It is often said that blockchain technology has ushered in a new era of transparency and trust, with transactions on a blockchain being publicly verifiable by anyone. If you’re wondering, “but how do I view something on a blockchain?!”, you’re in the right place.
This article will not only go over how to view something on the blockchain, but also offer three tools that you can immediately start using.
What are these tools? Blockchain Explorers.
What is a Blockchain Explorer?
A blockchain explorer is an online tool or platform that enables users to search, view, and analyze the data on a blockchain network. It functions similarly to a search engine, but instead of searching the web, it searches through the blockchain's entire history of transactions, blocks, addresses, and other relevant data. These explorers provide transparency into the blockchain, allowing anyone to verify transactions, understand blockchain activity, and access detailed information about how the network operates.
Key features and functionalities of a blockchain explorer include:
- Transaction Lookup: Users can enter a transaction ID (hash) to find detailed information about specific transactions, including the sender and receiver addresses, the amount transferred, the transaction fee, and the time it was confirmed.
- Block Information: Blockchain explorers allow users to view details about individual blocks, such as the block height (its position in the blockchain), the transactions contained within it, the block's miner or validator, and the time it was created.
- Address Query: By entering a wallet address, users can see the balance and all transactions associated with that address, providing insights into wallet activity and fund movements.
- Network Statistics: Many explorers offer an overview of the blockchain's current state and health, displaying statistics like the total supply of the blockchain's cryptocurrency, transaction throughput, hash rate (for proof-of-work blockchains), and more.
- Smart Contracts and Tokens: For blockchains like Cardano that support smart contracts and tokens, explorers can provide information on contract interactions and token transfers, including details about token creation, distribution, and ownership.
Users rely on blockchain explorers for:
- Verifying Transactions: Confirming that a transaction has occurred, along with its details such as the amount, fees, and recipient address. For example, if you just bought an NFT but want to double-check that it is on the blockchain, you can use a blockchain explorer to do so.
- Inspecting Blocks: Viewing the contents of individual blocks, including the transactions they contain and when they were added to the blockchain.
- Monitoring Network Health: Keeping an eye on the blockchain's overall status through metrics like transaction volume, block creation time, and network hash rate.
With these functionalities, blockchain explorers are invaluable to traders, investors, developers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of a blockchain network.
Prominent Cardano Blockchain Explorers
1. Cardanoscan
Cardanoscan stands out as one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly blockchain explorers for Cardano. It offers an extensive range of features that cater to both casual users and developers. From tracking transactions and blocks to exploring smart contracts and DeFi platforms on Cardano, Cardanoscan provides a detailed overview of the network's operations. Additionally, it features tools for analyzing staking pools, an essential aspect for participants in Cardano's proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
2. Pool.pm
Pool.pm offers a unique take on blockchain exploration, with a focus on visualizing transactions and the movements of tokens within the Cardano ecosystem. It's particularly renowned for its ability to track NFTs (non-fungible tokens), presenting them in a visually engaging manner that makes exploring digital art and collectibles on Cardano a pleasure. Pool.pm is not just about aesthetics; it provides vital information on staking pools and network metrics, making it a versatile tool for the Cardano community.
3. Cexplorer
Cexplorer is another essential tool for those navigating the Cardano blockchain. It provides a clean and intuitive interface for users to access detailed information about the blockchain’s activities. Cexplorer excels in offering real-time data on transactions, blocks, and addresses. It also provides insights into Cardano's staking dynamics, including rewards, pool performance, and delegator statistics, making it an invaluable resource for stakeholders in the Cardano ecosystem.
Conclusion
Blockchain explorers are the windows through which we view the ongoing narrative of blockchain networks. For Cardano, explorers like Cardanoscan, Pool.pm, and Cexplorer serve as vital resources for anyone looking to dive deeper into the network's rich data and activities.
Whether you're tracking a transaction, exploring NFTs, or analyzing staking pool performance, these tools provide the transparency and insight needed to navigate the Cardano ecosystem effectively. As Cardano continues to evolve, these explorers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in fostering an informed and engaged community.
