Logo

    Last Mile of Blockchains: RPC and Node-as-a-Service

    enJuly 27, 2024
    What are the benefits of running a full node?
    How does third-party access affect blockchain privacy?
    What challenges do users face when accessing blockchain data?
    Why is integrity important in blockchain communication?
    What alternatives exist to running a full node?

    Podcast Summary

    • Blockchain accessRunning a full node is the most effective and secure method for accessing blockchains as it ensures data control, decentralization, and maintains the fundamental properties of web communication: integrity, availability, and privacy.

      While there are various ways for end users to access blockchains, the most effective and secure method is still to run a full node. This is based on the three fundamental properties of web communication: integrity, availability, and privacy. Although running a full node requires significant resources, it ensures that users have complete control over their data and transactions, and it maintains the decentralized nature of blockchains. On the other hand, relying on third-party services for blockchain access can compromise privacy and availability, and it may introduce potential security risks. However, as the blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve, it is crucial for future accessibility services to consider these three expectations and provide solutions that balance accessibility, security, and decentralization. In summary, while much research focuses on securing blockchains, it is equally important to ensure that users can access and verify information on the chain, and running a full node remains the best option for maintaining the integrity, availability, and privacy of blockchain data.

    • Blockchain information extractionBlockchains offer transparency and security but extracting meaningful information can be challenging due to increasing transaction volume and lack of incentives for nodes to publish refined data. Users can extract info by running a full node locally or relying on third-party services, each with advantages and disadvantages.

      While public ledgers like blockchains offer valuable transparency and security, accessing meaningful information from them can be a challenge. With the growing number of users interacting with blockchains, the volume of transactions is increasing, making it difficult for standard users to extract useful information without powerful hardware. Most blockchain protocols incentivize nodes to maintain the ledger but not to publish refined information. Users often need to obtain this information from third parties, but this approach comes with risks. Therefore, users must find ways to extract information from blocks, either by running a full node locally or relying on third-party services. This paper explores these two methods in detail, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Running a full node locally allows users to extract a significant amount of information without external reliance, but it can be costly and resource-intensive. On the other hand, relying on third-party services is more convenient and cost-effective, but it introduces security risks. As the cost of running a full node continues to rise, more users are turning to third-party services, but they must be aware of the risks involved. In summary, while blockchains offer many benefits, accessing meaningful information from them requires careful consideration and planning.

    • Blockchain access methodsRunning a full node locally ensures data integrity, availability, and privacy when accessing a blockchain, while alternative methods may compromise these aspects.

      Accessing a blockchain can range from running a full node with maximal hardware requirements and minimal reliance on third parties, to utilizing trusted third-party services with minimal hardware requirements and maximal reliance. Specific wallet software, such as specific light nodes, allows users to access limited data on the blockchain directly or by querying external nodes. However, there's a trend towards universal light nodes that provide more comprehensive information. While these approaches offer convenience, they may compromise integrity, availability, and privacy. Existing protocols have their flaws in these areas. Therefore, running a full node locally remains the best option to ensure data integrity, availability, and privacy when accessing a blockchain. It's crucial to consider these aspects when designing new blockchain interaction protocols. (Word count: 132) The paper discussing these concepts is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

    • AI reading stories aloudAI can now read stories aloud, showcasing its capabilities and offering new ways to engage with content. Connect to tech platforms like Hackernoon.com to stay updated on advancements and grow in the tech industry.

      Technology continues to evolve and advance, with artificial intelligence now able to read stories aloud for us. This not only showcases the capabilities of AI but also offers new ways to engage with content. Visiting Hackernoon.com provides access to a platform where you can read, write, learn, and publish, fostering a community for tech enthusiasts and professionals. By staying connected to this ever-changing landscape, we can continue to grow, learn, and adapt. So, embrace the future and the advancements it brings. After all, who knows what exciting innovations we'll encounter next?

