A block explorer is like a search engine for blockchains. The tool allows you to view transactions, check wallet balances, and explore blocks in detail. As such, block explorers are a helpful tool for many different kinds of blockchain users, from traders who wish to check the status of a transaction to analysts wanting to study the activity of crypto whales.
As Web3 adoption continues to grow and new blockchain-reliant projects emerge, block explorers and the data they reveal could become more valuable for all kinds of users. Understanding how the tool works is therefore important.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the functionality of block explorers, explore their significance to crypto today, and spotlight how the tool can be used. Whether you know a lot about crypto or are just starting out, this guide will help teach you how to use block explorers to find and explore blocks.
TL;DR
A block explorer is like a search engine for blockchains. It lets you view transactions, check balances, and explore various data related to specific blocks.
Block explorers connect to blockchain nodes and display data in a user-friendly way, giving transparency and security.
You can track transactions by entering a transaction ID in a block explorer to see details like status, confirmations, and addresses.
OKX Explorer, Etherscan, and SolScan.io are popular block explorers. They offer real-time tracking, token analytics, and smart contract interaction.
Block explorers in the future may have better interfaces, work with other blockchain tools, and offer advanced analytics.
What is a block explorer?
A block explorer is a web-based tool that allows you to access and interact with blockchain data. It lets you see the history of transactions for a specific crypto, which is the easiest way to learn about the asset.
So, how does a block explorer work? It connects to a blockchain node, which is a server that has a complete copy of the blockchain. The explorer extracts data from this node and presents it in a user-friendly format.
For example, if you wish to check the status of a transaction, you can type the transaction ID into the explorer’s search bar. The explorer will then find and show all the relevant information, such as the transaction status, how many confirmations have been made, the sending and receiving addresses, and the amount of crypto transferred.
But the functionality of a block explorer extends beyond just viewing transactions. You can also study blocks, which are groups of transactions verified and added to the blockchain. By looking at a block, you can see its hash (a unique number), the number of transactions it's made, and the time it was mined. This information can be beneficial for understanding the health and activity of a blockchain network.
Imagine you’re waiting for a Bitcoin payment. Using a blockchain block explorer, you can enter your wallet address and see all incoming and outgoing transactions in real-time. This data helps to verify the transaction’s status, providing valuable peace of mind.
How to use a block explorer for tracking transactions
Tracking blockchain transactions using block explorers is a relatively simple task. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process, including how to find transaction IDs and understand transaction details.
Choose a block explorer: Start by selecting a trustworthy block explorer that supports the blockchain you’re interested in.
Find the TXID: Every transaction on the blockchain has a unique code called a transaction ID, or TXID for short. If you send or receive crypto, you can usually find this code in your wallet or exchange’s transaction history.
Enter the TXID: On the block explorer website, enter the TXID in the search bar and hit search. This will show details about the transaction.
Key terms explained: understanding transaction details
Some of the details may seem like they're written in a different language. Here's a helpful explanation of some of the common terms you might encounter.
Transaction status: Shows if the transaction is pending or confirmed.
Number of confirmations: Shows how many times the transaction has been confirmed by the network. More confirmations generally mean higher security and finality.
Sending and receiving addresses: Shows the addresses involved in the transaction. This lets you check that funds were sent to the right person.
Transaction amount: Displays the quantity of crypto transferred.
Transaction fee: Shows the fee paid to process the transaction, which can vary based on network congestion.
Suppose you’ve transferred Bitcoin to a friend. By using a block explorer, you can enter the TXID in the search bar to reveal all the transaction details. It’ll show that the Bitcoin has moved from your wallet to your friend’s wallet, along with the number of confirmations.
What are the features of popular block explorers?
Popular block explorers like Etherscan, SolScan.io, and others offer a range of features that make navigating the blockchain simpler and more accessible.Let’s compare some of these tools and see what makes them stand out as top block explorers.
OKX Explorer
OKX Explorer is a comprehensive tool for users of the OKX blockchain ecosystem. It's also the first blockchain explorer to support the AggLayer, a neutral protocol developed by Polygon Labs.
The explorer offers:
Multichain support: With OKX Explorer, you can search over 44 chains, providing welcome flexibility.
Interoperability across sovereign chains: Support for the AggLayer unifies liquidity, users, and state across a fragmented environment, but with the feel of a single chain.
Advanced tools: Sophisticated data visualization tools and functionalities help users to optimize their development workflows.
User-friendly design: An intuitive design makes it easy for you to find the information you want, quickly.
Integration with OKX services: Easily connects with other OKX products, offering a holistic view of transactions and account activities.
Etherscan
Etherscan is one of the most widely used block explorers for the Ethereum blockchain. Key Etherscan features include:
Transaction tracking: You can easily search for transaction IDs, wallet addresses, or block numbers to get detailed transaction information.
Tokent information: Etherscan offers data on ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens. This includes transaction history and smart contract details.
Gas tracker: This feature helps you estimate transaction fees and times based on current network congestion.
Developer tools: Etherscan offers API services, testnet explorers, and contract verification tools.
Blockchain.com
Blockchain.info, now known as Blockchain.com, primarily focused on the Bitcoin blockchain. However, you can now explore other tokens from various chains.
Multichain support: While it started with Bitcoin, Blockchain.com now supports other chains.
User-friendly interface: The explorer is easy to use. You can search for transactions, blocks, and addresses.
