and sends a transaction from a wallet instance. provider.getBalance(address): Gets ETH balance for an address. provider.getBalance(address) provider.getTransaction(hash): Fetches transaction details. provider.getTransaction(hash) contract.functions.myFunction(): Calls a contract function. contract.functions.myFunction() contract.on("EventName", callback): Listens to events in real time. contract.on("EventName", callback) wallet.sendTransaction(tx): Signs and sends a transaction from a wallet instance. wallet.sendTransaction(tx) Example Use Case Example Use Case Creating a staking dashboard where users connect their wallets, view their staked token balances, and claim rewards. Ethers.js offers a clean and secure way to interact with the contract functions and events. 1.3. Web3.py 1.3. Web3.py Web3.py is a Python library for interacting with Ethereum and Ethereum-compatible blockchains. It is the go-to choice for developers building backend services, automation scripts, or analytics tools in Python. Web3.py Advantages Advantages Python Ecosystem: Integrates smoothly with Python-based tools like Django, Flask, Pandas, and NumPy. Ideal for Data Science & Automation: Perfect for building bots, analyzers, and batch processors. Supports JSON-RPC: Can connect to nodes via HTTP, IPC, or WebSocket. Active Maintenance: Backed by the Ethereum Foundation and widely used in research and institutional projects. Python Ecosystem: Integrates smoothly with Python-based tools like Django, Flask, Pandas, and NumPy. Python Ecosystem Ideal for Data Science & Automation: Perfect for building bots, analyzers, and batch processors. Ideal for Data Science & Automation Supports JSON-RPC: Can connect to nodes via HTTP, IPC, or WebSocket. Supports JSON-RPC Active Maintenance: Backed by the Ethereum Foundation and widely used in research and institutional projects. Active Maintenance Use Cases Use Cases Data Analytics & Indexing: Pulling on-chain transaction data for analysis or storage. Bots & Schedulers: Building trading bots, airdrop claimers, or governance automators. Backend Services: Handling off-chain logic and smart contract interactions in Python-based web apps. Auditing & Compliance Tools: Automating transaction validation, reporting, and traceability. Data Analytics & Indexing: Pulling on-chain transaction data for analysis or storage. Data Analytics & Indexing Bots & Schedulers: Building trading bots, airdrop claimers, or governance automators. Bots & Schedulers Backend Services: Handling off-chain logic and smart contract interactions in Python-based web apps. Backend Services Auditing & Compliance Tools: Automating transaction validation, reporting, and traceability. Auditing & Compliance Tools Notable Endpoints / Functions Notable Endpoints / Functions web3.eth.get_balance(address): Fetches balance for a given Ethereum address. web3.eth.send_raw_transaction(signed_tx): Sends a signed transaction to the network. web3.eth.contract(address, abi=abi): Creates a contract instance to interact with. contract.functions.methodName().call(): Calls a read-only method from a smart contract. contract.functions.methodName().transact({'from': address}): Sends a transaction to execute a function. web3.eth.get_block('latest'): Gets the most recent block details. web3.eth.get_balance(address): Fetches balance for a given Ethereum address. web3.eth.get_balance(address) web3.eth.send_raw_transaction(signed_tx): Sends a signed transaction to the network. web3.eth.send_raw_transaction(signed_tx) web3.eth.contract(address, abi=abi): Creates a contract instance to interact with. web3.eth.contract(address, abi=abi) contract.functions.methodName().call(): Calls a read-only method from a smart contract. contract.functions.methodName().call() contract.functions.methodName().transact({'from': address}): Sends a transaction to execute a function. contract.functions.methodName().transact({'from': address}) web3.eth.get_block('latest'): Gets the most recent block details. web3.eth.get_block('latest') Example Use Case Example Use Case A Python script that automatically collects NFT sales from a given smart contract, stores them in a database, and generates a report. Web3.py handles event subscriptions, block parsing, and contract interaction. Comparison Summary Comparison Summary Feature Web3.js Ethers.js Web3.py Language JavaScript JavaScript/TypeScript Python Size Large Lightweight Moderate Type Safety Weak Strong (TypeScript) Pythonic Best Use Case General DApps Frontend + Wallet Apps Backends, Bots, Data Real-time Support WebSocket available WebSocket available WebSocket via plugins Community & Docs Large Growing rapidly Strong in Python devs Feature Web3.js Ethers.js Web3.py Language JavaScript JavaScript/TypeScript Python Size Large Lightweight Moderate Type Safety Weak Strong (TypeScript) Pythonic Best Use Case General DApps Frontend + Wallet Apps Backends, Bots, Data Real-time Support WebSocket available WebSocket available WebSocket via plugins Community & Docs Large Growing rapidly Strong in Python devs Feature Web3.js Ethers.js Web3.py Feature Feature Web3.js Web3.js