eth_blockNumber - World Chain RPC Method
Get the current block height on World Chain. Essential for syncing dApps, monitoring transaction confirmations, and blockchain state tracking.
Returns the number of the most recent block on World Chain.
Why World Chain? Build on the human-first Ethereum L2 powered by World ID with World ID integration for free gas and priority blockspace.
When to Use This Method
eth_blockNumber is fundamental for World Chain developers building sybil-resistant applications:
- Syncing Applications — Keep your dApp in sync with the latest World Chain blockchain state
- Transaction Monitoring — Verify confirmations by comparing block numbers
- Event Filtering — Set the correct block range for querying logs on human-verified DeFi, identity-gated applications, bot-resistant services
- Health Checks — Monitor node connectivity and sync status
Code Examples
Common Use Cases
1. Block Confirmation Counter
Monitor transaction confirmations on World Chain:
async function getConfirmations(provider, txHash) {
const tx = await provider.getTransaction(txHash);
if (!tx || !tx.blockNumber) return 0;
const currentBlock = await provider.getBlockNumber();
return currentBlock - tx.blockNumber + 1;
}
// Wait for specific confirmations
async function waitForConfirmations(provider, txHash, confirmations = 6) {
let currentConfirmations = 0;
while (currentConfirmations < confirmations) {
currentConfirmations = await getConfirmations(provider, txHash);
console.log(`Confirmations: ${currentConfirmations}/${confirmations}`);
await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, 2000));
}
return true;
}2. Event Log Filtering
Query events from recent blocks on World Chain:
async function getRecentEvents(provider, contract, eventName, blockRange = 100) {
const currentBlock = await provider.getBlockNumber();
const fromBlock = currentBlock - blockRange;
const filter = contract.filters[eventName]();
const events = await contract.queryFilter(filter, fromBlock, currentBlock);
return events;
}3. Node Health Monitoring
Check if your World Chain node is synced:
async function checkNodeHealth(provider) {
try {
const blockNumber = await provider.getBlockNumber();
const block = await provider.getBlock(blockNumber);
const now = Date.now() / 1000;
const blockAge = now - block.timestamp;
if (blockAge > 60) {
console.warn(`Node may be behind. Last block was ${blockAge}s ago`);
return false;
}
console.log(`Node healthy. Latest block: ${blockNumber}`);
return true;
} catch (error) {
console.error('Node unreachable:', error);
return false;
}
}Performance Optimization
Caching Strategy
Cache block numbers to reduce API calls:
class BlockNumberCache {
constructor(ttl = 2000) {
this.cache = null;
this.timestamp = 0;
this.ttl = ttl;
}
async get(provider) {
const now = Date.now();
if (this.cache && (now - this.timestamp) < this.ttl) {
return this.cache;
}
this.cache = await provider.getBlockNumber();
this.timestamp = now;
return this.cache;
}
invalidate() {
this.cache = null;
this.timestamp = 0;
}
}
const blockCache = new BlockNumberCache();Batch Requests
Combine with other calls for efficiency:
const batch = [
{ jsonrpc: '2.0', method: 'eth_blockNumber', params: [], id: 1 },
{ jsonrpc: '2.0', method: 'eth_gasPrice', params: [], id: 2 },
{ jsonrpc: '2.0', method: 'eth_chainId', params: [], id: 3 }
];
const response = await fetch('https://api-worldchain-mainnet.n.dwellir.com/YOUR_API_KEY', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify(batch)
});
const results = await response.json();Error Handling
Common errors and solutions:
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| -32603 | Internal error | Retry with exponential backoff |
| -32005 | Rate limit exceeded | Implement rate limiting client-side |
| -32000 | Execution reverted | Check node sync status |
async function safeGetBlockNumber(provider, maxRetries = 3) {
for (let i = 0; i < maxRetries; i++) {
try {
return await provider.getBlockNumber();
} catch (error) {
if (error.code === -32005) {
await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, Math.pow(2, i) * 1000));
} else if (i === maxRetries - 1) {
throw error;
}
}
}
}Related Methods
eth_getBlockByNumber— Get full block details by numbereth_getBlockByHash— Get block details by hasheth_syncing— Check if node is still syncing
World Chain RPC with Dwellir
World Chain RPC endpoints for Mainnet; EVM JSON-RPC quickstarts for curl, ethers.js, viem, and web3.py on the human-first Ethereum L2
eth_getBlockByNumber
Retrieve complete block data by block number on World Chain. Perfect for World Chain developers building sybil-resistant applications building on the human-first Ethereum L2 powered by World ID.