> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.telcoin.network/telcoin-network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.telcoin.network/telcoin-network/getting-started/reading-blockchain-data.md).

# Reading Blockchain Data

Since blockchains only require payment (gas) to change their state, reading from a blockchain is completely free. 

{% hint style="info" %}
'State' is the term used to describe the values of all variables stored within the blockchain.
{% endhint %}

When we read from the blockchain, we simply observe the state of the blockchain, and do not change it. We are therefore not required to pay any gas fees for this action.

Since we do not have to pay gas, we do not need to hold any gas, and we therefore do not even need a wallet! (This will come later).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.telcoin.network/telcoin-network/getting-started/reading-blockchain-data.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.