Etherscan is a powerful and extensively used Ethereum blockchain explorer. It gives users a detailed look at Ethereum transactions, addresses, contracts, and other on-chain operations. Etherscan is an invaluable tool for researching and understanding the Ethereum network, whether you are a cryptocurrency enthusiast, investor, developer, or simply interested in Ethereum’s blockchain data. We will walk you through the essential features of Etherscan and how to utilize it efficiently in this guide.
What Is Etherscan?
Etherscan’s primary functionality is the same as any other blockchain explorer. On Ethereum, you may check for transactions, wallet addresses, smart contracts, etc. The functionality is accessible via the search bar or the menu options at the top. Etherscan makes it possible to learn everything there is to know about the Ethereum network.
Because blockchain technology promotes openness, users want a graphical interface to query data. Blockchain explorers match that job because this “search engine” provides users with all the information they may require. Furthermore, its capability has grown to accommodate additional services and data.
By indexing and searching the Ethereum blockchain, anyone can gain comprehensive access to this blockchain ecosystem.
Users can create an account on Etherscan. However, it is not required to use the majority of its features. It can benefit developers by acquiring access to API services to build decentralized applications or act as data feeds. Despite its support for user accounts, Etherscan is not a wallet service provider. It is not feasible to use an existing wallet, such as MetaMask, Ledger, MyEtherwallet, Parity, or others, with Etherscan. However, one can enter and validate their Ethereum address in their account to track their transactions.
How Do I Use Etherscan to Find Transactions?
The transaction ID is the easiest way to look up a transaction in Etherscan. If you don’t have it or don’t know where to get it, entering one of the two wallet addresses involved in the transaction will suffice. When a transaction ID or address is entered into the search field, Etherscan displays the details, such as transactions, balances, etc.
The wallet address information is based on the ETH balance and equivalent USD value. The platform, however, also supports the multiple ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens on the blockchain, which may be accessed in the “Tokens” section.
Users may see all the details they need when looking up a wallet or transaction ID. Every transaction, for example, has the TxHash, the block number, the time it occurred, the sender and receiver, the transaction value, and the transaction fee.
Etherscan Transaction Lookup
The transaction ID or TxHash is the most frequent way to look up a transaction with Etherscan. The Hash assists in tracking and tracing the progress of a transaction on the Ethereum blockchain. Entering the TxHash into Etherscan displays the following transaction details:
- · The TxReceipt status indicates whether the transaction has been completed, failed, or is still awaiting confirmation.
- The block height is the network block identifier miners logged the transaction.
- The transaction value, both in ETH and USD
- The amount of gas necessary to broadcast the transaction and its USD is helpful.
- The transaction ID is sent from the sender’s blockchain address.
This information makes the Ethereum blockchain more transparent and accessible to its users.
What Is The Gas Price Tracker?
Transactions on the Ethereum network are completed by gas, purchased with ether. Although gas functions somewhat differently, it is Etheruem’s transaction charge. As network congestion can quickly increase this quantity, there is no upper limit on transaction gas requirements—a higher petrol price, therefore, results in a more significant transaction cost. Additionally, transactions with cheaper gas costs may fail because the miners might not take them up.
Users of Etherscan can decide whether or not it is a good idea to send transactions right now by using the gas tracker. All users benefit from lower rates; however, depending on the current network activity, they might not be possible. Users can speed up transfers by adjusting their gas charge in MetaMask or other wallets using the estimates provided by this gas tracker.
Etherscan’s Airdrop Finding
Etherscan recently gained the ability to support airdrops that are now taking place on the Ethereum network. Users won’t be able to claim airdrop tokens from every campaign, but this list shows which ones are still running. Although it doesn’t appear to include future events, it is still a helpful tool for those who want to be sure they qualify for particular airdrops.
Overview Of Tokens
The ERC-20 and ERC-721 token standards are supported by Ethereum. Users can access the top tokens for each standard, as well as information on their contracts, trading activity, price changes, market capitalization, and holder count, using Etherscan. Each token can be clicked to view additional details, transactions, or other features.
Section Of Verified Contracts
An exciting tool is the Verified Contracts part of Etherscan. It lists all smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain and their verified source code. Since some smart contracts do not fit this category, users can more easily decide whether or not to interact with a given contract.
The contract address can also be manually checked to see if it has been validated. Although users will know the name, compiler version, and if a security audit has been carried out, the process functions like looking up a wallet address. While there is no guarantee that the code will always be 100% secure to interact with, security assessments are essential for smart contracts.
Is Etherscan Compatible with NFTs?
On the Ethereum blockchain, non-fungible tokens are extremely common. Users who buy these NFTs can see their assets on Etherscan, but only as a token, not as the corresponding artwork.
To view the entire work of art, users will need to use additional services, such as the OpenSea marketplace. Although Etherscan cannot display the artwork, it will display the token ID, the project to which it belongs, the transaction history, and the interactions between smart contracts.
Etherscan’s Additional Features
On Etherscan, many options are accessible, including transaction tracking and gas prices. To gain a general idea of the Ethereum market, users can, for example, look at the charts and statistics; information like daily transactions, unique addresses, average block size, and average gas price may offer insightful information to Ethereum users. Additionally, users can explore Dapps to view smart contracts and associated addresses. Transactions on ETH2.0 can be followed on the beacon chain explorer as Ethereum is working toward a merger with Ethereum 2.0 and a proof-of-stake architecture.
Conclusion
Etherscan is a powerful and user-friendly blockchain explorer for the Ethereum network, providing valuable insights and information about transactions, smart contracts, addresses, and tokens. It offers many features that can benefit Ethereum users, developers, and enthusiasts.
Using Etherscan, you can explore and verify transactions, track-token balances, view contract details, monitor network statistics, and gain transparency into the Ethereum blockchain’s activities. It also serves as a valuable tool for auditing and researching smart contracts, ensuring their security and functionality.
FAQs
Q- Is Etherscan safe to use?
A- Yes, Etherscan is a reputable and secure blockchain explorer widely used by the Ethereum community. However, you must ensure you are accessing the official website (etherscan.io) to avoid potential phishing or scam attempts.
Q- Do I need an account to use Etherscan?
A- No, you do not need to create an account to use Etherscan. It is a public blockchain explorer that allows anyone to access and explore Ethereum’s data.
Q- Can I track token balances on Etherscan?
A- Yes, Etherscan allows you to track and view the token balances of Ethereum addresses. You can search for specific tokens and view the token holdings of any Ethereum wallet.
Q- Can I verify smart contracts on Etherscan?
A- Yes, developers can verify their smart contracts on Etherscan to provide transparency and ensure authenticity. Etherscan offers a straightforward process for contract verification.
Q- Can I explore historical transactions on Etherscan?
A- Yes, Etherscan allows you to explore historical transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. You can search for specific addresses or transactions and view their details.