    Recent Episodes from Programming Tech Brief By HackerNoon

    Java vs. Scala: Comparative Analysis for Backend Development in Fintech

    Java vs. Scala: Comparative Analysis for Backend Development in Fintech

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/java-vs-scala-comparative-analysis-for-backend-development-in-fintech.
    Choosing the right backend technology for fintech development involves a detailed look at Java and Scala.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #java, #javascript, #java-vs-scala, #scala, #backend-development-fintech, #should-i-choose-scala, #java-for-fintech-development, #scala-for-fintech-development, and more.

    This story was written by: @grigory. Learn more about this writer by checking @grigory's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    Choosing the right backend technology for fintech development involves a detailed look at Java and Scala.

    A Simplified Guide for the"Dockerazition" of Ruby and Rails With React Front-End App

    A Simplified Guide for the"Dockerazition" of Ruby and Rails With React Front-End App

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/a-simplified-guide-for-thedockerazition-of-ruby-and-rails-with-react-front-end-app.
    This is a brief description of how to set up docker for a rails application with a react front-end
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #software-development, #full-stack-development, #devops, #deployment, #dockerization, #rails-with-react, #hackernoon-top-story, #react-tutorial, and more.

    This story was written by: @forison. Learn more about this writer by checking @forison's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    Dockerization involves two key concepts: images and containers. Images serve as blueprints for containers, containing all the necessary information to create a container. A container is a runtime instance of an image, comprising the image itself, an execution environment, and runtime instructions. In this article, we will provide a hands-on guide to dockerizing your Rails and React applications in detail.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing Your First Python Package on PyPI Using Poetry: Lessons Learned

    Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing Your First Python Package on PyPI Using Poetry: Lessons Learned

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/step-by-step-guide-to-publishing-your-first-python-package-on-pypi-using-poetry-lessons-learned.
    Learn to create, prepare, and publish a Python package to PyPI using Poetry. Follow our step-by-step guide to streamline your package development process.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #python, #python-tutorials, #python-tips, #python-development, #python-programming, #python-packages, #package-management, #pypi, and more.

    This story was written by: @viachkon. Learn more about this writer by checking @viachkon's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    Poetry automates many tasks for you, including publishing packages. To publish a package, you need to follow several steps: create an account, prepare a project, and publish it to PyPI.

    Building a Level Viewer for The Legend Of Zelda - Twilight Princess

    Building a Level Viewer for The Legend Of Zelda - Twilight Princess

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/building-a-level-viewer-for-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess.
    I programmed a web BMD viewer for Twilight Princess because I am fascinated by analyzing levels and immersing myself in the details of how they were made.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #reverse-engineering, #bmd, #game-development, #the-legend-of-zelda, #level-design, #web-bmd-viewer, #level-viewer-for-zelda-game, #hackernoon-top-story, and more.

    This story was written by: @hackerclz1yf3a00000356r1e6xb368. Learn more about this writer by checking @hackerclz1yf3a00000356r1e6xb368's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    I started programming a web BMD viewer for Twilight Princess (Nintendo GameCube) because I love this game and as a game producer, I am fascinated by analyzing levels and immersing myself in the details of how they were made.

    How to Simplify State Management With React.js Context API - A Tutorial

    How to Simplify State Management With React.js Context API - A Tutorial

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/how-to-simplify-state-management-with-reactjs-context-api-a-tutorial.
    Master state management in React using Context API. This guide provides practical examples and tips for avoiding prop drilling and enhancing app performance.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #reactjs, #context-api, #react-tutorial, #javascript-tutorial, #frontend, #state-management, #hackernoon-top-story, #prop-drilling, and more.

    This story was written by: @codebucks. Learn more about this writer by checking @codebucks's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    This blog offers a comprehensive guide on managing state in React using the Context API. It explains how to avoid prop drilling, enhance performance, and implement the Context API effectively. With practical examples and optimization tips, it's perfect for developers looking to streamline state management in their React applications.