Ethers.js Ethers.js Web3.py Web3.py Language JavaScript JavaScript/TypeScript Python Language Language JavaScript JavaScript JavaScript/TypeScript JavaScript/TypeScript Python Python Size Large Lightweight Moderate Size Size Large Large Lightweight Lightweight Moderate Moderate Type Safety Weak Strong (TypeScript) Pythonic Type Safety Type Safety Weak Weak Strong (TypeScript) Strong (TypeScript) Pythonic Pythonic Best Use Case General DApps Frontend + Wallet Apps Backends, Bots, Data Best Use Case Best Use Case General DApps General DApps Frontend + Wallet Apps Frontend + Wallet Apps Backends, Bots, Data Backends, Bots, Data Real-time Support WebSocket available WebSocket available WebSocket via plugins Real-time Support Real-time Support WebSocket available WebSocket available WebSocket available WebSocket available WebSocket via plugins WebSocket via plugins Community & Docs Large Growing rapidly Strong in Python devs Community & Docs Community & Docs Large Large Growing rapidly Growing rapidly Strong in Python devs Strong in Python devs 2. Web 3 APIs 2. Web 3 APIs An API (Application package interface) is a software tool that enables researchers and developers to access some third-party data and functionality within a main software. Usually, it’s a collection of software commands that act as an interface to an external database. Web 3 APIs act as translators, enabling applications to interact with features like smart contracts and on-chain data, empowering you to harness the power of Web3 without diving deep into technical complexities. Various API categories —SOAP, REST, RPC, and WebSocket— offer unique strengths tailored to different use cases: SOAP APIs cater to enterprises needing high-standard security and message integrity. REST APIs shine in usability, speed, and multichain support for NFT and DeFi apps. RPC APIs are the go-to for smart contract interactions and node-level data. WebSocket APIs enable the real-time responsiveness required by modern decentralized applications. SOAP APIs cater to enterprises needing high-standard security and message integrity. SOAP APIs REST APIs shine in usability, speed, and multichain support for NFT and DeFi apps. REST APIs RPC APIs are the go-to for smart contract interactions and node-level data. RPC APIs WebSocket APIs enable the real-time responsiveness required by modern decentralized applications. WebSocket APIs Choosing the right API architecture depends on your application’s specific needs—whether it's enterprise integration, real-time user interaction, or deep protocol-level communication. 2.1. Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) APIs in Web3 2.1. Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) APIs in Web3 SOAP APIs are XML-based protocols for exchanging structured information over a network. Though less common in modern Web3 compared to REST or RPC, SOAP APIs are still used in some enterprise blockchain environments where high security, reliability, and transaction integrity are paramount. 2.1.1 IBM Blockchain Platform API 2.1.1 IBM Blockchain Platform API IBM uses WSDL (Web Services Description Language) for defining the service interface. While their modern platform supports REST and gRPC, SOAP is often employed in legacy enterprise integrations. Advantages: Advantages: Enterprise-grade support Strong security and transaction management Robust error handling Enterprise-grade support Strong security and transaction management Robust error handling Use Cases: Use Cases: Supply chain transparency Identity verification Financial audits Supply chain transparency Identity verification Financial audits Endpoints (SOAP-style): Endpoints (SOAP-style): QueryTransaction: Retrieves transaction records by ID SubmitTransaction: Submits a transaction to the network GetBlockInfo: Gets block details by height or hash QueryTransaction: Retrieves transaction records by ID QueryTransaction SubmitTransaction: Submits a transaction to the network SubmitTransaction GetBlockInfo: Gets block details by height or hash GetBlockInfo 2.1.2 Oracle Blockchain Platform API 2.1.2 Oracle Blockchain Platform API This API uses SOAP over HTTPS and is often wrapped in enterprise middleware for access via SOAP-based enterprise service buses (ESBs). Advantages: Advantages: Integrated with Oracle Cloud Standardized message structures High availability and enterprise features Integrated with Oracle Cloud Standardized message structures High availability and enterprise features Use Cases: Use Cases: Corporate finance and ERP systems Business process automation Smart contract governance Corporate finance and ERP systems Business process automation Smart contract governance Endpoints: Endpoints: ChaincodeInvoke: Triggers chaincode functions ChaincodeQuery: Queries the ledger UserManagement: Adds or removes users from the network ChaincodeInvoke: Triggers chaincode functions ChaincodeInvoke ChaincodeQuery: Queries the ledger ChaincodeQuery UserManagement: Adds or removes users from the network UserManagement 2.1.3 Hyperledger Fabric SDK (with SOAP-based middleware) 2.1.3 Hyperledger Fabric