Understanding the Ethereum Testnet API: A Guide to blockchain.info
As a developer working with the Ethereum blockchain, you’re likely familiar with the testnet being a critical stepping stone for new projects and experiments. However, accessing the full range of APIs provided by blockchain.info, a popular open-source wallet, can be challenging due to its implementation on a private network.
The key is in understanding how the testnet differs from the main network, specifically with regards to API usage. In this article, we’ll delve into what’s available through the testnet and how it compares to the main network.
Why Use blockchain.info Testnet?
Before we dive into the APIs, let’s briefly discuss why you might want to use the testnet:
- Testing new ideas: The testnet provides a safe space for developers to experiment with new features without risking significant financial losses.
- Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development
: The testnet can be used as a starting point for developing proof-of-concepts, which are often more robust and scalable than the main network.
Accessing blockchain.info Testnet APIs
Now that we know why you might want to use the testnet, let’s explore the available APIs:
Receiving New Addresses
The most common API call on the testnet is for receiving new addresses. However, unlike the main network, there isn’t a specific URL for this purpose.
Here’s an example of how to receive new addresses using curl:
curl -X POST \
Replace $xpub with your Ethereum public address.
Receiving Transaction Logs
To receive transaction logs, you’ll need to use a different endpoint. The testnet’s receive API is not available for this purpose; however, you can use the blockchain.info main network API instead:
curl -X POST \
However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to see the transaction logs as they are private. To view them publicly, use the blockchain.info main network API with a specific address and timestamp:
curl -X GET \
This will return the transaction logs for the specified address at the given timestamp.
Receiving Transaction Fees
The blockchain.info main network API also provides a way to receive transaction fees:
curl -X POST \
Replace $fee with the desired fee amount.
Receiving New Keys
If you need to generate new keys, you can use the blockchain.info main network API:
curl -X POST \
This will return a list of available private keys for your Ethereum address.
In summary, while the testnet’s blockchain.info API provides some useful endpoints, it is not as comprehensive as the main network. To access full range of APIs, you’ll need to use the main network. However, with a bit of creativity and understanding of how the testnet differs from the main network, you can still leverage these capabilities for your projects.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored what’s available on the blockchain.info testnet and how it compares to its main network counterpart. By using the correct APIs and understanding their differences, developers can unlock new possibilities for testing and experimenting with their Ethereum projects.