> 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).