Real-time data: It offers real-time updates and confirmations, providing users with up-to-date information on the blockchain’s status.
Wallet integration: Blockchain.com integrates seamlessly with its wallet service, allowing users to manage their funds and track transactions within the same platform.
Solscan.io
Solscan.io is a block explorer for the Solana blockchain, providing detailed analytics about Solana and the tokens.
Real-time transaction tracking: View and verify your transaction statuses and history instantly.
Detailed token analytics: Access data on SPL tokens (fungible tokens on Solana), including supply, holders, and transfers.
Smart contract interaction: Interact with smart contracts, including executing and checking their status.
Validator and network metrics: Monitor the performance and health of network validation with detailed metrics and analytics.
Blockchair
Blockchair is another versatile block explorer that supports multiple blockchains.
Advanced search capabilities: You can perform detailed searches and filter results by various parameters like addresses, blocks, and transactions.
Privacy tools: Blockchair offers features to enhance user privacy, such as data anonymization options.
Visualization of data: The tool provides charts and graphs for a more visual interpretation of blockchain data.
Tokenview
Tokenview provides detailed analytics and charts, making it a good choice for your block research.
Multichain support: It includes several popular chains, including private chains of Monero and Dash.
Detailed analytics: Offers in-depth data on transactions, addresses, and blocks, along with comprehensive market analysis.
Cross-chain data: Allows you to compare data across different blockchains within a single platform.
Each of the block explorers listed above present their own unique set of features, which is why we recommend taking the time to research the right tool for your specific needs.
For example, if you’re an Ethereum user, Etherscan’s detailed token information and developer tools might be useful. Meanwhile, Blockchair’s advanced search capabilities and privacy tools make it ideal for users needing detailed and secure blockchain exploration.
If you’re looking for a one-stop solution, OKX Explore could be the right choice. It offers multichain support and is easy to use, making it less intimidating for new crypto users.
How do block explorers maintain accuracy and security?
Block explorers play a role in maintaining blockchain data accuracy and security. They use a mix of consensus algorithms and data validation techniques to make sure that the information shown is both reliable and safe.
Consensus algorithms are fundamental to any blockchain network. These algorithms make sure all nodes in the network agree on the blockchain’s state. Popular consensus mechanisms include Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).
For example, Bitcoin uses PoW. In PoW, miners solve complex math problems to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. This ensures that the network verifies and agrees upon all transactions, maintaining data accuracy. What's more, block explorers use several checks to make sure the data is correct, including consensus algorithms. When a transaction is shown to the network, it’s checked to make sure the sender has enough money, and that the transaction follows the network’s rules.
Once validated, the transaction is included in a block and added to the blockchain. Block explorers retrieve data directly from blockchain nodes, making sure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
For example, a block explorer like Etherscan connects to Ethereum nodes to get real-time data on transactions, blocks, and addresses. This direct connection to the source guarantees the data’s accuracy.
To further illustrate this, consider a situation where you send Bitcoin to a friend. The transaction is first validated by the network’s consensus algorithm (in this case, PoW). Once confirmed, it’s included in a block and added to the blockchain. A block explorer then gets this transaction data from the blockchain. This gives you accurate information about the transaction’s status.
What's next for block explorers?
As blockchain technology changes, many expect block explorers to add new features and improvements to meet the community’s and developers’ growing needs.
One example could be user interfaces becoming easier to use and understand. In theory, this will make it simpler for people with all levels of technical knowledge to navigate and understand blockchain data.
Another future development for block explorers could be their connectivity with other blockchain tools. As the blockchain ecosystem becomes more connected, block explorers may have features that make it easy to work with wallets, decentralized applications, and smart contracts.
For example, a block explorer could connect directly with popular wallet providers. This would allow you to manage your money and track transactions without having to switch between platforms, making it easier to interact with various decentralized services through the explorer. Imagine using a block explorer that tracks your transactions and shows you what you are doing with DeFi, like lending and borrowing. You'd be able do all of this in one place.
Future block explorers may also provide deeper analytical insights into blockchain activity. These insights could include transaction patterns, network health measures, and market analysis. These advanced analytics can be helpful for traders, developers, and researchers who want to understand blockchain trends and make more informed decisions as a result.
The final word
Block explorers are important tools for anyone involved in crypto, from seasoned crypto experts to newbies. They function like specialized search engines, allowing users to view transactions, check wallet balances, and explore blockchain data in detail.
As blockchain technology improves, block explorers could evolve and become even easier to use, while also integrating with other tools. These kind of advancements have the potential to make it easier to interact with and understand the blockchain, which could in turn encourage wider adoption of Web3 technologies.
If you're interested in exploring more about blockchains and their continued evolution, be sure to check out our guide to Layer-0, and our insightful article on ZK technology, which boosts blockchain security and scalability.
FAQs
A block explorer is a web tool that lets people access and interact with blockchain data. It’s like a search engine for blockchains. You can use it to view transaction history, check wallet balances, and explore blocks in detail.
A block explorer connects to a blockchain node to extract data and present it in a user-friendly format. It allows users to search for transaction IDs, wallet addresses, and block details and gain real-time information.
Block explorers help to guarantee the transparency and security of blockchains. The tool lets users verify transactions, check data integrity, and confirm that funds have been transferred correctly. This transparency can help to build trust in the blockchain network.
Block explorers offer real-time transaction tracking, detailed token analytics, smart contract interaction, and validator performance metrics.
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