Accessing Arweave Data
One of Arweave's core strengths is permanent data storage, but stored data is only valuable if it can be efficiently discovered and retrieved. Arweave provides multiple methods for accessing data, each optimized for different use cases and requirements.
Data Access Fundamentals
All data on Arweave is accessible through gateways - HTTP endpoints that serve as bridges between users and the Arweave network. These gateways expose various interfaces and methods for retrieving data:
- Direct data retrieval - Access data by transaction ID
- Query interfaces - Search and filter data based on metadata
- Name resolution - Access data through human-readable names
- Path-based access - Navigate data collections like websites
Access Methods
1. Data Retrieval Methods
Once you have a transaction ID, there are several ways to fetch the actual data:
- HTTP API - Simple HTTP requests for basic data retrieval
- Arweave.js SDK - Full-featured JavaScript/TypeScript SDK
- ARIO Wayfinder - Intelligent gateway routing with verification
This is ideal for:
- Retrieving known data by ID
- Building applications that need to fetch data
- Choosing the right method for your use case
Learn more about Data Retrieval Methods →
2. GraphQL Queries
For more complex data discovery and filtering, Arweave gateways provide GraphQL endpoints that enable sophisticated queries based on:
- Owner addresses
- Transaction tags
- Block heights
- Time ranges
GraphQL is the preferred method for:
- Searching large datasets
- Building applications that need to discover data
- Complex filtering based on metadata
3. Path Manifests
Path manifests enable organizing multiple files into navigable collections, similar to traditional websites:
https://arweave.net/{manifest-id}/{path/to/file}
Use manifests for:
- Hosting websites and web applications
- Creating browsable file collections
- Organizing related content
4. ArNS (Arweave Name System)
ArNS provides human-readable names that resolve to Arweave transaction IDs:
https://{name}.arweave.dev
ArNS is perfect for:
- User-friendly URLs
- Updatable references to content
- Building permanent web applications
Choosing the Right Method
| Method | Best For | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Data Retrieval | Fetching data by ID | Loading content, building apps |
| GraphQL | Data discovery and filtering | Finding all transactions with specific tags |
| Manifests | Multi-file collections | Hosting a website or application |
| ArNS | Human-readable addressing | Creating a permanent blog or dApp |
Gateway Infrastructure
All these access methods are provided by Arweave gateways. Gateways can be:
- Public gateways like
arweave.net- Open for anyone to use - Private gateways - Run by individuals or organizations for their own use
- AR.IO gateways - Decentralized gateway network providing enhanced features
Next Steps
- Choose your data retrieval method for fetching content
- Set up gateway access for your application
- Query data with GraphQL to build dynamic applications
- Create path manifests for organizing content
- Register ArNS names for user-friendly addressing