debug_traceBlockByNumber - BNB Smart Chain

Explore the JSON-RPC API Interface with debug_traceBlockByNumber for detailed block tracing by number in the BSC protocol.

This method provides detailed execution traces of all transactions within a specific block number on BSC, aiding in debugging and analysis of smart contract interactions.

The debug_traceBlockByNumber method in the BSC protocol is a powerful tool designed for developers to trace the execution of all transactions within a specific block, identified by its block number. This method provides detailed insights into the computational processes, including operations and state changes, enabling users to diagnose issues and optimize smart contract performance. It is part of the debug_traceBlockByNumber Web3 suite, allowing seamless integration with Web3 libraries.

Utilizing the debug_traceBlockByNumber RPC protocol, developers can access this method via remote procedure calls, facilitating efficient debugging and monitoring of BSC transactions. The method outputs comprehensive trace data, helping users to understand the internal workings of the BSC network, thus enhancing transparency and reliability in blockchain development.

Supported Networks

The debug_traceBlockByNumber JSON-RPC API method supports the following network types:

• Mainnet

• Testnet

Parameters

Here is the list of parameters debug_traceBlockByNumber method needs to be executed. Always format the method name as inline code (wrapped in backticks).

• blocknumber:

  • Type: String

  • Description: The block number in hexadecimal format.

  • Required: Yes

  • Example: "0xA1"

  • Details: This parameter specifies the block number for which the trace is requested. It should be provided in hexadecimal format prefixed with 0x.

• Object:

  • Type: Object

  • Description: A tracer configuration object.

  • Required: Yes

  • Example: {"tracer": "callTracer"}

  • Details: This object specifies the type of trace to perform. In this case, the tracer is set to "callTracer", which is used to trace call operations within the block. This parameter allows for customization of the trace process.

Request Example

API Endpoint

https://go.getblock.io/<ACCESS-TOKEN>/

Request

Here’s a sample cURL request using debug_traceBlockByNumber :

curl

curl --location --request POST https://go.getblock.io/<ACCESS-TOKEN>/
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' 
--data-raw {"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "debug_traceBlockByNumber",
"params": ["0xA1", {"tracer": "callTracer"}],
"id": "getblock.io"}

Response

Below is a sample JSON response returned by debug_traceBlockByNumber upon a successful call:

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": "getblock.io",
  "error": {
    "code": -32000,
    "message": "historical state not available in path scheme yet"
  }
}

Body Parameters

Here is the list of body parameters for debug_traceBlockByNumber method:

1. jsonrpc: A string specifying the version of the JSON-RPC protocol. Typically set to "2.0".

2. id: A unique identifier for the request. It can be a string, number, or null.

3. error: An object containing error details:

   • code: A number indicating the error type. In this case, -32000 represents a server error.

   • message: A string providing a brief description of the error. For example, "historical state not available in path scheme yet".

Use Cases

Here are some use-cases for debug_traceBlockByNumber method:

1. Transaction Debugging: One of the primary use cases for the debug_traceBlockByNumber method is to debug transactions within a specific block. By tracing through each transaction, developers can identify issues such as failed transactions, unexpected behavior, or errors in smart contract execution. This is particularly useful when trying to understand why a transaction did not produce the expected results.

2. Performance Analysis: Developers can use debug_traceBlockByNumber to analyze the performance of smart contracts and transactions in a block. By examining the detailed execution traces, it's possible to identify performance bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the code. This can help in optimizing smart contracts for better gas usage and execution speed.

3. Security Auditing: Security auditors can leverage the debug_traceBlockByNumber method to perform a thorough analysis of transactions in a block. By tracing through the execution steps, auditors can detect vulnerabilities, such as reentrancy attacks or improper access control, ensuring that the smart contracts are secure and robust against potential exploits.

Code for debug_traceBlockByNumber

Python

import requests
import json
url = "https://go.getblock.io/<ACCESS-TOKEN>/"
headers = {
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}
payload = {"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "debug_traceBlockByNumber",
"params": ["0xA1", {"tracer": "callTracer"}],
"id": "getblock.io"}

response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(payload))

# Check the response and print the result
if response.status_code == 200:
    print("Result:", response.json().get("result"))
else:
    print("Error:", response.status_code, response.text)

JavaScript

const axios = require('axios');

const url = "https://go.getblock.io/<ACCESS-TOKEN>/";
const payload = {"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "debug_traceBlockByNumber",
"params": ["0xA1", {"tracer": "callTracer"}],
"id": "getblock.io"};

axios.post(url, payload, {
  headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" }
})
.then(response => {
  console.log("Result:", response.data.result);
})
.catch(error => {
  if (error.response) {
    console.error("Error:", error.response.status, error.response.data);
  } else {
    console.error("Request failed:", error.message);
  }
});

Common Errors

When using the debug_traceBlockByNumber JSON-RPC API BSC method, the following issues may occur:

• Invalid Block Number: If the block number provided is out of range or does not exist, an error will be returned. Ensure the block number is within the current blockchain height and is formatted correctly in hexadecimal.

• Tracer Misconfiguration: Incorrect or unsupported tracer options can lead to unexpected results or errors. Verify that the tracer configuration matches the supported options outlined in the BSC documentation.

• Network Latency: High network latency might cause timeouts or slow responses, especially when tracing large blocks. Consider optimizing your network connection or increasing the timeout settings in your client configuration.

• Resource Limitations: The method may consume significant computational resources, leading to performance issues. It's advisable to run this method on a well-resourced node or consider offloading tracing tasks to dedicated infrastructure.

Using the debug_traceBlockByNumber method in Web3 applications provides a powerful tool for analyzing the execution of transactions within a specific block. It allows developers to gain deep insights into contract interactions and debug complex transaction flows, enhancing the reliability and transparency of blockchain applications.

Conclusion

The JSON-RPC method debug_traceBlockByNumber is a powerful tool for developers working with the BNB Smart Chain (BSC), allowing them to trace and debug transactions within a specific block. By using this method, developers can gain detailed insights into the execution of smart contracts and identify potential issues, enhancing the overall reliability of applications on the BSC.