What Is an RPC? A Beginner's Guide to How Remote Procedure Calls Work in Blockchain
How does your crypto wallet know your balance the moment you open it? Or how can a dApp instantly show real-time data or confirm a transaction? It might seem seamless, but it is not magic. It is made possible by something called an RPC, short for Remote Procedure Call.
Every time you use a wallet or dApp, your device sends a request to a remote server. That request passes through an RPC protocol, which contacts the blockchain and sends back a result. You are not directly accessing the blockchain. The RPC works on your behalf, connecting your device to a remote service that does the heavy lifting.
Think of it like ordering a pizza. You do not enter the kitchen or prepare the dough yourself. You make the call, and someone else handles the rest. An RPC enables your application to do the same. It sends the request, the server processes it, and your interface shows the result.
In this guide, we will explore how remote procedures function in distributed systems, why they matter for blockchain, and how they power everything from wallets to web services. We will also explain what an RPC endpoint is, how RPC compares with REST, and how trusted infrastructure makes the whole process more reliable.
Let’s take a closer look!
What Does a Remote Procedure Call Actually Do?
A Remote Procedure Call allows your device to ask another computer to do something on its behalf. In simple terms, it lets one machine request that a remote server perform a task and return the result. This idea is not new. In traditional computing, a remote server might store files, run software, or process data. Your computer sends a request, and the server handles the task in a different location.
Blockchain works the same way, but instead of using a typical web server, the remote server is usually a node. A node is a computer that runs the blockchain software, holds a copy of the ledger, and responds to requests from users and applications.
Here is how it works in practice.
When you open your wallet to check your balance, the information is not stored on your device. Instead, your wallet sends an RPC request to a remote system, asking a node to look it up. The node receives the request, runs the required remote procedure, and sends the result back to your wallet. Even though the request travels across the internet to reach a remote server, the response feels instant. It is designed to behave just like a local procedure call, even though the task happens somewhere else.
This method is at the heart of distributed systems. It allows devices and services to work together smoothly without needing to be in the same place. In short, RPCs make it possible to call remote functions across a network, whether you are using cloud storage or interacting with a blockchain.
How RPC Works Using a Simple Real-World Example
Let’s look at a simple example from everyday crypto use.
You open your MetaMask wallet to check your ETH balance. The app looks clean and easy to use, but in the background, an important process is already happening. Your wallet sends an RPC request to an Ethereum node, which acts as a remote server. This is part of a remote system that holds the full blockchain data. The request asks the server to run a remote procedure that checks how much ETH is in your wallet address. The node receives the request, runs the procedure, and sends the result back to your device. A moment later, your balance appears on the screen.
To you, it feels instant, but what really happened is a remote procedure call that allowed your wallet to contact a server, run a function call, and get the result through the RPC protocol. You did not need to install a full node or learn how Ethereum stores data. The RPC took care of everything, helping your device talk to a distributed system quickly and smoothly.
This is how most crypto wallets and decentralised apps work. They rely on RPCs to call remote services, process requests, and return accurate information, all without the user needing to understand what is happening behind the screen.
RPC in Blockchain and Why Distributed Systems Rely on It
Blockchains are designed to be decentralised and transparent. That means the data is spread across many different nodes instead of being stored in one central location. This setup is called a distributed system and it allows different computers around the world to store and validate information independently. But in order to work together, these systems need a way to communicate and that is where RPCs come in.
In a distributed computing environment like a blockchain, this type of communication is essential as it keeps systems connected while still allowing them to run independently. Thanks to RPCs, developers can build apps that feel smooth and instant, even when they are powered by complex networks.
RPC vs REST and What Makes Them Different
If you have explored web development or blockchain infrastructure, you may have come across two common ways of sending data between systems. These are RPC and REST.
Both help applications communicate with a server, but they follow different models. Understanding the difference can help you grasp how APIs, wallets, and dApps really work behind the scenes.
What is REST?
REST, short for Representational State Transfer, is widely used in traditional web services. It relies on standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, and DELETE to send and receive information. These requests usually go through an API gateway, which helps organise and manage different functions of a system.
