analyzing-mempool

# Analyzing Mempool

## Contents

[Overview](#overview) | [Prerequisites](#prerequisites) | [Instructions](#instructions) | [Output](#output) | [Error Handling](#error-handling) | [Examples](#examples) | [Resources](#resources)

## Overview

Monitor Ethereum mempool for pending transactions, analyze gas prices, detect DEX swaps, and identify potential MEV opportunities. Useful for traders, MEV researchers, and protocol developers.

## Prerequisites

1. Install Python 3.8+ with requests library
2. Configure Ethereum RPC URL (default: public endpoint, or set `ETH_RPC_URL`)
3. Verify internet access for RPC calls

## Instructions

### Step 1: Navigate to Scripts Directory

```bash
cd ${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/scripts
```

### Step 2: Choose a Command

1. View pending transactions: `python mempool_analyzer.py pending`
2. Analyze gas prices: `python mempool_analyzer.py gas`
3. Detect pending DEX swaps: `python mempool_analyzer.py swaps`
4. Scan MEV opportunities: `python mempool_analyzer.py mev`
5. Get mempool summary: `python mempool_analyzer.py summary`
6. Watch specific contract: `python mempool_analyzer.py watch 0x7a250d...`

Alternatively, customize with flags:
```bash
python mempool_analyzer.py pending --limit 100    # Limit results
python mempool_analyzer.py --chain polygon gas     # Use different chain
python mempool_analyzer.py --chain arbitrum pending # Or use Arbitrum
```

### Step 3: Interpret Results

**Gas Recommendations:**
- Slow (10th percentile): May take 10+ blocks
- Standard (50th percentile): 2-5 blocks
- Fast (75th percentile): 1-2 blocks
- Instant (90th percentile): Next block likely

**MEV Warnings:**
- MEV detection is for educational purposes
- Real MEV extraction requires specialized infrastructure
- Use this for research and understanding mempool dynamics

## Output

- Pending transaction lists with gas prices and types
- Gas price distribution and recommendations
- Detected DEX swaps with amounts and DEX identification
- MEV opportunity analysis with estimated profits
- JSON output for programmatic use (`--format json`)

## Error Handling

See `${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/errors.md` for:
- RPC connection issues and timeout recovery
- Mempool access limitations per chain
- Transaction decoding errors and fallbacks
- Gas analysis edge cases

## Examples

**Example 1: Check gas before sending transaction:**
```bash
python mempool_analyzer.py gas
# Use "Fast" for quick confirmation
```

**Example 2: Monitor for large pending swaps:**
```bash
python mempool_analyzer.py swaps --limit 200  # 200: max results to scan
```

**Example 3: Research MEV opportunities:**
```bash
python mempool_analyzer.py mev -v
```

See `${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/examples.md` for more usage patterns.

## Resources

- `${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/implementation.md` - Gas analysis, MEV detection, multi-chain details
- [Ethereum JSON-RPC](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/apis/json-rpc/) - RPC specification
- [Flashbots](https://flashbots.net) - MEV research and infrastructure
- [DEX Subgraphs](https://thegraph.com) - Pool and swap data
- Supports: Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base