NodeJs/Javascript Function to Get the Latest Block Number (Height) on the Sui Blockchain

Getting the latest block number (height) on a blockchain is a common task for developers working with decentralized systems. If you are working with the Sui blockchain and want to retrieve the latest block height using Node.js and JavaScript, here\u2019s a straightforward way to achieve that.

Sui is a high-performance, scalable blockchain that has been gaining traction for its low latency and innovative architecture. Interacting with Sui involves leveraging its APIs, which allow developers to query blockchain data and interact with smart contracts seamlessly. To get started, ensure you have a Node.js environment set up on your machine and install the necessary dependencies.

See Sui: Introduction to Sui Blockchain

First, let us set up a new Node.js project. You can initialize a project with:

mkdir sui-block-height 
cd sui-block-height 
npm init -y

Next, install the Axios library, which is commonly used to make HTTP requests in Node.js. This will help us fetch data from the Sui blockchain API:

npm install axios

Now, create a file named getLatestBlock.js and open it in your preferred code editor. In this script, we will write the function to retrieve the latest block height. The Sui blockchain provides an RPC endpoint that allows you to query its state. This endpoint is essential for fetching the block data.

Here is the code:

const axios = require('axios');

// Sui RPC Endpoint - Replace with the actual endpoint if using a specific network
const SUI_RPC_URL = 'https://fullnode.sui.io/v1';

async function getLatestBlockHeight() {
    try {
        // Make a POST request to the Sui RPC endpoint
        const response = await axios.post(SUI_RPC_URL, {
            jsonrpc: '2.0',
            id: 1,
            method: 'sui_getLatestCheckpointSequenceNumber',
            params: []
        });
        if (response.data && response.data.result !== undefined) {  
            console.log(`Latest block height: ${response.data.result}`);  
            return response.data.result;  
        } else {  
            throw new Error('Unexpected response structure');  
        }  
    } catch (error) {  
        console.error('Error fetching the latest block height:', error.message);  
        throw error;  
    }  
}

// Run the function
getLatestBlockHeight().catch((err) => {
    console.error('Failed to fetch the block height:', err);
});

Node Js Code Breakdown

• Axios Request: We use Axios to send a POST request to the Sui RPC endpoint. The method sui_getLatestCheckpointSequenceNumber is used to fetch the latest block number (or checkpoint sequence number) on the blockchain.
• Error Handling: Proper error handling ensures that issues like network errors or unexpected response formats are logged, making debugging easier.
• Logging: The function logs the latest block height to the console, which is useful for quick testing or debugging.

Before running the script, make sure the Sui RPC endpoint is correct and accessible. The URL provided in the example points to the main Sui full node endpoint. If you are using a testnet or a local instance, replace the SUI_RPC_URL variable with the appropriate endpoint.

To execute the script, use the following command:

node getLatestBlock.js

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the latest block height printed in the console. This function can easily be integrated into larger applications or adapted to fetch other blockchain data by modifying the RPC method and parameters.

Interacting with blockchain data in real-time is an essential skill for developers building decentralized applications. With the Sui blockchain\u2019s robust API and the simplicity of Node.js, you can quickly retrieve the latest block height and use this information for various purposes, such as monitoring the network, updating user interfaces, or triggering specific actions in your application.

As the Sui ecosystem evolves, staying updated with its documentation and best practices will ensure that your integrations remain efficient and reliable. Happy coding!

Sui Blockchain

• Sui Blockchain Programming: Get the Gas Fee via NodeJs/Javascript Function
• NodeJs/Javascript Function to Get the Latest Block Number (Height) on the Sui Blockchain

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