system_chain - JSON-RPC Method

Description

Returns the name of the chain the node is connected to. This JSON-RPC method is useful for identifying which Polkadot network (mainnet, testnet, or custom chain) the node is operating on.

Parameters

This method does not require any parameters.

Returns

Field	Type	Description
result	string	The name of the chain

Request Example

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "system_chain",
  "params": [],
  "id": 1
}

Response Example

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "result": "Polkadot",
  "id": 1
}

Code Examples

cURL

curl https://api-polkadot.n.dwellir.com/YOUR_API_KEY \
  -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "system_chain",
    "params": [],
    "id": 1
  }'

Python

import requests, json
payload = {"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"system_chain","params":[],"id":1}
r = requests.post("https://api-polkadot.n.dwellir.com/YOUR_API_KEY",
                  headers={"Content-Type":"application/json"},
                  data=json.dumps(payload))
print(r.json()["result"])

JavaScript

const res = await fetch('https://api-polkadot.n.dwellir.com/YOUR_API_KEY', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({ jsonrpc: '2.0', method: 'system_chain', params: [], id: 1 })
});
console.log((await res.json()).result);

Common Chain Names

Chain Name	Network Type	Description
Polkadot	Mainnet	Production network
Kusama	Canary	Experimental network
Westend	Testnet	Test network
Rococo	Testnet	Parachain test network
Custom names	Local/Dev	Development chains

Use Cases

1. Network Verification: Ensure connected to correct network
2. Configuration Loading: Load network-specific settings
3. Multi-chain Support: Handle different networks dynamically
4. Error Prevention: Prevent mainnet transactions on testnet
5. UI Adaptation: Display network-specific information

Network Detection Pattern

class NetworkManager {
  constructor() {
    this.networks = {
      'Polkadot': {
        symbol: 'DOT',
        decimals: 10,
        explorer: 'https://polkadot.subscan.io'
      },
      'Kusama': {
        symbol: 'KSM',
        decimals: 12,
        explorer: 'https://kusama.subscan.io'
      },
      'Westend': {
        symbol: 'WND',
        decimals: 12,
        explorer: 'https://westend.subscan.io'
      }
    };
  }
  
  async detectNetwork() {
    const chain = await getChainName();
    const config = this.networks[chain];
    
    if (!config) {
      throw new Error(`Unknown network: ${chain}`);
    }
    
    return { chain, ...config };
  }
  
  async validateNetwork(expectedChain) {
    const chain = await getChainName();
    
    if (chain !== expectedChain) {
      throw new Error(
        `Wrong network! Expected ${expectedChain}, got ${chain}`
      );
    }
    
    return true;
  }
}

Notes

• Chain name is configured in the chain specification
• Custom chains can have any name
• Use in combination with system_properties for full network info
• Chain name doesn't change during runtime
• Case-sensitive string comparison

Related Methods

• state_getRuntimeVersion - Get runtime version
• system_health - Get node health
• rpc_methods - List available methods
• state_getMetadata - Get runtime metadata