SDK (with SOAP-based middleware) SOAP APIs here are generally used via adapters or middleware layers rather than natively within Hyperledger Fabric. Advantages: Advantages: Customizable middleware for SOAP integration Interoperability with legacy systems Supports permissioned networks Customizable middleware for SOAP integration Interoperability with legacy systems Supports permissioned networks Use Cases: Use Cases: Healthcare record systems Legal document verification Compliance and auditing tools Healthcare record systems Legal document verification Compliance and auditing tools Endpoints: Endpoints: EnrollUser: SOAP-wrapped endpoint for user enrollment ExecuteChaincode: For interacting with chaincode GetTransactionByID: Fetches a transaction from the ledger EnrollUser: SOAP-wrapped endpoint for user enrollment EnrollUser ExecuteChaincode: For interacting with chaincode ExecuteChaincode GetTransactionByID: Fetches a transaction from the ledger GetTransactionByID 2.2. Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs in Web3 2.2. Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs in Web3 REST APIs use HTTP requests to perform operations. They are stateless, cacheable, and easy to integrate. REST is widely used in Web3 for blockchain explorers, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. 2.2.1 DropsTab REST API 2.2.1 DropsTab REST API DropsTab api delivers specialized market intelligence tools for developers and analysts, making it ideal for financial products and research applications. Advantages: Advantages: Deep, structured crypto data (market, unlocks, investors) Historical and real-time insights Ideal for research, analytics, and investor tracking Deep, structured crypto data (market, unlocks, investors) Historical and real-time insights Ideal for research, analytics, and investor tracking Use Cases: Use Cases: Token unlock tracking VC and funding round analysis Market sentiment dashboards Token unlock tracking VC and funding round analysis Market sentiment dashboards Endpoints: Endpoints: GET /tokenUnlocks: List of upcoming token unlock events GET /fundingRounds: Retrieves project funding history GET /coins/detailed/{slug}: Detailed data for a specific cryptocurrency GET /tokenUnlocks: List of upcoming token unlock events GET /tokenUnlocks GET /fundingRounds: Retrieves project funding history GET /fundingRounds GET /coins/detailed/{slug}: Detailed data for a specific cryptocurrency GET /coins/detailed/{slug} 2.2.2 Moralis API 2.2.2 Moralis API Moralis provides easy onboarding for Web3 developers and eliminates the need to run full nodes. Advantages: Advantages: Developer-friendly Cross-chain support (Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain) Powerful abstraction layer over raw blockchain data Developer-friendly Cross-chain support (Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain) Powerful abstraction layer over raw blockchain data Use Cases: Use Cases: NFT platforms Wallet tracking DeFi dashboards NFT platforms Wallet tracking DeFi dashboards Endpoints: Endpoints: GET /nft/{address}: Get NFTs for a contract GET /balance/{address}: Fetch native token balances GET /transaction/{txHash}: Get details of a transaction GET /nft/{address}: Get NFTs for a contract GET /nft/{address} GET /balance/{address}: Fetch native token balances GET /balance/{address} GET /transaction/{txHash}: Get details of a transaction GET /transaction/{txHash} 2.2.3 Alchemy API 2.2.3 Alchemy API Alchemy's REST API is essential for developers needing performant access to Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains. Advantages: Advantages: High reliability and speed Enhanced developer tools (Web3 SDKs, dashboards) Compatible with Ethereum and Layer 2 chains High reliability and speed Enhanced developer tools (Web3 SDKs, dashboards) Compatible with Ethereum and Layer 2 chains Use Cases: Use Cases: DApp development Transaction tracing NFT indexing DApp development Transaction tracing NFT indexing Endpoints: Endpoints: GET /v2/{apiKey}/getNFTs: List NFTs owned by an address GET /v2/{apiKey}/getAssetTransfers: Retrieve token transfer history GET /v2/{apiKey}/getTokenMetadata: Metadata about an ERC-20 token GET /v2/{apiKey}/getNFTs: List NFTs owned by an address GET /v2/{apiKey}/getNFTs GET /v2/{apiKey}/getAssetTransfers: Retrieve token transfer history GET /v2/{apiKey}/getAssetTransfers GET /v2/{apiKey}/getTokenMetadata: Metadata about an ERC-20 token GET /v2/{apiKey}/getTokenMetadata 2.3. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) APIs in Web3 2.3. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) APIs in Web3 RPC APIs allow developers to invoke functions on remote servers (in this case, blockchain nodes) as if they were local. JSON-RPC is the most common protocol in Web3 for interacting with Ethereum-compatible blockchains. 