What Are Explorers? A Simple Guide for Newbies

An explorer is like a search engine for the blockchain. It’s a tool that lets you view all the activity happening on a specific blockchain network, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. For NFTs and ordinals, explorers help you track transactions, view ownership details, and verify the authenticity of digital assets.

Think of it as a window into the blockchain’s public ledger, where everything is recorded transparently for anyone to see.

Why Are Explorers Important? Explorers play a key role in making blockchain technology trustworthy and accessible. Here’s why they matter:

• Transparency: Blockchain explorers let you see the details of any transaction, ensuring that everything is open and verifiable.
• Verification: Want to make sure an NFT is authentic or check its ownership history? An explorer makes it easy.
• Troubleshooting: If a transaction is stuck or something seems off, explorers help you track its status.

How Do Explorers Work? When a transaction happens on a blockchain (like minting an NFT or transferring an ordinal), it’s recorded on the network. Explorers organize this information into a user-friendly interface where you can:

1. Search Addresses: Look up wallet addresses to see their activity.
2. Check Transactions: Verify that payments or transfers have been completed.
3. View NFTs: Explore details about NFTs or ordinals, such as metadata, minting dates, and ownership history.

Popular Explorers for NFTs and Ordinals

• Etherscan: The go-to explorer for Ethereum, widely used to track NFT transactions.
• Solscan: A popular choice for Solana-based NFTs.
• Ordinals.com: Specifically designed for exploring Bitcoin ordinals and inscriptions.
• Blockchain.com Explorer: Great for general Bitcoin transactions and tracking.

Why Should You Care? Whether you’re a collector, creator, or just curious about blockchain, explorers give you the tools to understand and verify what’s happening. They empower you to:

• Verify the authenticity of NFTs before purchasing.
• Check the progress of transactions in real-time.
• Dive deeper into the world of blockchain and learn how it works.

In Summary Explorers are your gateway to understanding and navigating the blockchain. They make the complex world of NFTs and ordinals more transparent and accessible, ensuring you can track, verify, and explore with confidence.