# Chain APIs Overview

> Use the Chain APIs to access read and write functionality for all blockchains supported by Alchemy.

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/docs/llms.txt).

## What are Chain APIs?

Alchemy's Chain APIs provide comprehensive access to blockchain data and functionality across all supported networks. These APIs enable you to interact with blockchains through standardized JSON-RPC methods, allowing you to read blockchain state, write transactions, and build powerful decentralized applications.

## Key capabilities

Chain APIs provide essential blockchain functionality including:

* **Read Operations**: Query account balances, smart contract state, transaction history, block data, and more
* **Write Operations**: Submit transactions to the network and track their status
* **Event Monitoring**: Subscribe to real-time blockchain events via WebSockets
* **Gas Management**: Estimate transaction costs and optimize gas usage
* **Network Information**: Access chain-specific data like network version, block numbers, and protocol details

## Supported blockchains

### Ethereum & EVM layer 1s

* [**Ethereum**](/docs/ethereum/ethereum-api-overview) - The leading smart contract platform and home to DeFi, NFTs, and Web3
* [**BNB Smart Chain**](/docs/bnb-smart-chain/bnb-smart-chain-api-overview) - High-performance blockchain compatible with Ethereum tooling
* [**Avalanche**](/docs/reference/avalanche-api-quickstart) - Fast, low-cost blockchain with sub-second finality
* [**Fantom**](/docs/reference/fantom-deprecation-notice) - High-speed, scalable smart contract platform
* [**Gnosis**](/docs/gnosis/gnosis-api-overview) - Community-owned Ethereum sidechain focused on payments and prediction markets
* [**Rootstock**](/docs/rootstock/rootstock-api-overview) - Bitcoin-secured smart contract platform

### Layer 2 scaling solutions

#### Optimistic rollups

* [**Arbitrum**](/docs/arbitrum/arbitrum-api-overview) - Leading Ethereum L2 with EVM compatibility and lower fees
* [**OP Mainnet**](/docs/op-mainnet/op-mainnet-api-overview) - Optimistic rollup from Optimism Collective
* [**Base**](/docs/base/base-api-overview) - Coinbase's Ethereum L2 built on the OP Stack

#### ZK rollups

* [**Polygon zkEVM**](/docs/reference/polygon-zkevm-api-quickstart) - Zero-knowledge rollup with full EVM equivalence
* [**zkSync**](/docs/reference/zksync-api-quickstart) - Privacy-preserving and scalable ZK rollup
* [**Scroll**](/docs/scroll/scroll-api-overview) - Bytecode-level compatible zkEVM
* [**Linea**](/docs/linea/linea-api-overview) - ConsenSys zkEVM rollup
* [**Starknet**](/docs/starknet/starknet-api-overview) - Validity rollup using STARK proofs

#### Other L2s & sidechains

* [**Polygon PoS**](/docs/polygon-pos/polygon-pos-api-overview) - High-throughput Ethereum sidechain
* [**Mantle**](/docs/mantle/mantle-api-overview) - Modular L2 with low fees
* [**Metis**](/docs/metis/metis-api-overview) - Decentralized optimistic rollup
* [**Blast**](/docs/blast/blast-api-overview) - L2 with native yield for ETH and stablecoins
* [**Mode**](/docs/mode/mode-api-overview) - Optimistic L2 focused on DeFi
* [**Zora**](/docs/zora/zora-api-overview) - Creator-focused Ethereum L2
* [**Ink**](/docs/ink/ink-api-overview) - L2 solution for decentralized apps
* [**Shape**](/docs/shape/shape-api-overview) - Scalable L2 network
* [**Unichain**](/docs/unichain/unichain-api-overview) - Uniswap's L2 solution
* [**World Chain**](/docs/world-chain/world-chain-api-overview) - Identity-focused L2
* [**Abstract**](/docs/abstract/abstract-api-overview) - Application-specific L2
* [**Soneium**](/docs/soneium/soneium-api-overview) - Next-generation L2 platform

### Alternative layer 1 blockchains

* [**Solana**](/docs/solana/solana-api-overview) - High-performance blockchain with fast transactions and low fees
* [**Aptos**](/docs/reference/aptos-api-quickstart) - Secure, scalable blockchain using the Move language
* [**Sui**](/docs/reference/sui-api-quickstart) - Fast, private, and secure blockchain built on Move
* [**Celo**](/docs/celo/celo-api-overview) - Mobile-first blockchain for financial inclusion
* [**Bitcoin**](/docs/bitcoin/bitcoin-api-overview) - The original cryptocurrency and decentralized network
* [**Flow**](/docs/reference/flow-api-quickstart) - Blockchain built for NFTs, games, and digital assets
* [**Berachain**](/docs/berachain/berachain-api-overview) - DeFi-native blockchain with novel consensus
* [**Monad**](/docs/monad/monad-api-overview) - High-performance EVM-compatible blockchain
* [**Sei**](/docs/sei/sei-api-overview) - Purpose-built L1 for trading applications

### Emerging networks & testnets

Alchemy also supports many emerging chains and specialized networks including Astar, Hyperliquid, Lens, opBNB, Plasma, Rise, Ronin, Sonic, and many more. Visit our [full chain directory](https://www.alchemy.com/rpc) for a complete list.

## Getting started

1. **Create an Alchemy account** - Sign up for free at [alchemy.com](https://www.alchemy.com/signup)
2. **Create an app** - Set up a new app for your chosen blockchain
3. **Get your API key** - Use your unique API endpoint to start making requests
4. **Choose your chain** - Select a chain from the list above and follow its quickstart guide
5. **Start building** - Use our SDKs, documentation, and tools to build your dapp