A blockchain is a public ledger, which offers transparency, security, and decentralization for its users. Hence, blockchains store massive amounts of information. In fact, secure data storage is one of the key components of blockchain technology.
For example, when blockchain participants make translations in Ethereum’s currency ETH, the data is verified and then recorded on the chain. But how do you view your transactions? What if you want to learn more about the blockchain you are using and check out its current and historical state? A blockchain explorer is the easiest way to go.
What is a blockchain explorer?
Often referred to as a search engine for the distributed ledger, a blockchain explorer is an application-like multichain service, which displays basic and advanced information related to a certain blockchain. For instance, users can view block history, block height, hash rate, wallet balance, transaction status, and validator sets – all done in just a few clicks.
This online dashboard illustrates real-time accurate data and is frequently used to track pending transactions or view wallet balances. Generally speaking, blockchain explorers are windows inside the ledger world and an easy to use online tool designed for scanning through blockchain data. Now let’s talk about how users can benefit from blockchain explorers by using GetBlock as an example.
How does a blockchain explorer work?
GetBlock is an RPC and a blockchain node provider for 50+ popular networks. Not only that but in 2022, GetBlock was awarded several grants, which were used to supercharge the development and further launch of the three new blockchain explorers – namely the services implemented in partnerships with Near Protocol, Harmony, and Flow. GetBlock is a functional dashboard capable of showing blockchain-related statistics. Not to mention, it is free to access and easy to use.
To start utilizing blockchain explorers available on GetBlock, all you need to do is go to the GetBlock main page. Find the “Explorers” section on the upper side of the screen and select the explorer you want to view.
For instance, if you wish to operate the NEAR explorer, please click on NEAR Protocol and open the main dashboard of the service. Here you can see the NEAR price chart, transaction history, network status, block status, and so on. To find specific data, please use the search bar.
On the left you can see the entire list of explorer sections – flip and navigate easily through a plethora of information found within the online tool.
Moreover, NEAR blockchain explorer is equipped with public API references. To put it simply, a reference describes the endpoint of an API by laying out the way developers can interact with APIs.
The API references display both positive and negative response options. These instruments, which are additionally divided into subcategories: Account, Block, Node, Statistic, Summary, and Transaction, can be implemented via your GetBlock blockchain node provider account.
Conclusion
Using a blockchain explorer is an accessible solution for both web3 developers and crypto enthusiasts. To use the service, simply look up the information you are searching for or explore the blockchain by yourself.
Regardless of your current knowledge in blockchain technology, explorers are a great way for providing more insights into the inner state of a particular platform – the information is conveniently sorted by sections and ranges from basic to advanced, or more technical.
GetBlock offers a wide selection of services – from blockchain nodes and node clusters to explorers. While there are currently three blockchain explorers available – NEAR, Harmony, and Flow – GetBlock plans to expand its offered networks in the near future.