2.3.1 Infura JSON-RPC API 2.3.1 Infura JSON-RPC API Infura abstracts the complexity of maintaining a node and provides secure, high-availability access to Ethereum. Advantages: Advantages: Scalable, managed Ethereum node infrastructure JSON-RPC standard compliance Supports Ethereum, IPFS, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more Scalable, managed Ethereum node infrastructure JSON-RPC standard compliance Supports Ethereum, IPFS, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more Use Cases: Use Cases: Smart contract interactions DApp backend services Blockchain data queries Smart contract interactions DApp backend services Blockchain data queries Endpoints: Endpoints: eth_getBalance: Returns account balance eth_sendRawTransaction: Broadcast a signed transaction eth_call: Calls a smart contract without broadcasting eth_getBalance: Returns account balance eth_getBalance eth_sendRawTransaction: Broadcast a signed transaction eth_sendRawTransaction eth_call: Calls a smart contract without broadcasting eth_call 2.3.2 QuickNode API 2.3.2 QuickNode API QuickNode offers low-latency RPC access with rich features tailored for scaling blockchain projects. Advantages: Advantages: Supports 25+ blockchains Custom RPC endpoints with analytics Built-in add-ons (NFT, mempool, trace, archive) Supports 25+ blockchains Custom RPC endpoints with analytics Built-in add-ons (NFT, mempool, trace, archive) Use Cases: Use Cases: Multichain DApps Advanced transaction monitoring NFT and DeFi applications Multichain DApps Advanced transaction monitoring NFT and DeFi applications Endpoints: Endpoints: eth_getLogs: Event filtering and tracking eth_blockNumber: Current block height eth_getTransactionReceipt: Details of processed transactions eth_getLogs: Event filtering and tracking eth_getLogs eth_blockNumber: Current block height eth_blockNumber eth_getTransactionReceipt: Details of processed transactions eth_getTransactionReceipt 2.3.3 Chainstack RPC API 2.3.3 Chainstack RPC API Chainstack's multi-cloud infrastructure is a popular choice among blockchain enterprises needing performance and security. Advantages: Advantages: Enterprise-grade infrastructure Private and shared node options Supports Ethereum, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and more Enterprise-grade infrastructure Private and shared node options Supports Ethereum, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and more Use Cases: Use Cases: Custom node hosting for DeFi and NFT apps On-chain data extraction Transaction relaying and simulation Custom node hosting for DeFi and NFT apps On-chain data extraction Transaction relaying and simulation Endpoints: Endpoints: eth_estimateGas: Estimates the gas required for a transaction eth_newFilter: Create a new event filter eth_getBlockByNumber: Fetches block data eth_estimateGas: Estimates the gas required for a transaction eth_estimateGas eth_newFilter: Create a new event filter eth_newFilter eth_getBlockByNumber: Fetches block data eth_getBlockByNumber 2.4. WebSocket APIs in Web3 2.4. WebSocket APIs in Web3 WebSocket APIs provide full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection. In Web3, WebSockets are crucial for real-time applications like DEXs, wallet updates, and gaming. 2.4.1 Alchemy WebSocket API 2.4.1 Alchemy WebSocket API Alchemy’s WebSocket endpoints provide filtered event streaming with minimal overhead. Advantages: Advantages: Real-time updates for transactions and blocks Reduced latency High reliability Real-time updates for transactions and blocks Reduced latency High reliability Use Cases: Use Cases: Front-end real-time alerts Wallet balance notifications Live NFT minting updates Front-end real-time alerts Wallet balance notifications Live NFT minting updates Endpoints: Endpoints: alchemy_pendingTransactions: Subscribe to new pending transactions alchemy_newHeads: Subscribe to new block headers alchemy_filteredLogs: Subscribe to specific smart contract events alchemy_pendingTransactions: Subscribe to new pending transactions alchemy_pendingTransactions alchemy_newHeads: Subscribe to new block headers alchemy_newHeads alchemy_filteredLogs: Subscribe to specific smart contract events alchemy_filteredLogs 2.4.2 Infura WebSocket API 2.4.2 Infura WebSocket API Infura’s real-time API enables latency-sensitive applications to operate smoothly across networks. Advantages: Advantages: Supports Ethereum mainnet and testnets Maintains persistent connection Compatible with standard web3.js and ethers.js Supports Ethereum mainnet and testnets Maintains persistent connection Compatible with standard web3.js and ethers.js web3.js ethers.js Use Cases: Use Cases: Live trading apps On-chain gaming Real-time DeFi dashboards Live trading apps On-chain gaming Real-time DeFi dashboards Endpoints: Endpoints: eth_subscribe: Subscribe to events newHeads: New block headers logs: Smart contract event logs newPendingTransactions: Pending tx pool eth_subscribe: Subscribe to events newHeads: New block headers logs: Smart contract event logs newPendingTransactions: Pending tx pool eth_subscribe newHeads: New block headers logs: Smart contract event logs newPendingTransactions: Pending tx pool newHeads: New block headers newHeads logs: Smart contract event logs logs newPendingTransactions: Pending tx pool newPendingTransactions 2.4.3 NOWNodes WebSocket API 2.4.3 NOWNodes