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Besu plug-ins let you add Java-based functionality without changing Besu’s source code. They can cover documented needs such as custom JSON-RPC methods, event observation, transaction analysis, and integrations—but only through the extension services available in the Besu release you run. If a requirement falls outside those services, a plug-in is not evidence that arbitrary client internals can be changed.
What are Besu plug-ins?
Besu describes a plug-in as a Java extension that adds custom functionality without changing Besu source code. Besu itself is an open-source Ethereum client written in Java under the Apache 2.0 license; plug-ins provide a way to extend its behavior on public or private networks. Besu’s plug-in overview explains the model.
A plug-in is therefore different from maintaining a source fork: it is loaded as an extension and uses the Plugin API’s documented services. The API can expose state, configure behavior, extend or replace certain parts of the client, and deliver events. That does not mean every internal component is replaceable, nor that all extension points have the same compatibility across releases.
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Besu’s Plugin services catalog groups the available capabilities into areas such as:
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- Chain state and simulation: access blockchain state and simulate activity.
- Consensus and validator data: query consensus-related and validator information.
- Custom RPC: expose plug-in functionality as a JSON-RPC method.
- Events and metrics: observe activity such as block imports or transaction-pool changes and provide metrics.
- Tracing and debugging: support diagnostic and operational tooling.
- Permissioning and peers: work with permissioning or peer behavior.
- Security modules: integrate security-related capabilities.
- Transaction pool: extend selection or validation behavior.
These are documented service categories, not a blanket promise that any requested behavior is supported. Check the service and interface available in the exact Besu release you plan to deploy.
Which use cases does Besu identify?
Besu names app-specific chains, enterprise integration, blockchain activity observation, transaction analysis, Layer 2 support, and debugging or operational tooling as possible plug-in use cases. These examples show the kinds of problems the extension model is intended to address; they do not establish that every implementation is deployed, production-ready, or compatible with every Besu version.
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How do I add a custom JSON-RPC endpoint to Besu?
A plug-in can register an endpoint through RpcEndpointService. The timing and configuration matter: registration belongs in the plug-in’s register stage, before Besu configures RPC endpoints. The resulting method name follows <namespace>_<functionName>.
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- Implement the plug-in against the target release’s API. Use its RPC endpoint service to define the namespace, function, and request handling.
- Register the endpoint during
register. Do this before Besu configures RPC endpoints; later registration may be too late for the endpoint to be exposed. - Enable the namespace in the node’s RPC configuration. Add it to
--rpc-http-apifor HTTP RPC or--rpc-ws-apifor WebSocket RPC, depending on which transport should expose it. - Call the composed method name. The RPC name is the namespace and function name joined with an underscore, such as
namespace_functionName.
The custom RPC endpoint guide specifies that plug-in RPC request parameters are strings; its request interface does not support complex input objects. Design the method’s input accordingly or choose a different integration approach if structured parameters are required.
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can I extend Besu without forking it?
Use a plug-in when the needed behavior maps to a documented Plugin API service and can operate within that service’s contract. For example, observing events, adding a custom RPC method, integrating a security module, or changing supported transaction-pool behavior may fit the plug-in model.
A plug-in is a poor fit if the requirement depends on modifying internal behavior for which the target release provides no documented service. In that case, first check whether another supported Besu configuration or integration route meets the need; do not assume the plug-in API offers unrestricted access to client internals.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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What should you verify before choosing the plug-in route?
- Extension point: Confirm the required state access, event, RPC, permissioning, peer, security, or transaction-pool capability is actually exposed by the target release.
- RPC operations: If adding a custom endpoint, confirm the operator can enable its namespace in the appropriate HTTP or WebSocket API configuration.
- Version fit: Check the Besu release and matching Plugin API documentation, then build and test against that version. The cited BesuPlugin Javadoc is for
21.2.0-SNAPSHOT; it describes lifecycle methods and loading, but is not evidence of compatibility with a current release. - Lifecycle and packaging: That snapshot reference lists
register,start,stop, and configuration-reload methods, and says Besu loads plug-ins through JavaServiceLoaderfrom JARs in its plug-in directory. Verify these details against the release you deploy. - Security and performance: The documentation does not establish universal guarantees for third-party plug-in security or performance overhead. Review the implementation and validate its behavior and resource impact under your own workload.
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