1

sorry if the question is silly.... I am tying to build a simple app that checks ETH wallet addresses balances and transactions (for both ETH and Tokens).

As far as my knowledge goes, I think that I have two options:

  • web3.js -> for which I need access to a node (hosted myself or by third party like infura.io)
  • JSON RPC -> do I still need to access a node, or I can just "tap" into the network (a bit like ElectrumX nodes in Bitcoin?)

If I host a node (to be used with web3.js), does it need to be a "full node"? (that will be so big and so expensive (if i run in in AWS)

I have tried infura, but it does not seems to be reliable (requests time-out so frequently)

Any suggestion?

Thank you all

2 Answers 2

1

Underneath web3.js uses JSON-RPC so both options are the same.

One other option is to run a light node it will only sync the most recent blocks, and forward more complex queries to a full node. For a light node to work it needs good connectivity and be able to connect to several full nodes.

I didn't have problems with infura, I think the have some kind of protection if you send too many requests.

3
  • thank you for your suggestion... I will look into that.. but what I am trying to avoid is to install a "full node" in my infrastructure... (because in my case infura was not that great) My hypothesis was to try to interact to a "public node" like you can do with in Bitcoin (using Electrum nodes and JSON RPC calls)... Does Ethereum have a "public node infrastructure" or the only option is "infura"?
    – FiNaR
    Feb 18, 2020 at 10:08
  • 2
    Probably the closest thing is running a light node.
    – Ismael
    Feb 18, 2020 at 16:04
  • thank you @ismael, where can I find info for light node (installation/specks/ storage requirements/network requirements etc.)? I simply need to find addresses balances and relative transactions (both ETH, and tokens)... does a light node handle this type of requests?
    – FiNaR
    Feb 19, 2020 at 5:36
1

You need a node to connect to in any case. There are some alternatives to Infura like Chainstack or QuikNode that you can consider.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.