> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chainstack.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Beacon headers by block_id

The `/eth/v1/beacon/headers/{block_id}` method is an important API endpoint in the Ethereum Beacon Chain, focused on providing header information for a specified beacon block. Block headers are crucial in blockchain technology as they contain key information about the block without the need to process the entire block data. This endpoint is particularly valuable for developers and network participants who require quick and efficient access to block information for validation, analysis, or synchronization purposes.

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## Parameters

* `{block_id}`: This parameter specifies the identifier of the beacon block for which the header information is being requested. The block identifier can be a slot number, a block root, or a special value like 'genesis' or 'head'.

## Response

* `object` — beacon block header information.
  * `root` — the root of the beacon block, serving as a unique cryptographic identifier for the block.
  * `canonical` — a boolean indicating whether the block is part of the canonical chain.
  * `header` — the actual block header information, including:
    * `slot`: The slot number at which the block was proposed.
    * `proposer_index`: The index of the validator who proposed the block.
    * `parent_root`: The root of the parent block, linking to the chain's continuity.
    * `state_root`: The root of the beacon chain state after the block's effect.
    * `body_root`: The root of the block's body, encapsulating transactions, attestations, and other block content.

The `/eth/v1/beacon/headers/{block_id}` method is a key tool in the Ethereum ecosystem, enabling a streamlined and efficient way to access vital block header information. It aids in enhancing the blockchain's transparency and accessibility, vital for a wide range of blockchain-related operations and analyses.


## OpenAPI

````yaml /openapi/ethereum_beacon_chain_api/state/getBeaconHeadersByBlockId.json GET /0a9d79d93fb2f4a4b1e04695da2b77a7/eth/v1/beacon/headers/{block_id}
openapi: 3.0.0
info:
  title: Ethereum Beacon Headers API
  version: 1.0.0
servers:
  - url: https://beacon-nd-422-757-666.p2pify.com
security: []
paths:
  /0a9d79d93fb2f4a4b1e04695da2b77a7/eth/v1/beacon/headers/{block_id}:
    get:
      summary: Get beacon headers by block_id
      operationId: getBeaconHeadersByBlockId
      parameters:
        - name: block_id
          in: path
          description: >-
            Block identifier, e.g., 'head', 'genesis', 'finalized', or a
            specific block root.
          required: true
          schema:
            type: string
            default: head
      responses:
        '200':
          description: Beacon header successfully retrieved
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/BeaconHeaderItem'
        '404':
          description: Beacon header not found
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/Error'
        '500':
          description: Internal server error
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/Error'
components:
  schemas:
    BeaconHeaderItem:
      type: object
      properties:
        root:
          type: string
        canonical:
          type: boolean
        header:
          $ref: '#/components/schemas/Header'
      required:
        - root
        - canonical
        - header
    Error:
      type: object
      properties:
        code:
          type: integer
          format: int32
        message:
          type: string
      required:
        - code
        - message
    Header:
      type: object
      properties:
        slot:
          type: integer
          format: int64
        parent_root:
          type: string
        state_root:
          type: string
        body_root:
          type: string
      required:
        - slot
        - parent_root
        - state_root
        - body_root

````