> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polkadot.novabloq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polkadot.novabloq.com/element-polkadot-api/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

To start using API features, as the other elements, we start by adding the **Polkadot API** element on the page. Make sure it is not in a hidden element or popup.\
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Once you added the element, you will notice that it has one optional field.

![](/files/MLlVIcDAwRdDTth6xRmY)

**RPC URL**\
This is an optional field, here you can indicate the chain to connect to. \
You can leave it empty, the plugin will connect to Polkadot mainnet in this case, the RPC URL of which is *wss\://rpc.polkadot.io*\
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For example, if you want to connect to Westend testnet, use its url which is:\
\&#xNAN;*wss\://westend-rpc.polkadot.io*

## Useful states

### API is initialising

The API initialisation can take a few seconds, this state will show you if it is in progress or no. 

* If the state is **YES**, it means that the API is still initialising and it is not ready to be used yet
* If it is **NO**, the API is ready to be used

### Chain Decimals

Shows the decimals of the token of the connected chain.

### Connected Chain Name

Shows the full chain name, for example Polkadot, Westend etc.

### Chain Symbol

Short symbol of the chain, for example DOT, WND etc.