debug_traceTransaction - Ethereum
This method reruns a specific transaction with the same state as when it was originally executed. By doing so, developers can trace the transaction’s execution step by step to understand its behavior.
Remix uses debug_traceTransaction to implement debugging. Use theDebugger tab in Remix instead of calling debug_traceTransactiondirectly.Reruns the transaction with the same state as when the transactionexecuted.
The debug_traceTransaction method is part of the Ethereum JSON RPC Core API and is designed for advanced debugging purposes. This method reruns a specific transaction with the exact same state as when it was initially executed, allowing developers to trace the transaction for debugging purposes. It is commonly used by tools like Remix in the Debugger tab.
Supported Networks
The debug_traceTransaction RPC Ethereum method supports all Ethereum network types, including:
Mainnet
Testnets: Sepolia, Holesky
Parameters
The debug_traceTransaction method accepts the following parameters:
transactionHash: (data) The hash of the transaction to be traced.
Object: (None) Request options, all of which are optional and default to false.
Request
URL (API Endpoint) https://go.getblock.io/<ACCESS-TOKEN>/
To make a request, send a JSON object with the jsonrpc, method, and params fields. Below is an example of how to make a request using curl:
Response
The server responds with a JSON object. Below is an example response for the debug_traceTransaction method:
Response Description
result: null if the method is not allowed or unavailable.
status_code: The HTTP status code for the request.
message: A descriptive message explaining the response, e.g., "Method not allowed."
Returns
If successful, the method provides a detailed trace of the specified transaction, including:
block: The block containing the transaction.
transaction: The transaction details and its execution trace.
parameters: The execution context and associated data.
value: The values used or modified during transaction execution.
Use Case
The debug_traceTransaction method is critical for developers needing to analyze the execution of a specific transaction. It provides insights into opcode-level execution, gas usage, and potential failure points in smart contracts. This method is highly useful for debugging failed transactions and investigating unexpected behavior. If a debug_traceTransaction error occurs, ensure the provided transaction hash is valid and that the node supports this method. The provided debug_traceTransaction example demonstrates how to construct a proper request.
Example Code
Here is an example of how to call the debug_traceTransaction method programmatically using Python:
This Python script demonstrates how to interact with the debug_traceTransaction method programmatically. Replace <ACCESS-TOKEN> with your actual API key. The Web3 debug_traceTransaction method can also be used through Web3 libraries for Ethereum.
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