ℹ️ Interfacing with Cardano

Cardano does not provide regular RPC endpoints by default.

Developers working with the Cardano blockchain have several options for interacting with the Cardano node, each suited to different use cases, languages, and levels of abstraction.

The most direct method is using the official command-line interface, cardano-cli, which offers comprehensive control over node operations, transactions, and protocol parameters. It's ideal for advanced users who want full flexibility in a local or script-based environment.

For developers seeking a more accessible or language-agnostic interface, there are proxy solutions like:

• Ogmios, which exposes the node’s functionality via WebSocket/JSON — useful for browser-based or lightweight clients.
• Submit API, a CBOR-over-HTTP interface for submitting raw transactions.

There are also several language-specific SDKs and libraries:

• cardano-api (Haskell): The official library for building Cardano-native applications.
• Pallas (Rust): A fast and modular toolkit for Cardano infrastructure.
• Yaci (Java): Tailored for Java developers building smart contract backends or integrations.
• ouroboros-network-js (JavaScript): A lightweight client for JavaScript-based projects interacting with the Cardano network.

For those who prefer not to manage their own infrastructure, third-party platforms like Blockfrost, Koios, and Maestro provide managed APIs and hosted services, enabling quick access to blockchain data and transaction submission.

Each tool fits different stages of development — from local prototyping to production-ready deployment — giving teams flexibility in how they build and interact with the Cardano ecosystem. For a broader view of available resources, the Cardano Developer Portal hosts a curated list of official and community-maintained tools.