RPC (getBlock, WebSocket)

What it is

Standard Solana JSON-RPC API for querying confirmed blocks and subscribing to updates via WebSocket.

Latency

~400-800ms+ — Data is available after block confirmation and propagation across the network.

Data format

JSON responses containing:

• Fully confirmed blocks

• Parsed transactions

• Account states

• Network status

Pros

• Simple HTTP/WebSocket integration

• Guaranteed data consistency

• Historical data access

• Wide library support

• No special infrastructure needed

Cons

• Highest latency of the three options

• Not suitable for latency-sensitive strategies

• Rate limits may apply

Best for

• General applications

• Wallets and explorers

• Analytics and reporting

• Applications where correctness matters more than speed

Example use case

A portfolio tracker queries confirmed transactions to display user balances and transaction history.