Ethereum/Guides/Uncle Blocks

Uncle Blocks Guide

Uncle blocks (also known as ommer blocks) are valid blocks that weren't included in the main chain but are still rewarded in Ethereum. Understanding them is important for mining and block validation.

Understanding Uncle Blocks

What are uncle blocks
Why they exist
Reward structure
Impact on network security

Implementation Examples

// Get uncle count for a block
const getUncleCount = async (blockNumber) => {
	const block = await web3.eth.getBlock(blockNumber);
	return block.uncles.length;
};

// Get uncle block by index
const getUncleBlock = async (blockNumber, uncleIndex) => {
	return await web3.eth.getUncle(blockNumber, uncleIndex);
};

// Monitor uncle rates
const calculateUncleRate = async (blockRange = 100) => {
	const latestBlock = await web3.eth.getBlockNumber();
	const startBlock = latestBlock - blockRange;

	let totalUncles = 0;
	for (let i = startBlock; i <= latestBlock; i++) {
		const uncleCount = await getUncleCount(i);
		totalUncles += uncleCount;
	}

	return totalUncles / blockRange;
};

Best Practices

Consider uncle blocks in block confirmations
Monitor uncle rates for network health
Account for uncle rewards in mining calculations
Handle uncle references properly

Uncle Blocks Guide

Understanding Uncle Blocks

Implementation Examples

Best Practices

See also