WebSocket API NOWNodes offers WebSocket endpoints across major and niche blockchains, giving developers flexibility for real-time engagement. Advantages: Advantages: Multichain support with real-time data Easy integration with open-source libraries Affordable pricing tiers Multichain support with real-time data Easy integration with open-source libraries Affordable pricing tiers Use Cases: Use Cases: Cross-chain alerts NFT event tracking Real-time explorer data Cross-chain alerts NFT event tracking Real-time explorer data Endpoints: Endpoints: subscribeNewBlock: Fires when a new block is added subscribeTx: Fires on specific transaction events subscribeContractEvent: Tracks smart contract interactions subscribeNewBlock: Fires when a new block is added subscribeNewBlock subscribeTx: Fires on specific transaction events subscribeTx subscribeContractEvent: Tracks smart contract interactions subscribeContractEvent In the rapidly evolving Web3 landscape, APIs serve as vital bridges between decentralized networks and application developers. Comparison Summary Comparison Summary Category Web3 APIs SOAP RPC (e.g., gRPC) REST WebSockets Architecture Style Decentralized, peer-to-peer, blockchain-based Protocol-based, XML-heavy Procedure-based, often binary (e.g., Protocol Buffers) Resource-based, stateless HTTP Full-duplex, persistent TCP connection Data Format JSON, sometimes hex-encoded XML Protocol Buffers (binary), JSON JSON, XML, HTML JSON, text, binary Communication Style Asynchronous, smart contract interactions Synchronous, strict message structure Synchronous/asynchronous, strongly typed Stateless request-response Real-time, two-way streaming Security Relies on blockchain encryption, HTTPS optional WS-Security, HTTPS TLS/SSL, auth via metadata HTTPS, OAuth, JWT WSS (WebSocket Secure), token-based auth Use Cases DApps, blockchain transactions, smart contracts Enterprise systems, financial services High-performance services, microservices Public APIs, CRUD operations, web services Real-time apps (chat, games, trading) Category Web3 APIs SOAP RPC (e.g., gRPC) REST WebSockets Architecture Style Decentralized, peer-to-peer, blockchain-based Protocol-based, XML-heavy Procedure-based, often binary (e.g., Protocol Buffers) Resource-based, stateless HTTP Full-duplex, persistent TCP connection Data Format JSON, sometimes hex-encoded XML Protocol Buffers (binary), JSON JSON, XML, HTML JSON, text, binary Communication Style Asynchronous, smart contract interactions Synchronous, strict message structure Synchronous/asynchronous, strongly typed Stateless request-response Real-time, two-way streaming Security Relies on blockchain encryption, HTTPS optional WS-Security, HTTPS TLS/SSL, auth via metadata HTTPS, OAuth, JWT WSS (WebSocket Secure), token-based auth Use Cases DApps, blockchain transactions, smart contracts Enterprise systems, financial services High-performance services, microservices Public APIs, CRUD operations, web services Real-time apps (chat, games, trading) Category Web3 APIs SOAP RPC (e.g., gRPC) REST WebSockets Category Category Category Web3 APIs Web3 APIs Web3 APIs SOAP SOAP SOAP RPC (e.g., gRPC) RPC (e.g., gRPC) RPC (e.g., gRPC) REST REST REST WebSockets WebSockets WebSockets Architecture Style Decentralized, peer-to-peer, blockchain-based Protocol-based, XML-heavy Procedure-based, often binary (e.g., Protocol Buffers) Resource-based, stateless HTTP Full-duplex, persistent TCP connection Architecture Style Architecture Style Architecture Style Decentralized, peer-to-peer, blockchain-based Decentralized, peer-to-peer, blockchain-based Protocol-based, XML-heavy Protocol-based, XML-heavy Procedure-based, often binary (e.g., Protocol Buffers) Procedure-based, often binary (e.g., Protocol Buffers) Resource-based, stateless HTTP Resource-based, stateless HTTP Full-duplex, persistent TCP connection Full-duplex, persistent TCP connection Data Format JSON, sometimes hex-encoded XML Protocol Buffers (binary), JSON JSON, XML, HTML JSON, text, binary Data Format Data Format Data Format JSON, sometimes hex-encoded JSON, sometimes hex-encoded XML XML Protocol Buffers (binary), JSON Protocol Buffers (binary), JSON JSON, XML, HTML JSON, XML, HTML JSON, text, binary JSON, text, binary Communication Style Asynchronous, smart contract interactions Synchronous, strict message structure Synchronous/asynchronous, strongly typed Stateless request-response Real-time, two-way streaming Communication Style Communication Style Communication Style Asynchronous, smart contract interactions Asynchronous, smart contract interactions Synchronous, strict message structure Synchronous, strict message structure Synchronous/asynchronous, strongly typed Synchronous/asynchronous, strongly typed Stateless request-response Stateless request-response Real-time, two-way streaming Real-time, two-way streaming Security Relies on blockchain encryption, HTTPS optional WS-Security, HTTPS TLS/SSL, auth via metadata HTTPS, OAuth, JWT WSS (WebSocket Secure), token-based auth Security Security Security Relies on blockchain encryption, HTTPS optional Relies on blockchain