Block explorer

A block explorer is a tool that allows users to view real-time information about a blockchain. There are usually multiple block explorers for each blockchain. As each block is processed in a given blockchain, block explorers allow users to view transaction data, addresses, fees, and much more.

Different block explorers

Etherscan is one type of block explorer. This is the most prominent smart-contract chain block explorer. It is used for Ethereum mainnet.

BSCScan, another block explorer created by the same team as Etherscan, is the block explorer used to visualize the BnB Chain.

Polygonscan is used on the Polygon blockchain.

Snowtrace is used on the Avalanche Contract Chain network.

FTMScan is used on the Fantom Opera network.

Solanabeach is used on the Solana network.

The NEAR Explorer is used on the NEAR network.

Cronoscan is used on the Cronos network.

TerraFinder is used on the Terra network.

Arbiscan is used on the Arbitrum network.

avaScan is used on Avalanche network

Map of Zones is for IBC Compatible Chains (Cosmos)

Solana Explorer is for Solana

SolScan is for Solana

VScout is for Avalanche

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Many chains have multiple block explorers. Many newer chains use an open source BlockScout as a basic block explorer before a block explorer with more utility is put in place.

Block explorer features

Some block explorers possess more functionality than others.

Features present on Etherscan:

• contract address
• balance
• source value
• token list
• complete archive of every transaction
• internal transactions
• erc-20 (or equivalent) token transactions
• erc-721 (or equivalent) token txns
• labels
• contract source code
• interaction analytics
• transaction action section
• DEX Trades for Tokens
• Holder distribution lists
• Token approval list

In addition, other features like diffcheckers are possible.