Think of REST like visiting a restaurant. You browse the menu, place an order through the waiter, and wait for your food to arrive. The process is clear, structured, and consistent.
How is RPC Different?
RPC works more like asking a friend to perform a task. You give specific instructions, they carry out the task, and return the result. Instead of going through a menu of options, you are directly calling a function.
This method is often faster and more efficient than REST because it skips the overhead of formal structure. In blockchain networks, where speed and simplicity are key, RPC is often the better choice.
Which One Is Better?
Both have their strengths. REST is great for structured systems with many different resources. RPC is ideal when you want to run specific tasks quickly and get direct results. For blockchain wallets and dApps, RPC is typically preferred.
Types of RPC and How Developers Use Them
Not all RPCs are the same. Over time, different versions have emerged to meet different needs. Here are some of the most common ones.
JSON-RPC
This is the most popular type of RPC used in blockchain. It uses JSON, a lightweight data format, to send and receive messages. JSON-RPC is easy to implement and understand, which makes it a favourite among developers.
gRPC
Developed by Google, gRPC is a high-performance alternative that uses protocol buffers instead of JSON. It is more efficient and suitable for complex or large-scale systems. While not yet standard in blockchain, it is gaining interest.
Other Types
There are also XML-RPC and custom frameworks tailored to specific programming languages. These are less common but still used in some specialised systems.
How Developers Use RPC
RPC allows developers to connect applications to remote servers, like blockchain nodes, without managing everything from scratch. Instead of writing complex code to handle data exchange, they use RPC protocols to send requests and get responses.
This makes it easier to build tools, test features, and improve user experience. Developers focus on the product while the RPC handles communication with the network.
What Is an RPC Endpoint and Why It Matters for Your Wallet
Every RPC request needs a destination. That destination is called an RPC endpoint.
An RPC endpoint is the access point to a remote server. It tells your wallet or dApp where to send its request. For example, when you connect to Ethereum through MetaMask, you are using an RPC endpoint that links your wallet to an Ethereum node.
Each blockchain network has different endpoints. Some are public, others are offered by infrastructure providers. It is also worth nothing that the quality of the endpoint can affect your experience. For example, a slow or unreliable endpoint can cause delays, failed transactions, or missing data.
Think of the endpoint like the address of your favourite takeaway. If the number is wrong or the line is busy, you cannot place your order. A good endpoint ensures the request gets through and comes back quickly.
Why RPC Providers Matter for Blockchain Web Services
Running a full blockchain node takes time, hardware, and technical know-how. Most users and developers do not want to manage that. That is why RPC providers are important.
An RPC provider runs the nodes for you. They offer stable, high-quality endpoints that your wallet or app can connect to. This makes it easier to send RPC requests, receive responses, and keep everything running smoothly.
Good RPC providers ensure:
- Fast and accurate communication
- Secure and reliable infrastructure
- Access to multiple blockchain networks
Without them, using the blockchain would be much harder. From basic wallet functions to advanced dApp features, RPC providers keep the connection alive.
At Simply Staking, we are proud to have built Spectrum, our own RPC infrastructure designed to meet the demands of modern blockchain applications. Spectrum provides fast, stable access to leading networks through secure RPC endpoints. By operating a network of optimised nodes, it helps wallets and decentralised apps deliver the seamless, real-time experience users expect.
Final Thoughts on How RPCs Power Web3
Every time you interact with a blockchain app, send a transaction, or check your wallet balance, you are relying on a simple but powerful idea: the Remote Procedure Call.
RPCs make it possible for your device to speak to a remote server and get information quickly. They connect users to distributed systems without making things complicated. They bring speed, clarity, and structure to decentralised technology.
For developers, RPCs simplify access to blockchain data and functions. For users, they make the experience fast and familiar. And for the future of Web3, they are part of the foundation that keeps everything running.
If you want to dive deeper into how RPC infrastructure works behind the scenes, take a look at Spectrum. It is the solution we built at Simply Staking to power fast, reliable access to blockchain networks. You can explore it at spectrumnodes.com.