1.⁠ ⁠What is a Blockchain Explorer?

A Blockchain Explorer provides transparency on a blockchain network.

View transactions and blocks.

Check the transaction history of wallet addresses.

Get information on the status of transfers.

View mining-related details.

For example:
Bitcoin Blockchain Explorer: blockchain.com
Ethereum Blockchain Explorer: etherscan.io


2.⁠ ⁠What Information Can Be Viewed?

a. Blocks

Block Height: The block number in the blockchain.

Timestamp: The time the block was created.

Transaction Count: The number of transactions in the block.

Block Reward: The reward given to the miner.

b. Transactions

Sender and receiver addresses.

Amount of cryptocurrency sent.

Transaction fee.

Confirmation status of the transaction.

c. Wallet Addresses

Total balance.

Incoming and outgoing transactions.

Transaction history.


3.⁠ ⁠How to Use a Blockchain Explorer?

a. Log into the Explorer

Choose the blockchain network you want to explore:

For Bitcoin: blockchain.com

For Ethereum: etherscan.io

b. Using the Search Bar

There is a search bar in the explorer. You can search by entering the following:

Wallet Address: To view the transaction history of an address.

Transaction ID (TxID): To view a specific transaction.

Block Number: To view details of a specific block.

c. Tracking a Wallet

1.⁠ ⁠Enter the wallet address:

Type the wallet address in the search bar.

2.⁠ ⁠View the details:

Check the balance and transaction history.

Review the times, amounts, and transaction details of incoming and outgoing transfers.

d. Tracking a Transaction (TxID)

1.⁠ ⁠Enter the TxID:

Type the transaction number in the search bar.

2.⁠ ⁠Check the details:

See which block the transaction was confirmed in.

Information about sender and receiver addresses and the transaction fee.

e. Viewing Block Details

1.⁠ ⁠Enter the Block Number or Hash:

Search to view the details of a specific block.

2.⁠ ⁠Block Content:

Review the transactions within the block, the miner's address, and the timestamp.


4.⁠ ⁠Examples of Blockchain Explorer Usage

Example 1: Tracking a Bitcoin Transaction

1.⁠ ⁠Obtain your Bitcoin transaction TxID.

2.⁠ ⁠Go to blockchain.com.

3.⁠ ⁠Paste the TxID in the search bar and click “Search.”

4.⁠ ⁠Review the transaction details:

Sender and receiver addresses.

Transaction confirmation status (Pending or Confirmed).

Transaction fee.

Example 2: Tracking an Ethereum Wallet

1.⁠ ⁠Obtain your Ethereum wallet address.

2.⁠ ⁠Go to etherscan.io.

3.⁠ ⁠Paste your wallet address in the search bar and search.

4.⁠ ⁠View the wallet’s:

Total balance,

ERC-20 token movements,

Transaction history.


5.⁠ ⁠Advanced Usage

a. Gas Fee Tracking (Ethereum)

Etherscan displays the "Gas Price" values used to calculate transaction fees. You can check for the suitable gas fee for faster transactions.

b. Token Tracking

You can view details of ERC-20 or ERC-721 tokens on the Ethereum network.
For example: Check the owner and transaction history of an NFT.

c. Mining Details

View mining rewards and the miner who mined a specific block.

d. Circulating Supply and Smart Contracts

You can inspect the total supply of a token or coin and which wallets hold it.


6.⁠ ⁠Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Blockchain Explorer

7.⁠ ⁠Beware of Fake URLs:

Fake explorer sites can be used for fraudulent purposes. Make sure you use official websites.

8.⁠ ⁠Wallet Security:

Explorer sites are safe to view wallet balances or transaction histories. However, never share your private keys or login information.

9.⁠ ⁠Confirmation Status:

A transaction usually requires several confirmations to be considered valid. For example:

Bitcoin: 6 confirmations are typically enough.

Ethereum: 12 confirmations are preferred.


Conclusion

A Blockchain Explorer provides transparency for cryptocurrency transactions and wallet activities. It is an effective tool for tracking transactions, checking confirmation statuses, or analyzing transfer history. These user-friendly platforms are essential for both individual users and institutions.