> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.avacloud.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

## Getting Started with the RPC API

The Avalanche RPC API provides direct access to the Platform Chain (P-Chain) and Exchange Chain (X-Chain) through JSON-RPC 2.0 endpoints. This guide will help you make your first RPC calls to interact with Avalanche's core chains.

### Prerequisites

* Basic understanding of JSON-RPC
* A tool for making HTTP requests (curl, Postman, or any programming language with HTTP support)
* Access to an Avalanche node endpoint

### Making Your First RPC Call

All RPC calls follow the standard JSON-RPC 2.0 format. Here's an example to get the current height of the P-Chain:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/P \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "platform.getHeight",
    "params": {},
    "id": 1
  }'
```

### Response Format

All responses follow the JSON-RPC 2.0 standard:

```json theme={null}
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "result": {
    "height": "12345678"
  },
  "id": 1
}
```

### Common Use Cases

The RPC API enables you to:

* **Query Validators**: Get information about current validators and their stakes
* **Monitor Staking**: Track staking rewards and delegation details
* **Manage Subnets**: Create and manage custom blockchain networks
* **Access Blocks**: Retrieve block data by height or hash
* **Track Transactions**: Query transaction status and details

### Next Steps

* Explore the [platform methods](/rpc-api/chain-info/get-height) for P-Chain operations
* Review [validator endpoints](/rpc-api/validators/get-current-validators) for staking information