    Augmented Linked Lists: An Essential Guide

    Augmented Linked Lists: An Essential Guide

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/augmented-linked-lists-an-essential-guide.
    While a linked list is primarily a write-only and sequence-scanning data structure, it can be optimized in different ways.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #data-structures, #linked-lists, #memory-management, #linked-lists-explained, #how-does-a-linked-list-work, #hackernoon-top-story, #eviction-keys, #linked-list-guide, and more.

    This story was written by: @amoshi. Learn more about this writer by checking @amoshi's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    While a linked list is primarily a write-only and sequence-scanning data structure, it can be optimized in different ways. Augmentation is an approach that remains effective in some cases and provides extra capabilities in others.

    How to Write Tests for Free

    How to Write Tests for Free

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/how-to-write-tests-for-free.
    This article describes deeper analysis on whether to write tests or not, brings pros and cons, and shows a technique that could save you a lot of time
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #testing, #should-i-write-tests, #how-to-write-tests, #increase-coverage, #test-driven-development, #why-tests-matter, #what-is-tdd, #are-tests-necessary, and more.

    This story was written by: @sergiykukunin. Learn more about this writer by checking @sergiykukunin's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    This article describes deeper analysis on whether to write tests or not, brings pros and cons, and shows a technique that could save you a lot of time and efforts on writing tests.

    Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating a Web Project

    Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating a Web Project

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/five-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-creating-a-web-project.
    Web projects can fail for many reasons. In this article I will share my experience that will help you solve some of them.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #web-development, #security, #programming, #secrets-stored-in-code, #library-licenses, #access-restriction, #closing-unused-ports, #hackernoon-top-story, and more.

    This story was written by: @shcherbanich. Learn more about this writer by checking @shcherbanich's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    Web projects can fail for many reasons. In this article I will share my experience that will help you solve some of them.

    Declarative Shadow DOM: The Magic Pill for Server-Side Rendering and Web Components

    Declarative Shadow DOM: The Magic Pill for Server-Side Rendering and Web Components

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/declarative-shadow-dom-the-magic-pill-for-server-side-rendering-and-web-components.
    Discover how to use Shadow DOM for server-side rendering to improve web performance and SEO.
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #server-side-rendering, #shadow-dom, #web-components, #declarative-shadow-dom, #static-html, #web-component-styling, #web-performance-optimization, #imperative-api-shadow-dom, and more.

    This story was written by: @pradeepin2. Learn more about this writer by checking @pradeepin2's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    Shadow DOM is a web standard enabling encapsulation of DOM subtrees in web components. It allows developers to create isolated scopes for CSS and JavaScript within a document, preventing conflicts with other parts of the page. Shadow DOM's key feature is its "shadow root," serving as a boundary between the component's internal structure and the rest of the document.

    How to Scrape Data Off Wikipedia: Three Ways (No Code and Code)

    How to Scrape Data Off Wikipedia: Three Ways (No Code and Code)

    This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/how-to-scrape-data-off-wikipedia-three-ways-no-code-and-code.
    Get your hands on excellent manually annotated datasets with Google Sheets or Python
    Check more stories related to programming at: https://hackernoon.com/c/programming. You can also check exclusive content about #python, #google-sheets, #data-analysis, #pandas, #data-scraping, #web-scraping, #wikipedia-data, #scraping-wikipedia-data, and more.

    This story was written by: @horosin. Learn more about this writer by checking @horosin's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.

    For a side project, I turned to Wikipedia tables as a data source. Despite their inconsistencies, they proved quite useful. I explored three methods for extracting this data: - Google Sheets: Easily scrape tables using the =importHTML function. - Pandas and Python: Use pd.read_html to load tables into dataframes. - Beautiful Soup and Python: Handle more complex scraping, such as extracting data from both tables and their preceding headings. These methods simplify data extraction, though some cleanup is needed due to inconsistencies in the tables. Overall, leveraging Wikipedia as a free and accessible resource made data collection surprisingly easy. With a little effort to clean and organize the data, it's possible to gain valuable insights for any project.