Unlocking Blockchain Data with Block Subgraphs: A Guide for Crypto Users

Are you a developer, trader, or crypto enthusiast looking to harness detailed on-chain data, without the complexities of running a full node? Block subgraphs are your gateway to accessing curated blockchain information efficiently. This guide will show you how to leverage existing block subgraphs on The Graph’s explorer to easily fulfill specific data needs.

What is a Block Subgraph?

Block subgraphs are specialized data structures that index information from blocks on a blockchain. This can include details like transaction data, block height, gas cost, and more, making them essential tools for anyone needing in-depth blockchain analysis.

So, why use block subgraphs? One main reason is they simplify access to blockchain data, which is crucial for:

1. Developers: Building applications that require real-time access to blockchain events.
2. Traders: Monitoring network activity and transaction costs to make informed trading decisions.
3. Analysts: Conducting detailed blockchain analysis to study trends and network health.

Accessing Block Subgraphs with The Graph

The Graph hosts a variety of block subgraphs for multiple blockchains, which are readily accessible. Here’s how you can start utilizing them:

1. Explore Available Subgraphs: Visit the Graph Explorer and select your blockchain of choice to discover available block subgraphs.
2. API Key Setup: Before querying a subgraph, you’ll need to set up an API key with The Graph. This key enables you to interact securely with subgraphs.
3. Making Queries: Once you have your API key, you can start querying the subgraph using GraphQL. This powerful query language allows you to fetch exactly the data you need, from block numbers to gas usage.

Practical Use Cases for Block Subgraphs

To better understand how you might use block subgraphs, consider these scenarios:

• Transaction Monitoring: Track transactions in real-time to analyze throughput and gas prices during different network conditions.
• Security Audits: Use block data to verify the integrity of blocks and transactions, enhancing security audits of smart contracts and dApps.
• Historical Data Analysis: Access historical blockchain data to identify trends, prepare reports, or develop predictive models about network behavior.

Real World Use Case

If you’ve been in the crypto sphere for a while, then you’ve heard of Uniswap, a very popular “open-source protocol for providing liquidity and trading ERC20 tokens on Ethereum.” When it comes to fast-paced and high-stakes decisions, having accurate and detailed information is critical for users. That’s where block subgraphs could come in handy.

Check out Uniswap’s Overview page to see tracked activity, such as total volume on Ethereum, or even more granular details for each specific token.

In order to calculate this, they could utilize the block subgraph using this query:

{tokens {
  id 
  totalVolume
  }
}

At the same time, they pull what block happened 24 hours ago from a block subgraph using this query:

{
  blocks(first: 1, orderBy: timestamp, where: {timestamp_gt: "1713420589"}) {
    number
    timestamp
  }
}

Then using the output of the block subgraph, they query the same thing with tokens, but instead travel back in time by 24 hours:

{tokens (block: {number: 118910907}) {
  id 
  totalVolume
  }
}

The retrieved information shows a current volume of 11 Million, while the volume from 24 hours ago was 10 Million. The result is a 24 hour volume of 1 Million. You could also pull details for other time frames and variables, such as details for 7 day volume, or 7 day fees.

But if you want to do any type of time traveling, you’ll want some type of reference point regarding which block you want to go back in time to. You can accomplish that by utilizing some type of block subgraph. This will allow you to find information related to questions you may have, such as “which block happened exactly 24 hours ago.”

Explore Block Subgraphs on The Graph

Access detailed blockchain data across multiple networks through these available subgraphs on the Graph Explorer below. If your block is not there, new subgraphs are continually being added, so you can search by key word “block”.

• Ethereum Block Subgraph: Explore Now
• Arbitrum Block Subgraph: Explore Now
• BSC (Binance Smart Chain): Explore Now
• Gnosis Block Subgraph: Explore Now
• Moonriver Block Subgraph: Explore Now
• Optimism Block Subgraph: Explore Now
• Polygon Block Subgraph: Explore Now
• Base Block Subgraph: Explore Now

Getting Started

Identify your data needs and explore The Graph to find a subgraph that matches your requirements. If a suitable subgraph doesn’t exist, The Graph’s community-driven platform allows you to propose or even create a new subgraph.

Block subgraphs are powerful tools that open up a world of possibilities for accessing and analyzing blockchain data with ease. By utilizing The Graph’s extensive library of subgraphs, you can significantly enhance your projects or research in the cryptocurrency domain.

Start exploring The Graph today, set up your API key, and begin querying to unlock the full potential of blockchain data!

Do you have any questions?

Graphtronauts is the largest, unofficial community for long-term GRT holders who believe in The Graph’s web3 vision for the future. Our goal is to educate the broader crypto community and help them become contributing members within The Graph ecosystem.

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Unlocking Blockchain Data with Block Subgraphs: A Guide for Crypto Users was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.