The blocks info JSON RPC methods allow developers to access specific block details. A block in the Ethereum blockchain contains various pieces of information, such as the block's transactions, the block, the timestamp of the block, the block height, the block header, and other.
Retrieving block information from the Ethereum blockchain can be done by using the following methods:
- eth_blockNumber
- eth_getBlockByHash
- eth_getBlockByNumber
- eth_getBlockTransactionCountByHash
- eth_getBlockTransactionCountByNumber
- eth_newBlockFilter
This information can be used to track the state of the blockchain and for:
- Blockchain analysis — insights into the overall activity on the network, such as the number of processed transactions and average transaction fees, can be obtained.
- Block explores — web-based tools that provide access to information on a blockchain, including block data, transactions, and addresses, allowing users to search, view, and analyze the network's activity.
- Smart contract analysis — the activity of specific smart contracts
- DApp development — block information can be utilized in the development of decentralized applications.