What is the xx network and how do developers interact with it?

Quick recommendation: How to connect to xx network

If you are building on the xx network, the first decision is whether to run your own node or use a managed RPC service. For production applications, a managed provider saves you from syncing, maintaining, and scaling nodes. OnFinality offers RPC endpoints for supported networks, and you can check the supported RPC networks page to see if xx is available. For a quick start, you can use a public endpoint for testing, but for production, consider a dedicated node or a reliable RPC provider.

What is the xx network?

The xx network is a blockchain platform focused on privacy and quantum resistance. It was founded by cryptographer David Chaum, known for pioneering digital cash. The network combines a decentralized mixnet (cMix) with a Substrate-based blockchain to provide secure and private communication and transactions. The native token is XX, used for staking, governance, and transaction fees.

The network aims to protect metadata and resist quantum computing attacks. It is designed to be scalable and fast, with a consensus protocol that supports high throughput. For developers, the xx network offers a blockchain environment where they can build dApps that require privacy and security.

Key components of the xx network

• cMix mixnet: A decentralized network that mixes messages to break the link between sender and receiver, protecting metadata.
• xx blockchain: A Substrate-based chain that handles transactions, smart contracts, and governance.
• xx nodes: Independent nodes that run the mixnet and validate transactions.
• xx coin (XX): The native cryptocurrency used for staking, fees, and governance.

These components work together to provide a privacy-preserving infrastructure. Developers can interact with the blockchain via RPC endpoints, similar to other Substrate-based chains.

How to get RPC endpoints for xx network

To interact with the xx network, you need an RPC endpoint. There are a few options:

• Public endpoints: The xx network may provide public RPC endpoints for testing. These are often rate-limited and not suitable for production.
• Managed RPC providers: Services like OnFinality offer managed RPC endpoints with higher reliability and scalability. Check the supported RPC networks page for availability.
• Run your own node: You can run a full node and expose your own RPC endpoint. This gives you full control but requires infrastructure management.

For development and testing, public endpoints are fine. For production, consider a managed provider or a dedicated node. OnFinality's RPC pricing page explains the options.

Connecting to the xx network: A practical example

Once you have an RPC endpoint, you can connect using standard JSON-RPC calls. Here's an example using curl to get the latest block number:

curl -X POST https://rpc.xx.network \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"chain_getHeader","params":[],"id":1}'

Replace the URL with your actual endpoint. For Substrate-based chains, common methods include chain_getBlock, system_health, and state_getStorage. You can also use libraries like polkadot-js/api to interact with the chain.

Here's a JavaScript example using @polkadot/api:

const { ApiPromise, WsProvider } = require('@polkadot/api');

async function main() {
  const provider = new WsProvider('wss://rpc.xx.network');
  const api = await ApiPromise.create({ provider });
  const chain = await api.rpc.system.chain();
  console.log('Connected to', chain.toString());
  await api.disconnect();
}

main().catch(console.error);

Make sure to use the correct WebSocket endpoint for your provider.

What to consider when choosing an RPC provider for xx network

When selecting an RPC provider for the xx network, evaluate the following:

For production apps, you may need a dedicated node to avoid shared resource contention. OnFinality offers dedicated node options for supported networks.

Common pitfalls when using xx network RPC

• Using public endpoints in production: Public endpoints are often rate-limited and unreliable. Use a managed provider or your own node.
• Ignoring WebSocket for real-time data: If your app needs live updates, use WebSocket instead of polling.
• Not handling errors: RPC calls can fail due to network issues. Implement retries and fallbacks.
• Assuming archive data is available: Not all providers offer archive nodes. Check before you rely on historical data.

How to debug RPC issues on xx network

If you encounter issues, follow these steps:

1. Check the endpoint: Ensure the URL is correct and reachable.
2. Test with a simple call: Use curl to call system_health to see if the node is synced.
3. Check rate limits: If you get 429 responses, you may be hitting rate limits.
4. Verify WebSocket: For subscriptions, ensure the WebSocket connection is stable.
5. Review logs: If running your own node, check logs for errors.

Build-versus-buy: Running your own xx node vs. using a provider

Running your own xx node gives you full control but requires hardware, maintenance, and monitoring. You need to keep the node synced, upgrade software, and ensure high availability. For many teams, using a managed RPC provider is more cost-effective and reliable.

Consider your team's expertise and resources. If you have DevOps capacity, running a node might be feasible. Otherwise, a provider like OnFinality can handle the infrastructure, letting you focus on building.

Key Takeaways

• The xx network is a privacy-focused, quantum-resistant blockchain with a mixnet.
• Developers interact with it via RPC endpoints, similar to other Substrate chains.
• For production, use a reliable RPC provider or dedicated node instead of public endpoints.
• Evaluate providers based on reliability, performance, rate limits, and archive data.
• OnFinality offers RPC services for supported networks; check the supported networks page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the xx network available on OnFinality?

Check the supported RPC networks page for the latest list. If xx is not listed, you can still use other providers or run your own node.

What RPC methods does the xx network support?

As a Substrate-based chain, it supports standard Substrate RPC methods like chain_getBlock, system_health, and state_getStorage. Refer to the network's documentation for specifics.

Can I use WebSocket for real-time updates?

Yes, most RPC providers offer WebSocket endpoints. Use them for subscriptions to blocks and events.

What is the cost of using a managed RPC provider?

Pricing varies by provider and usage. See RPC pricing for details on OnFinality's plans.