encryption, HTTPS optional WS-Security, HTTPS WS-Security, HTTPS TLS/SSL, auth via metadata TLS/SSL, auth via metadata HTTPS, OAuth, JWT HTTPS, OAuth, JWT WSS (WebSocket Secure), token-based auth WSS (WebSocket Secure), token-based auth Use Cases DApps, blockchain transactions, smart contracts Enterprise systems, financial services High-performance services, microservices Public APIs, CRUD operations, web services Real-time apps (chat, games, trading) Use Cases Use Cases Use Cases DApps, blockchain transactions, smart contracts DApps, blockchain transactions, smart contracts Enterprise systems, financial services Enterprise systems, financial services High-performance services, microservices High-performance services, microservices Public APIs, CRUD operations, web services Public APIs, CRUD operations, web services Real-time apps (chat, games, trading) Real-time apps (chat, games, trading) 3. RPC Nodes Firstly; What is RPC in web3? This is also known as Remote Procedure Call; it is a communication mechanism that is used to interact with the blockchain networks particularly the Ethereum and other decentralized networks. In this context, RPC allows clients to communicate with the Ethereum nodes to query blockchain data, send transactions and execute smart contracts. Now to RPC nodes. At their core, RPC nodes serve as the gateway for developers to directly interact with the blockchain at a low level. Think of nodes as individual computers connected to the Ethereum network, each holding a copy of the blockchain. These nodes validate transactions, execute smart contracts, and maintain network consensus. An RPC node is essentially a server equipped with blockchain client software capable of responding to RPC requests. RPC Nodes expose an RPC interface, allowing external entities to communicate directly with the nodes. Whereas APIs provide a simplified, high-level interaction with blockchain networks, RPC nodes offer raw access to blockchain functions. If you’re running your own Ethereum node, you’d use Ethereum’s built-in RPC interface (like Geth or Parity) to interact directly with the blockchain. This means that you have full control over the node, but it also means you’re responsible for everything—from maintaining uptime to dealing with data storage. Geth Parity Below are popular RPC node providers. 3.1. GetBlock 3.1. GetBlock GetBlock is a full-node-as-a-service platform that provides instant access to over 50 blockchain protocols through unified APIs. It is designed for developers who want to connect to major blockchain networks without running and maintaining their own infrastructure. GetBlock GetBlock Advantages Advantages Multi-chain Support: GetBlock supports over 50 networks, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Bitcoin, Polygon, Solana, Near, Aptos, and more. Shared and Dedicated Nodes: Developers can use free/shared nodes for testing or opt for dedicated nodes for production use with guaranteed bandwidth. Unified API Dashboard: Centralized access point to manage APIs across blockchains. Scalable and Reliable: Offers high uptime, performance, and enterprise-grade solutions for production DApps. Multi-chain Support: GetBlock supports over 50 networks, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Bitcoin, Polygon, Solana, Near, Aptos, and more. Multi-chain Support Shared and Dedicated Nodes: Developers can use free/shared nodes for testing or opt for dedicated nodes for production use with guaranteed bandwidth. Shared and Dedicated Nodes Unified API Dashboard: Centralized access point to manage APIs across blockchains. Unified API Dashboard Scalable and Reliable: Offers high uptime, performance, and enterprise-grade solutions for production DApps. Scalable and Reliable Use Cases Use Cases DApp Development: Build DeFi, NFT, and GameFi applications with easy blockchain connectivity. Blockchain Explorers: Aggregate and display blockchain data like blocks, transactions, and contract logs. Wallet Services: Retrieve balances, transfer tokens, and manage user accounts via the API. Real-time Tracking: Monitor wallet activity, smart contract events, and network states. DApp Development: Build DeFi, NFT, and GameFi applications with easy blockchain connectivity. DApp Development Blockchain Explorers: Aggregate and display blockchain data like blocks, transactions, and contract logs. Blockchain Explorers Wallet Services: Retrieve balances, transfer tokens, and manage user accounts via the API. Wallet Services Real-time Tracking: Monitor wallet activity, smart contract events, and network states. Real-time Tracking Popular Endpoints Popular Endpoints GetBlock supports standard JSON-RPC, REST, and WebSocket endpoints. Examples for Ethereum include: eth_getBalance: Get the ETH balance of a wallet address. eth_sendRawTransaction: Broadcast a signed transaction. eth_getLogs: Retrieve contract event logs. eth_call: Call a smart contract method without broadcasting a transaction. eth_blockNumber: Return the current block height. eth_getBalance: Get the ETH balance of a wallet address. eth_getBalance eth_sendRawTransaction: