glossary
JSON-RPC
Definition
A protocol used for making remote procedure calls in a simple, stateless, and lightweight format. Used in blockchain environments for communication between clients and servers, enabling them to request and receive data in a structured way.
Description
JSON-RPC (JavaScript Object Notation - Remote Procedure Call) is widely used in blockchain applications to interact with nodes and smart contracts. For instance, Ethereum clients frequently use JSON-RPC to request information from the blockchain, such as querying transaction data, account balances, or the status of smart contracts.
The protocol operates by sending a request in the form of a JSON object, where the method to be invoked and parameters are specified. The receiving system (such as a blockchain node) processes the request and returns a response, also in JSON format. JSON-RPC is preferred for its simplicity and ease of integration, making it a fundamental part of how dApps and blockchain systems communicate.