# Boba API FAQ

> Frequently asked questions about the Boba API

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

## What is Boba Network?

[Boba Network](https://boba.network/) is a Layer 2 optimistic rollup built on Ethereum. Based on the OP Stack, Boba is fully EVM compatible while offering lower gas fees and higher throughput than Ethereum mainnet. Boba is best known for two developer-facing features on top of the standard OP Stack: Hybrid Compute, which lets smart contracts call off-chain APIs and receive verifiable results, and native support for account abstraction.

## What is the Boba API?

The Boba API lets your applications connect to a Boba node on the network. You can read onchain data, submit transactions, and interact with smart contracts using its JSON-RPC endpoints. The API follows the JSON-RPC standard, a stateless, lightweight, remote procedure call (RPC) protocol encoded in JSON.

## How can I get started using the Boba API?

Explained in the [Boba API Quickstart Guide](/docs/reference/boba-api-quickstart).

## Is Boba EVM compatible?

Yes. Boba is built on the OP Stack, which means it supports any Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) codebase. You can deploy existing Solidity contracts, use the same tools you use for Ethereum, and migrate assets from Ethereum L1 or other interoperable chains to Boba with minimal changes.

## What is a Boba API key?

When accessing the Boba network through a node provider like Alchemy, you use an API key to send transactions and retrieve data from the network.

For the best development experience, we recommend that you [sign up for a free API key](https://dashboard.alchemy.com/signup).

## Which libraries support Boba?

Common Ethereum libraries such as [viem](https://viem.sh/), [ethers.js](https://docs.ethers.org/), and [web3.js](https://web3js.readthedocs.io/) all support Boba given its EVM nature. `viem` exports both `boba` (mainnet) and `bobaSepolia` (testnet) chain definitions out of the box.

## What programming languages work with Boba?

Any language that works with Ethereum works with Boba. Solidity is the primary choice for smart contract development. JavaScript and TypeScript are the most common languages for offchain interactions, while Python, Go, and Rust libraries also work.

## What does Boba use for gas?

Boba uses ETH as its native gas token, the same as Ethereum mainnet.

## What is Hybrid Compute?

Hybrid Compute is a feature unique to Boba that lets smart contracts call off-chain APIs and machine-learning endpoints and receive verifiable results back onchain. This enables data-rich dApps that would otherwise be impractical or impossible to build purely onchain. See the [Boba Hybrid Compute docs](https://docs.boba.network/hc/index) for details.

## Which networks does Alchemy support for Boba?

Alchemy supports the following Boba networks:

* **Boba Mainnet** (chain ID `288`): `https://boba-mainnet.g.alchemy.com/v2/{apiKey}`
* **Boba Sepolia** (chain ID `28882`): `https://boba-sepolia.g.alchemy.com/v2/{apiKey}`

## What testnet should I use for Boba?

Use **Boba Sepolia** (chain ID `28882`). It mirrors the Boba mainnet environment and lets you deploy smart contracts, execute transactions, and rehearse bridging flows at no cost. You can find faucet options on the [Boba testnet faucets page](https://docs.boba.network/faucets).

## What methods does Alchemy support for the Boba API?

You can find the list of all the methods Alchemy supports for the Boba API on the [Boba API Endpoints](/docs/chains#boba-apis) page.

## How can I bridge assets between Ethereum and Boba?

The [Boba Gateway](https://gateway.boba.network/) supports bridging ETH and supported ERC-20 tokens between Ethereum and Boba. Connect your wallet, choose the asset, and confirm the transaction on the source chain.

## Which block explorer should I use for Boba?

Use [Bobascan](https://bobascan.com/) for Boba Mainnet and [Bobascan Testnet](https://testnet.bobascan.com/) for Boba Sepolia. Both let you look up transactions, addresses, tokens, and contracts on the respective network.

## My question isn't here, where can I get help?

If you have any questions or feedback, contact us at support@alchemy.com or open a ticket in the Alchemy Dashboard.