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Block Explorers

BLOCKCHAIN BASICS
A block explorer allows the user to view transactions recorded on the blockchain. Simple, yes, buts let's take a deeper look.

Different Explorers

There is a multitude of different block explorers, some are specific to a blockchain whereas others can be used across various networks. For example, a Bitcoin explorer can only view transactions on Bitcoin however a universal block explorer may be able to view transactions recorded on Bitcoin and various other blockchains.

What Can you Find?

So, we've established that a block explorer gives users the ability to view blockchain activity but what else can they do? The most common tasks are to find specific transactions or to get a general overview of activity on the chain but they can also be used to monitor pending transactions and user balances.

Other Uses

Block Explorers can also search the following;
  • Wallet history
  • Orphaned Blocks
  • Double Spend Transactions
  • Genesis Block
  • Largest transaction
  • Average transaction fees
  • Hash rate
  • Mining difficulty
  • Change Addresses

Sounds like a Search Engine

Well, that's because it is, a block explorer can basically be used to search for anything a user may wish to find out about a specific blockchain.

Where to Start

There are many different block explorers with different benefits however here are 5 to get you started…
  1. 1.
    Blockchain.com
  2. 2.
    Blockcypher
  3. 3.
    Tokenview
  4. 4.
    Blockchair
  5. 5.
    Tradeblock

A Quick Recap Before We Talk About DeFi...

Whether you are just curious about a blockchain and want to have a look around at hash rates, largest transactions, etc., or want to know the specifics of a chain then a block explorer is the tool you need. A search engine for blockchains. Turn over the page to learn about DeFi.