Blockscout 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Using the Blockscout Explorer Interface

This guide is designed for beginners navigating the Blockscout Block Explorer interface.

Introduction

Block Explorer is an essential tool for everyone involved in the blockchain world. However, beginners often need help exploring the interface of block explorers. To address this, this article will provide detailed instructions on using Blockscout, one of the most popular block explorers, which supports over 800 blockchains. Blockscout is not just a tool for looking up information about transactions and blocks on the blockchain. With its user-friendly and intuitive interface, Blockscout is an ideal choice for those new to the blockchain world.

Through this guide, we hope you will gain confidence in exploring and understanding blockchain information using block explorers, making your blockchain journey smoother and safer.

Challenges for New Users

Everyone faces challenges when first encountering blockchain technology. You have to purchase cryptocurrency from strangers, create a wallet, and securely store your private key (this is crucial, so make sure you do this). New users must also learn how to manually check their transactions on blockchain explorers — a task akin to that of a banker, who is required to have extensive knowledge and a bachelor’s degree in the subject. This situation is not ideal!

But don’t worry, this article is here to help. It will provide a tutorial on using the Blockscout block explorer, making it easy to check your transactions.

Beginner’s Guide to Using BlockScout Block Explorer

Introducing Blockscout

Blockscout is one of the pioneering blockchain explorers, designed to help users and developers easily access on-chain data. The Blockscout development team has created open-source code that any project can use to create their block explorer. Over 800 projects use Blockscout as their explorer, providing convenience and an excellent user experience.

First Step: Set Blockscout as Your Default Explorer

If you use wallets that allow customization of blockchain network information, you can set Blockscout as your default explorer.

To do this, visit [Blockscout’s list of supported chains and projects https://www.blockscout.com/chains-and-projects and copy the link for the block explorer corresponding to the blockchain you want to use.

For example, if you are using the MetaMask wallet on a PC, follow these steps to add or replace the block explorer:

1. Click on the “⋮” button.
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Select “Networks.”
4. Choose the network you are using.

5. Copy and paste the Blockscout block explorer link into the Block explorer URL (Optional) box.

Then, whenever you want to view your address on the block explorer from your wallet, you will be directed to Blockscout.

Next: Understanding Blockscout Explorer’s Interface

We’ll use the Base explorer interface as an example.

Visit the interface at Base Blockscout Explorer.

In the center of the main screen, you’ll find the search section. Here, you can search for wallet addresses, transaction IDs, domain names (such as ENS), or contract addresses. Simply enter what you’re looking for to view its details.

In the middle, you’ll also find the “Connect Wallet” button. This button allows you to connect your wallet to Blockscout, enabling you to access the full features of this connected explorer, such as the Dappscout, a feature for browsing decentralized apps.

Below the search box, you’ll find the current blockchain parameters along with the most recent blocks and transactions.

In the upper left corner, you’ll find the price of Ether ($ETH), the token used as gas to pay for each transaction on Base. Adjacent to it is the price of the Ether required for each transaction, calculated in USD. This section is particularly useful and addresses a common issue encountered by new users. It assists you in ensuring you have enough gas tokens for transactions, thus avoiding any interruptions in your experience.

For further information, navigate to “Other” → “Gas Tracker” to access a dedicated section providing details about the current gas situation on the network.

Below the Base logo, you’ll find the “𓃑” button, which is used to access Blockscout explorers on other networks. Within the menu, you’ll notice options for both the main network and the testnet (experimental) network.

Below is the menu of Blockscout’s features:

• Blockchain: This section allows you to view detailed information about accounts on the blockchain, the blockchain’s status, and the activities taking place on it.
  - Tokens: Here, you can search for tokens on a blockchain by their names or symbols.
  - Dapps: Clicking here will take you to a collection of decentralized applications available on the blockchain you are using. This feature is known as Dappscout.
  - Charts & Stats: If you enjoy viewing general information and charts, this feature is for you.
  - API: This feature provides documentation to help programmers access Blockscout’s APIs.
  - Others: Provides access to some other useful features.

In the upper right corner, you’ll find the “Swap” button. This allows you to quickly switch to the interface of a decentralized exchange (DEX) right within Blockscout’s interface.

Next to it is the settings button, used to change the interface color and avatar for your account.

Utilizing the essential functions of Blockscout Block Explorer:

1. Check Gas Fees: Monitor gas fees to ensure smooth transactions.

2. Search:

• Addresses, contracts, domains: Use the search function to find specific information such as addresses, smart contracts, or domain names. Simply enter the address in the search box to view its current balance and transaction history. Additionally, Blockscout allows you to explore associated domains and decentralized social networks (SocialFi) linked to these accounts.

• Transactions and Cash Flow: Blockscout provides helpful transaction labels, aiding in understanding transaction classifications and whether the transaction status is completed. Integration of AI further facilitates the identification of transactions and their purposes, enhancing user experience and transaction clarity.

3. Domain Name Management: Users can conveniently manage decentralized domains, such as Ethereum Name Service (ENS) (.eth), SpaceID (.Mode), Base Name Service (.base), Genome Domains (.gno), and more, directly on Blockscout. This is made possible through the Name Services Lookup feature, facilitating seamless domain management.

4. Explore Decentralized Applications: Discover and utilize popular decentralized applications via the Dappscout app market. Enjoy a safe and convenient browsing experience.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of how to utilize Blockscout, a robust and user-friendly block explorer tool. By mastering the ability to access transaction information, manage wallet addresses, and leverage other useful features on Blockscout, you’ll feel more confident as you navigate the world of blockchain exploration.