From a technical perspective, here’s what it looks like:
Blockchain explorers utilize application programming interfaces (APIs), rational databases, and SQL databases in conjunction with a blockchain node to retrieve information from a network.
The software arranges this information into a database and presents it in a searchable format.
The explorer allows users to conduct blockchain search through an organized table in response to their demands via a simple user interface (similar to a search engine).
The explorer server generates a web page for interacting with users.
An API also enables the explorer to communicate with other computers.
Search requests are transmitted to the backend server, which then responds to the user interface.
Finally, the user interface and API send web pages, formatted in HTML, to the user’s browser, making the results easily understandable.
What follows are some of the most popular blockchain explorers. There are different explorers for different types of cryptocurrency, though some explorers can be used to search multiple chains.
Blockchain.org
It was once known as Blockchain.com, is a widely used Bitcoin block explorer. It enables users to search the Bitcoin blockchain by transaction, address, or block. Many Bitcoin users have probably utilized Blockchain.org to monitor or record their Bitcoin transactions.
Blockchair
In contrast to most block explorers which are restricted to a single blockchain, Blockchair can search across multiple chains. This explorer facilitates searches across the Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Bitcoin blockchains. In addition, users can inquire about words, mining difficulty, Mempool size, and nodes.
Tokenview
Tokenview is another platform that permits searches on more than 20 blockchains. Established in China in 2018, this explorer enables users to conduct searches on a wide variety of blockchains.
Etherscan
Etherscan is possibly the most popular blockchain explorer for the Ethereum network. It empowers users to explore ETH addresses, wallet balances, transactions, smart contracts, and more.
