What is a Blockchain Explorer and Should You Use One?
Blockchains have one thing in common, and that is the fact that they all run on a distributed ledger that anyone can view. But how do you view a blockchain? And should you?
Blockchain ledgers can be viewed using a blockchain explorer, and there are many options out there to choose from. Continue reading to discover the benefits of using blockchain explorers.
What Are Blockchain Explorers?
A blockchain explorer is a web application that individuals can use to access and view the blockchain. You can see everything from transactions to blocks mined and even the addresses they are sent from. Some blockchain explorers even have a search function that can be used to extract forensic data from the ledger.
Although this may sound a bit invasive, remember that this is one of the benefits of blockchain—that anyone can see where the money is going. While wallet addresses aren’t the most private (and many have been traced back to their owners), certain blockchains, like Monero, add additional security so that this isn’t the case.
Which Blockchain Explorers Are Best?
There are many blockchain explorers available if you want to spend time scouring the blockchain. The right one for you will vary based on the blockchain you are scanning and the capabilities you want your blockchain scanner to have. Below are some of the more popular choices and what they can be used for.
Etherscan
Etherscan is a blockchain explorer specifically designed for the Ethereum blockchain, allowing you to take a look through a wide variety of activities. Not only can you look at transfers on the Ethereum platform, but you can also explore the transfer of ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens, even if they are occurring on another layer of the blockchain. Also, this one comes with a search tool, which is necessary due to the large size of the blockchain.
Mempool.space
If you want to take a deeper dive into the Bitcoin blockchain, the mempool.space is our recommendation. Mempool.space provides real-time Bitcoin data, including transactions, both confirmed and unconfirmed, and block creation. Because transaction times can be lengthy when sending Bitcoin, many everyday users find themselves using mempool.space to check the status of their transaction.
We like mempool.space because it is more user-friendly than many of the other blockchain explorer tools on the market.
SolScan
Solana, like Ethereum, has many blockchain explorers designed specifically for searching its blockchain. In our opinion, SolScan, developed by myetherwallet, is one of the best. It allows users to search for transactions, check in on node status, and more.
Dogechain
For Dogecoin, the best blockchain explorer is Dogechain, which lets users take a peek into the Dogecoin blockchain. While not as exciting as some of the other scanners on this list, it has enough bells and whistles to get the job done.
Some other blockchain explorers not mentioned individually on this list include the following:
· Blockexplorer (Bitcoin)
· Blockcypher (Bitcoin)
· Btc.com (Bitcoin)
· XRPscan (Ripple)
· Polygonscan (Polygon)
· Cardanoscan (Cardano)
If you are looking for one not mentioned on this list, a simple Google search should do the trick.
How to Use a Blockchain Explorer
Blockchain explorers are best used when you are searching for something specific, such as a user or a transaction. However, they can also be used just to take a peek into the world of cryptocurrency. Below we explain how to use it for a specific transaction.
1. Know What You Are Looking For
As we mentioned above, blockchain explorers are best used when searching for either a transaction number or a user. If you are looking for a transaction, check your wallet for the transaction number and copy this. If you are looking for a user, copy the wallet address.
2. Find the Search Function
Many blockchain explorers have a search function. All you have to do is click on it, then paste your address/number, and search. This should reveal every time that the wallet has transacted on the blockchain or guide you to when your transaction was executed.
3. No Search Function? Try This
Some of the more primitive blockchain explorers don’t have a search function. In those cases, use command+F (Mac) or Ctrl+F (Windows), and a small box should pop up on your screen. Paste the number/address there, and then your browser will search the page for you.
It is important to note that this search can only search the current page. On busy/popular blockchains, you may have to search the most recent page, then click to the next one, and execute your search again. Repeat for every page until you find your transaction.
4. Take a Screenshot
Depending on what you were searching for, we recommend taking a screenshot when you find it. This will make your transaction easier to find later, or you can send it to someone as proof. Of course, they can check themselves as well, but at least you will have the screenshot for your records.
On a Mac, screenshot with Shift+Command+3, and on Windows, screenshot with Windows Key+Print Screen.
Should You Use a Blockchain Explorer?
In our opinion, it is always a good idea to be familiar with blockchain explorers if you intend to use/trade cryptocurrency. Using a blockchain explorer can allow you to check that your transactions are going through, verify that others you are transacting with are being honest, and put the power of banking in your own hands.
Of course, if you are using an app like Coinbase or Binance to trade crypto, there are in-app tools that do this for you. Still, it is a good idea to know how blockchain explorers work so you can keep an eye on anything happening off-app that you may be interested in—such as the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto era wallets which have recently begun trading again.
Overall, we hope this article has been helpful and you now know which blockchain explorer is best for you and how to use it to gain information about the blockchain.
