# Base

<figure><img src="https://3091755030-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FENUSv6WO6gDHge2JXsI2%2Fuploads%2FxWfkgpOtJlnV0cleZYCC%2FBase_Wordmark_Blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=a1c80c03-0bb6-45af-9ea1-87db3f1fff99" alt="Base Logo"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Introduction

The [**Base network**](https://www.base.org/) is a **Layer 2 blockchain** built on the Ethereum ecosystem by **Coinbase**. It is designed to provide a secure, scalable, and low-cost platform for decentralized applications (dApps). Base uses **Optimistic Rollups** technology to achieve these goals, processing transactions off-chain and settling them on Ethereum.

#### Key Features of the Base Network:

1. **Layer 2 Scaling**:
   * Base improves transaction throughput and reduces costs by handling transactions off-chain while leveraging Ethereum for security and finality.
2. **Built by Coinbase**:
   * As a Coinbase initiative, Base integrates seamlessly with Coinbase products and services, fostering adoption among millions of users.
3. **Optimistic Rollups**:
   * The Base network uses this scaling method to batch and process transactions off-chain, assuming validity unless disputed, which minimizes on-chain computation.
4. **Ethereum Compatibility**:
   * Fully EVM-compatible, making it easy for developers to migrate or build Ethereum-based dApps on Base.
5. **Low Fees**:
   * By utilizing Layer 2 infrastructure, Base offers significantly lower gas fees compared to the Ethereum mainnet.
6. **Open and Permissionless**:
   * Although developed by Coinbase, Base is designed to be a decentralized, permissionless platform for developers and users.
7. **Developer-Friendly**:
   * Base offers tools, documentation, and integration with existing Ethereum developer ecosystems, encouraging innovation and ease of use.
8. **Secure by Ethereum**:
   * All Base network transactions are secured by Ethereum, benefiting from the robust security of the mainnet.

The Base network aims to drive mainstream adoption of decentralized applications by providing a user-friendly and cost-effective environment while staying rooted in the Ethereum ecosystem's principles of decentralization and security.

## How to Interact

1. Get your API Key from [Forbole's RPC](https://rpc.forbole.com/).

<figure><img src="https://3091755030-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FENUSv6WO6gDHge2JXsI2%2Fuploads%2FvX6BJYjnmpNBKUxCzQ9U%2FScreenshot%202025-01-08%20at%202.46.59%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=25bd8022-4e71-4c36-8104-a9c1a9f0fa50" alt="DevTools Endpoints"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Test the query as follow:

```bash
curl https://rpc-mainnet-base-fullnode.forbole.com \
  -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "apikey: {apiKey}" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"eth_blockNumber"}'
```

**Response Example**

```json
{
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "id": 1,
    "result": "0x162d778"
}
```