#show-card ## Overview [[Infura]] is a leading blockchain development platform that provides [[API]] access to [[Ethereum]] and other decentralized networks. It allows developers to connect their applications to these networks without needing to run their own full [[Node|nodes]], significantly simplifying the development process and reducing infrastructure overhead. - **Problem Solved:** The complexity and resource intensiveness of running and maintaining blockchain nodes for [[DApp|dApp]] development and operation. - **Value Proposition:** Offers reliable, scalable, and easy-to-use API access to Ethereum (mainnet and testnets), IPFS, and other networks, enabling developers to build and scale dApps more efficiently. - **Official Website:** [https://www.infura.io/](https://www.infura.io/) - **Developed By:** ConsenSys - **Status:** Live and widely used by developers and projects in the [[Web3]] space. ## Key Features - **Ethereum Node Access:** Provides JSON-RPC API access to Ethereum mainnet and various testnets (e.g., Sepolia, Holesky), allowing dApps to read blockchain data and send transactions. - **IPFS Gateway & API:** Offers an IPFS gateway for accessing content stored on the InterPlanetary File System and an API for pinning data to IPFS. - **Support for Other Networks:** Extends support beyond Ethereum to other networks like [[Polygon]], [[Optimism]], [[Arbitrum]], [[Linea]], [[Avalanche]], and [[Starknet|StarkNet]] (support may vary). - **Scalability & Reliability:** Designed to handle a large volume of requests, providing a stable connection for dApps. - **Developer Dashboard:** Offers a dashboard for managing API keys, monitoring usage, and accessing analytics. - **WebSockets Support:** Enables real-time event subscriptions from the blockchain. - **Archive Data Access:** Provides access to historical Ethereum blockchain data (often a premium feature). ## Technology - **Service Type:** Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS), specifically node infrastructure provider. - **Core Offering:** API endpoints for interacting with blockchain networks. ## Ecosystem & Use Cases - **Target Audience:** Blockchain developers, dApp teams, and projects requiring reliable access to Ethereum and other networks. - **How It's Used:** - Powering dApp backends for reading blockchain state. - Submitting transactions to the network. - Accessing and storing data on IPFS. - Used by [[Wallet|wallets]], exchanges, analytics tools, and various Web3 services. ## Getting Started & Resources - **Access:** Sign up on the Infura website to get API keys. - **Documentation:** [https://docs.infura.io/](https://docs.infura.io/) - **Community/Support:** Developer forums, support channels. ## Related Concepts - Ethereum - API - Nodes - IPFS - dApps - ConsenSys (if a card is made)