How to Use a Blockchain Explorer

The ability to track and verify cryptocurrency operations is not an exclusive tool or skill limited to tech-savvy users; it is a fundamental feature of any decentralized network.

A useful blockchain explorer offers an intuitive interface that allows users to easily find wallets and associated trades, transfers, and payments, and examine the details without decoding tons of raw data.

In this article, we’ll delve into how to use an explorer to check blockchain transactions confidently.

What is a Blockchain Explorer?

An explorer, also known as a block scanner, is a web-based tool that allows users to search the crypto network. It acts as the blockchain’s exclusive search engine, sharing detailed statistics about the network itself, as well as information on each address or operation. 

Using these websites, crypto holders can track the status of their transfer or payment operations, verify balances, and analyze the flow of digital assets, to mention the very basic features.

While different protocols have their own dedicated scanners with varying functionalities, these core features are common to all. Let’s proceed with a brief tutorial on how to check transactions on any blockchain.

How to Use a Blockchain Explorer

The primary use case of an explorer, be it Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana scanner website, is being able to easily reference and confirm the existence and details of every on-chain transaction. This can be done in a few simple steps.

1. How to Check Transaction Hash on Blockchain

To locate and track a crypto transaction, you need to know its hash. This is a unique identifier assigned to every operation with digital assets, usually provided at the moment the operation is initiated. 

For example, for Ethereum users, a hash may look like this: 0xe2cbc609853f98849451c606964bb7311f47c98afa4f60dd24f5dbfe47de18f8

Knowing this 64-character hexadecimal string, users can easily monitor the progress and details of every on-chain interaction.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Copy a hash: This can be found in your wallet’s history or inside the dApp you’re using.
2. Navigate to the explorer website: Enter this data into the search field of the block scanner.
3. View details: The interface will immediately show all relevant details fetched directly from the network of nodes.

Source: GetBlock

<img src=“useful_blockchain_explorers.png” alt=“how_to_check_a_transaction_hash”>

Typically, following these steps, users can easily fetch the status, involved addresses, the amount, and the gas fee spent for the transfer. 

2. How to Check Transaction ID on Blockchain

Checking the transaction ID (TXID) involves the same steps as checking its hash, as they are essentially the same identifier. 

By entering the TXID into the block explorer, users can access the same set of data about any funds movement. Yet, different websites may offer varying levels of detail.

3. How to Check Pending Transactions on Blockchain

Pending operations are those that have been broadcasted to the network but not yet confirmed. Explorers usually indicate the process in real-time, marking the status as pending, confirmed, or failed. 

To check a pending transfer, exchange, or trade, explorer users can also submit a TXID or search by one of the wallets involved.

4. How to Check My Blockchain Transaction History

To view your entire account history on the a chose network:

1. Copy your wallet address: This can be found in your cryptocurrency wallet.
2. Enter your address in the explorer: Input the wallet address into the website’s search bar.
3. Review the list;

The user interface will display all transactions associated with the given address, including incoming and outgoing operations sorted by date and time, as well as reflect the actual account balance.

Benefits of Using a Blockchain Explorer

Cryptocurrency network scanners ensure transparency by providing detailed and verifiable data so that users can independently verify information. Some other advantages include:

• Security and fraud prevention: By tracking suspicious activity, researchers can detect and prevent fraud attempts;
• Tracking and monitoring: For investors and traders, monitoring explorer data offers a straightforward way to keep track of any type of digital assets;
• Educational tool: These platforms also allow regular crypto holders to understand how networks operate and how operations are processed and confirmed;
• Access to real-time data: Blockchain trackers often rely on APIs to fetch the most current data from crypto nodes.

However, it’s worth noting that due to API connection delays, it can take time for a transaction to appear across all nodes and subsequently on some of the explorers. One solution is implementing a robust in-house infrastructure. 

An example of such an application is GetBlock, which provides RPC node services to users and also leverages these resources to offer the fastest explorer. GetBlock aggregates data from multiple nodes, to provide a more comprehensive view of Ethereum, BSC, and other networks’ activity, reducing the impact of individual node discrepancies.

Conclusion

Using a blockchain explorer is inevitable for anyone involved in cryptocurrency. Whether you need to check a transaction, verify a hash, or monitor pending crypto payments or transfers, a blockchain explorer provides the functionality tools to search and find the data with ease. By understanding how to use these tools effectively, you can enhance your interaction with decentralized space and better understand how it works.