What is JSON-RPC and do i need it?

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I have recently finished installing the Bitcoin client. One site i was using to help guide me is called http://www.weusecoins.com/en/. On the mining guide section of that site it says, If you're mining on your own you need to start by setting up your Bitcoin client and set it up for JSON-RPC. I was trying to figure out what it is and how to set it up if i need it but i could not figure it out. My questions then are what is JSON-RPC and do i need it ? Is it set up by default in the original Bitcoin client ?

NewBitcoiner

Posted 2013-06-04T17:48:33.767

Reputation: 105

1To answer your questions in order: Only to mine or automate payments; no.Nick ODell 2013-06-04T20:24:38.067

Are you saying no its not needed or no its not set up by default ? If i need it to mine how do i enable it ?NewBitcoiner 2013-06-04T21:43:33.300

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You need to set up the bitcoin.conf file for it to work. You also need to make sure you allow Json-rpc commands in the .conf file. You can find a sample configuration file here:https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Running_Bitcoin#Sample_Bitcoin.conf. YOu dont need it to mine. Only if you are trying to use bitcoin data on your own site or for your custom fpga miner or something along those lines

Enthusiast 2013-06-05T01:53:57.007

You mentioned it could be needed for custom FPGA. What about for an ASIC from butterfly labs when it ships ?NewBitcoiner 2013-06-05T17:17:51.343

Answers

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The JSON-RPC interface is a way for other programs to interact with Bitcoin-Qt or bitcoind while it's running. It's useful for doing things like mining or building a web site that needs to talk to the Bitcoin network directly. Most users don't need to worry about it or set it up.

Colin Dean

Posted 2013-06-04T17:48:33.767

Reputation: 6 559

Useful to miners you say ? Will i need this for an ASIC ?NewBitcoiner 2013-06-05T17:18:33.297

You may, if you want to solo mine (I wouldn't advise that). Otherwise, no.Colin Dean 2013-06-05T18:59:34.917

Why would you not advise solo mining ? Also how would i know if i need it or not while solo mining ?NewBitcoiner 2013-06-05T20:19:14.077

1You will need it for solo mining. I don't advise solo mining because of the inconsistency of return. You could solo mine for months or years and not see a return.Colin Dean 2013-06-07T01:26:42.697