What is a Blockchain Explorer? Explained by GetBlock
Blockchains store huge amounts of data. In fact, secure data storage is one of the key components of blockchain technology. Therefore, it can be difficult for some to keep up with the continuous updates in the ecosystem. This is when blockchain explorers can come in handy.
Often referred to as a search engine for a blockchain ecosystem, they provide the latest accurate information related to the entire ecosystem of a particular platform. In this article, the GetBlock team will take a look at the world of blockchain explorers and their incentives, as well as how users can benefit from the GetBlock blockchain explorer.
What is a blockchain explorer?
ONE blockchain explorer is a software used to view blockchain’s technical metrics, including but not limited to transaction status, block height and speed, hash rates, memory pools, and wallet balances. Blockchain explorers have different functionality – most of them provide advanced data and statistics about specific chains and allow developers to instantly access detailed information in one convenient place, while having a simplified and intuitive design.
To put it simply, a blockchain explorer is an easy-to-use web tool designed to scan through blockchain data. If you are dealing with blockchain systems, this is a fundamental instrument to use. For example, you can look up information related to incoming and outgoing transactions for a particular address, or the total amount of funds transferred and so on.
Why do we need a blockchain explorer?
Blockchain explorers can be used as a way to gain a better understanding of a blockchain ecosystem. Essentially, any Web3 project can benefit from using an explorer for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look at several key points why these online tools can come in handy:
Reason 1: Transparency
Since transparency is an important element of blockchain technology, explorers are a wonderful tool to provide accountability for the chain. Through blockchain explorers, all data is public and visible to everyone. Not to mention, it’s easily accessible and secure. In addition, users can see when certain problems occurred and how they were handled.
Reason 2: Legitimacy
Blockchain explorers can be used to verify the legitimacy of transactions and wallet addresses on the network. The explorer can also help users understand how this or that blockchain works and how it handles data stored in the system.
Reason 3: Operability
Blockchain explorers can help users determine how parties cooperate with each other in processing transactions. In addition, you can track the progress of a specific project, its activity and interactions with other platforms.
Introducing the GetBlock blockchain explorer
GetBlock, a breakthrough blockchain node provider, has launched its own application-like blockchain explorer – a multi-chain service that allows users to view accurate real-time technical metrics related to a specific blockchain. These include block history, block height, hash rate, wallet balance, transaction status and validation set – all of this is done and delivered to each user in a couple of clicks. Furthermore, the GetBlock blockchain explorer provides public API references for developers on the NEAR Protocol.
The data is displayed via a user-friendly dashboard. Not only is it easy to navigate thanks to its user-friendly layout, but it is also capable of visualizing various charts and graphs related to a specific distributed ledger. In addition, GetBlock explorer is completely free to access.
At the time of writing, GetBlock has already released functional blockchain explorers for NEAR Protocol, Harmony and Flow – designed and created in collaboration with these platforms. More networks will be added in the future.
Final thoughts
With the rise of blockchain and its mass adoption by various businesses around the world, we have reached a point where we need more practical tools to make navigating through piles of data less overwhelming. In addition to displaying basic information related to addresses and transactions, blockchain explorers can trace and provide details about a particular block. Thus, these instruments can be used by both crypto enthusiasts and dApp developers. Overall, blockchain explorers are a great way to access valuable information and insights for different types of users.