Broadcast a signed transaction. eth_sendRawTransaction eth_getLogs: Retrieve contract event logs. eth_getLogs eth_call: Call a smart contract method without broadcasting a transaction. eth_call eth_blockNumber: Return the current block height. eth_blockNumber GetBlock also provides REST API endpoints for chains like Solana (getConfirmedSignaturesForAddress2) and BNB Chain. getConfirmedSignaturesForAddress2 Summary Summary GetBlock is an ideal solution for developers seeking speed, scalability, and multi-chain access with minimal infrastructure overhead. It’s trusted by startups and enterprises alike to power Web3 products across ecosystems. speed scalability multi-chain access 3.2. Pocket Network 3.2. Pocket Network Pocket Network is a decentralized API protocol for Web3 applications. Unlike centralized node providers, Pocket Network operates through a decentralized network of full nodes that relay data requests from DApps to blockchains. Pocket Network decentralized network of full nodes Advantages Advantages Decentralization: Node infrastructure is not owned by a single entity, reducing risks of censorship and single points of failure. Token Incentivized: Node operators are rewarded in POKT tokens for relaying data, encouraging distributed infrastructure. Multi-chain Access: Supports more than 30 blockchains including Ethereum, Avalanche, Harmony, and Fuse. Security and Redundancy: Redundant relay mechanisms and cryptographic verifiability ensure data availability and trustlessness. Decentralization: Node infrastructure is not owned by a single entity, reducing risks of censorship and single points of failure. Decentralization Token Incentivized: Node operators are rewarded in POKT tokens for relaying data, encouraging distributed infrastructure. Token Incentivized Multi-chain Access: Supports more than 30 blockchains including Ethereum, Avalanche, Harmony, and Fuse. Multi-chain Access Security and Redundancy: Redundant relay mechanisms and cryptographic verifiability ensure data availability and trustlessness. Security and Redundancy Use Cases Use Cases Decentralized Applications: Ideal for mission-critical DApps prioritizing decentralization and resilience. DAOs and DeFi: Projects looking to avoid centralized dependencies for node data. Privacy-focused Products: Services that seek to minimize traceable centralized relay points. High-availability Systems: Where consistent node uptime and global access are key. Decentralized Applications: Ideal for mission-critical DApps prioritizing decentralization and resilience. Decentralized Applications DAOs and DeFi: Projects looking to avoid centralized dependencies for node data. DAOs and DeFi Privacy-focused Products: Services that seek to minimize traceable centralized relay points. Privacy-focused Products High-availability Systems: Where consistent node uptime and global access are key. High-availability Systems Popular Endpoints Popular Endpoints Pocket Network provides access through a unified RPC gateway with relay endpoints such as: https://eth-mainnet.gateway.pokt.network/v1/lb/ : Ethereum mainnet JSON-RPC endpoint. https://bsc-mainnet.gateway.pokt.network/v1/lb/ : BNB Smart Chain endpoint. eth_getTransactionByHash, eth_call, eth_getLogs, eth_blockNumber, etc., using standard Ethereum JSON-RPC methods. https://eth-mainnet.gateway.pokt.network/v1/lb/ : Ethereum mainnet JSON-RPC endpoint. https://eth-mainnet.gateway.pokt.network/v1/lb/ https://bsc-mainnet.gateway.pokt.network/v1/lb/ : BNB Smart Chain endpoint. https://bsc-mainnet.gateway.pokt.network/v1/lb/ eth_getTransactionByHash, eth_call, eth_getLogs, eth_blockNumber, etc., using standard Ethereum JSON-RPC methods. eth_getTransactionByHash eth_call eth_getLogs eth_blockNumber You simply substitute with your application-specific identifier provided by Pocket. Summary Summary Pocket Network introduces Web3-native decentralization to the infrastructure layer, providing a trustless, censorship-resistant, and incentivized model for blockchain connectivity. Web3-native decentralization trustless, censorship-resistant incentivized 3.3. RunNode 3.3. RunNode RunNode is a fast-growing blockchain infrastructure provider tailored for Web3 developers and enterprises. It offers a cloud-native experience with reliable access to EVM-compatible networks. RunNode Advantages Advantages Speed and Scalability: Optimized for high-performance workloads, especially for NFT platforms and DeFi apps. Chain Coverage: Supports Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more. Real-time Analytics: Dashboard shows API usage, performance, and node health. Dedicated RPCs: Offers private endpoints with low latency and guaranteed resources. Speed and Scalability: Optimized for high-performance workloads, especially for NFT platforms and DeFi apps. Speed and Scalability Chain Coverage: Supports Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more. Chain Coverage Real-time Analytics: Dashboard shows API usage, performance, and node health. Real-time Analytics Dedicated RPCs: Offers private endpoints with low latency and guaranteed resources. Dedicated