If you’re learning about Blockchains, you might have heard about “Blockchain Explorer.” This article will go through all you need about Blockchain Explorers and their primary use cases.

What is Blockchain Explorer?

Blockchain Explorer (or Block Explorer) is a software program reorganizes raw data collected from nodes on a Blockchain, turning it into understandable information displayed through API.

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is an intermediary window that allows software, applications, or systems to interact with one another.

There are numerous Blockchain Explorers in the market, and each blockchain can have one or multiple explorers. The most popular of which are Etherscan (Ethereum), BSC scan (BSC), KardiaChain Explorer (KardiaChain), etc.

KardiaChain Explorer

Blockchain Explorer plays a crucial role in the decentralization and transparency of the cryptocurrency world. Providing the display ability of all transaction data is one of the main differences between cryptocurrency and traditional currency.

What are Blockchain Explorers used for?

Blockchain Explorers can be considered Google for cryptocurrency and public blockchains. They allow users to access basic transaction information of different wallet addresses on other blockchains, including the amount, the sender, the recipient, and the transaction status.

Usually, Blockchain Explorers have the same interface, features, and use cases. Their four primary use cases include:

Checking the general information of the Blockchain and the market

When accessing the home page of a Block Explorer, you can find the available information about its blockchain & the market data, such as:

Price of the native token.
Market Cap.
Blockchain stats.
And other information.

Some Block Explorers provide other stats, including more profound insights into the Market data, Network data, etc.

Accessing the latest blocks and transactions

Usually, the home page of a Block Explorer provides the latest blocks and transactions on its blockchain. Users can access each block to view the transaction orders or detailed information on the latest transactions.

On Kardiachain Explorer, you can view the general information about the six latest blocks and six latest transactions on Kardiachain. To see more, click “View all.”

To check the detailed information about blocks and transactions, click the block or the transaction directly, and Block Explorer will take you through the details.

Viewing transactions on any blockchain, block, or wallet address

You can look up the following information using the search bar on Block Explorers:

Block number.
Transaction Hash/ID.
Wallet address.

A widespread use case of Blockchain Explorers is checking the status of a transaction. You can copy and paste the transaction ID on the search bar.

Another widespread use case is using Blockchain Explorers to view a particular wallet, including its balance, tokens, transaction orders, etc.

Looking up the information of a Token issued on a Blockchain

You can also view all assets issued on public blockchains by looking up the tokens’ addresses on the search bar. The Block Explorer will provide basic information, such as the asset name, market cap, current price, total supply, and the issuer’s address.

How do I check the Transaction Status on a Blockchain Explorer?

To check the status of your transaction, copy and paste your transaction hash into the search bar at the top.
The Block Explorer will take you to the transaction page. The top of the page will show the summary of the transaction. The left column shows the cryptocurrency used to pay for the transaction. On the right is the wallet address that received the cryptocurrency.
Scroll below the summary page to find the transaction details section. This section shows essential information, such as the transaction’s status and what time the funds were received.

What is the status of your transaction?

Depending on what it reads, your transaction will be pending, confirmed, completed, or failed if there is an error.

Pending: The network has received the transaction but is still processing it. Common reasons for pending transactions include network congestion or the amount of gas paid to process the transaction (in busier times, higher gas fees ensure the transaction is processed faster).
Confirmed: The network has successfully processed your transaction. Note that transactions usually require several miner confirmations, and until the requisite number of miners has processed it, your transaction can still revert the transaction.
Complete: This status means that the network has accepted the transaction. Completed transactions are final and irreversible.
Failed: A failed status means your transaction has encountered an error. Possible reasons include not holding enough of a specific asset in your wallet to cover the transaction fees (“Insufficient gas” error) or the transaction being reverted.

FAQ about Blockchain Explorers

What are the differences between verified and pending transactions?

Pending transactions are those that haven’t gotten into blocks. Depending on the blockchain and the congestion status, a transaction may take a few minutes to get at least one confirmation. In some cases, transactions may take longer, for example, if the gas fee is too low.

Verified transactions are those that have been added to blocks.

Why is the order completed, but my balance hasn’t changed?

This case is just a display issue. Wait a few minutes for the balance to update, or exit and reopen the app.

Why can’t I check this particular token on Explorer?

An Explorer only provides the transactions related to a Token issued on its blockchain. You can’t check a token issued on Ethereum with BSCscan.

In case you don’t know which chain the token belongs to, CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap can be helpful.

Conclusion

This article covered general information about Blockchain Explorers and their use cases. If you have any questions regarding this topic, comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.