A Beginner's Guide To Using a Cryptocurrency Block Explorer

January 2023 (Updated February 2023)

Block explorers are an component of the blockchain ecosystem. They are an essential tool for all blockchain developers, miners, and anyone seeking information about blocks, addresses and transactions on a blockchain. While initially most explorers were designed for the Bitcoin, today there are hundreds of blockchains with most having their own explorers. This article will cover the following:

• An overview of block explorers
• The role of explorers in the blockchain ecosystem
• The types of information that can be accessed with explorers
• Public vs private explorers
• Popular explorers
• How to choose an Explorer

What is a Block Explorer

A block explorer is equivalent to a search engine. However, instead of searching the web it searches a blockchain. It is an application that can be accessed online and enables users to view information stored on the blocks of a blockchain. This information is transparent to all explorer users. Explorers allow for real-time tracking of chain data and can be searched in various ways including transaction hash, block hash, and address. Some of the more popular block explorers are specifically for the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains.

Overview of Blockchain Technology and the Role of Block Explorers in Displaying Blockchain Data

Blockchains are a special kind of decentralized distributed ledgers. Like ledgers, they are used to permanently record transactions on a decentralized network of computers all of which must concur on the transactions. The only difference is that the storage system of a blockchain is structured as chained blocks. That is why it is referred to as a "blockchain." No single entity controls a blockchain. Cryptocurrencies are the most well-known application of blockchains.

Block explorers are important for a number of reasons particularly in the world of cryptocurrency. First, as previously stated, they allow anyone to view the contents of blocks rendering the blockchain transparent. Next, block explorers offer greater efficiency for debugging. If a user experiences a transactional issue, a block explorer can assist them in troubleshooting the problem. Finally, block explorers can function as security tools allowing users to monitor suspicious activities.

What types of information can you get from a block explorer?

Explorers can be used to view a variety of information about the blockchain, including specific transaction details and details about the block as a whole.

• Details of Transactions: the addresses, the amount transferred, the block hash, status, timestamp, protocol version, byte size of the transaction, and transaction fee.
• Block Details: block height, the timestamp of the block, and the number of transactions contained in the block, and aggregated fees.
• Smart contracts: For blockchains that support smart contracts, such as Ethereum, users can view the code and information about the execution of smart contracts on the chain.

Block Explorers: Public vs. Private

Just as there are public blockchains and private blockchains, there are public and private block explorers. Anyone can participate in a public blockchain. However, private blockchains require permissions for participation. As you would expect, it would follow that public blockchains can be accessed using publicly available block explorers while private blockchains utilize their own explorer tools which have restricted access.

Popular Block Explorers

There are numerous blockchains and therefore numerous explorers. Provided below is a list of well-known block explorers for Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Bitcoin
Blockchain.com
Blockstream.com
Bitcoin.com
TradeBlock

Ethereum
Etherscan
Ethplorer
EthVM
Blockscout

Choosing a Block Explorer

There are a few key features to consider when choosing a block explorer. Some considerations are listed below.

• Supported blockchains (Make sure that the block explorer supports the blockchain that you are interested in viewing.)
• Functionality
• User interface
• Accuracy and Timeliness of the Data (Stick to one that is widely used and has a good reputation.)
• Reliability of their Application (An explorer should be stable. Frequent crashes or infrequent but long period of system downtime are bad signs.)
• Value-Added Tools/Features (You may want advanced data analysis tools, API access, or support for viewing information about smart contracts.)

Conclusion

Block explorers play an important role in the blockchain ecosystem. They provide a way for users to view data stored on a blockchain. Through explorers, users can track the movement of any asset stored on the chain. Blockchain explorers increase transparency, improve security, and provide a better understanding of how the blockchain works. As the blockchain becomes more widespread, the use of explorers will likely increase. Newer more sophisticated data analysis tools and integration options can be expected to emerge as the world continues onward into decentralization.

For more articles related to blockchain technology, see the following articles:

• Fully On-Chain NFT Art: Using SVGs for Smart Contracts
• What is the Difference Between a Coin and a Token?
• How Many Blockchains Does the World Have? : Uncovering Decentralization
• A Deeper Look at Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): History, Creation and Marketplace
• Top 8 Technology Trends: Technology to Know
• A Guide to Understanding NFT Domains and the Decentralized Web
• Exploring the ABCs of Blockchain Technology: Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, Smart Contracts, & Web3

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