RPCs Use Cases Use Cases Enterprise-Scale DApps: RunNode is ideal for apps requiring high throughput and dedicated infrastructure. NFT Marketplaces: Supports metadata retrieval, minting, and user activity tracking. Trading Bots and Analytics: Real-time transaction and log streaming for DeFi traders. Cross-chain Services: Fetch and relay data between EVM-compatible networks. Enterprise-Scale DApps: RunNode is ideal for apps requiring high throughput and dedicated infrastructure. Enterprise-Scale DApps NFT Marketplaces: Supports metadata retrieval, minting, and user activity tracking. NFT Marketplaces Trading Bots and Analytics: Real-time transaction and log streaming for DeFi traders. Trading Bots and Analytics Cross-chain Services: Fetch and relay data between EVM-compatible networks. Cross-chain Services Popular Endpoints Popular Endpoints RunNode’s endpoints use standard Ethereum JSON-RPC and WebSocket methods. Common endpoints include: https://mainnet.runnode.io/ : Ethereum mainnet HTTP endpoint. wss://mainnet.runnode.io/ws/ : Ethereum WebSocket endpoint. https://mainnet.runnode.io/ : Ethereum mainnet HTTP endpoint. https://mainnet.runnode.io/ wss://mainnet.runnode.io/ws/ : Ethereum WebSocket endpoint. wss://mainnet.runnode.io/ws/ Key methods: eth_getTransactionCount: Useful for nonce management. eth_gasPrice: Retrieve the current gas price. eth_getLogs: Filter and fetch event logs from smart contracts. eth_subscribe: (WebSocket) Subscribe to new blocks, transactions, or logs. eth_getTransactionCount: Useful for nonce management. eth_getTransactionCount eth_gasPrice: Retrieve the current gas price. eth_gasPrice eth_getLogs: Filter and fetch event logs from smart contracts. eth_getLogs eth_subscribe: (WebSocket) Subscribe to new blocks, transactions, or logs. eth_subscribe Comparison Summary Comparison Summary RPC Provider Key Strength Best For Unique Feature GetBlock Multi-chain API access DApp builders, NFT and DeFi startups REST + RPC + WebSocket for 50+ chains Pocket Decentralized node infrastructure Decentralization-focused projects POKT token-incentivized node network RunNode Fast and scalable RPC service Enterprise apps and active trading bots Low-latency endpoints + private RPCs RPC Provider Key Strength Best For Unique Feature GetBlock Multi-chain API access DApp builders, NFT and DeFi startups REST + RPC + WebSocket for 50+ chains Pocket Decentralized node infrastructure Decentralization-focused projects POKT token-incentivized node network RunNode Fast and scalable RPC service Enterprise apps and active trading bots Low-latency endpoints + private RPCs RPC Provider Key Strength Best For Unique Feature RPC Provider RPC Provider Key Strength Key Strength Best For Best For Unique Feature Unique Feature GetBlock Multi-chain API access DApp builders, NFT and DeFi startups REST + RPC + WebSocket for 50+ chains GetBlock GetBlock GetBlock Multi-chain API access Multi-chain API access DApp builders, NFT and DeFi startups DApp builders, NFT and DeFi startups REST + RPC + WebSocket for 50+ chains REST + RPC + WebSocket for 50+ chains Pocket Decentralized node infrastructure Decentralization-focused projects POKT token-incentivized node network Pocket Pocket Pocket Decentralized node infrastructure Decentralized node infrastructure Decentralization-focused projects Decentralization-focused projects POKT token-incentivized node network POKT token-incentivized node network RunNode Fast and scalable RPC service Enterprise apps and active trading bots Low-latency endpoints + private RPCs RunNode RunNode RunNode Fast and scalable RPC service Fast and scalable RPC service Enterprise apps and active trading bots Enterprise apps and active trading bots Low-latency endpoints + private RPCs Low-latency endpoints + private RPCs Web3 Library Vs API Vs RPC Provider Web 3 gateways enable web 3 clients (developers or app users) to easily communicate with the blockchain and as seen above, these gateways can be grouped into three main categories; libraries, APIs and RPC nodes. Each of these categories are already well discussed but here’s a simple summary you can memorize. Web 3 libraries are collections of code which are integrated in the crypto software to easily connect to the blockchain. Web 3 APIs are data structure keywords to easily access data and functionality from the blockchain. RPC providers grant access to RPC nodes which are blockchain nodes that coordinate other blockchain infrastructure. Web 3 libraries are collections of code which are integrated in the crypto software to easily connect to the blockchain. Web 3 APIs are data structure keywords to easily access data and functionality from the blockchain. RPC providers grant access to RPC nodes which are blockchain nodes that coordinate other blockchain infrastructure. Conclusion Web 3 gateways are middleware tools that enable easy access and usage of blockchain resources. Weather you’re a developer or just regular internet user, from this article you should be well equipped to comfortably utilize any gateway of your choice. Welcome to web 3 heaven! Welcome to web 3 heaven!