Introduction To EtherScan (Ethereum Blockchain Explorer)
An easy-to-follow tutorial covering the basics of EtherScan so you can get started searching the Ethereum Blockchain right away even as a beginner!
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What Is EtherScan?
EtherScan is a comprehensive cryptocurrency tool known as a blockchain explorer, EtherScan is used continuously to track wallet addresses and transactions happening on the Ethereum Blockchain.
To put it simply, EtherScan is a search engine for the Ethereum Blockchain. You can try it yourself at EtherScan.io.
EtherScan is limited to searching the data from Ethereum, to find transactions on another network you will have to use the appropriate block explorer. In this other article, I explain blockchain explorers and how to find one for any blockchain you wish to search for transactions on.
About Blockchain Explorers
A blockchain explorer can search public information held on a blockchain. The blockchain data is typically extremely large which is why a tool such as a blockchain explorer is useful.
They are possibly the most important tool available for users of cryptocurrency.
Covering The Basics Of EtherScan For Beginners
EtherScan will quickly search the blockchain and display key information to the user about a particular block, a transaction, or the transaction history and holdings of a particular address.
Examples of the information that can be obtained through searching with EtherScan:
- Hash ID
- Amount
- Fee (gas)
- Sender address
- Receiver address
- Timestamp
- Contract address
- Total supply
- Number of holders
- Number of transactions
Making Your First Search On EtherScan
The easiest way to get started is to search your own wallet address, you may recognize some of the transactions which will help you understand EtherScan better.
Starting somewhere familiar will give you some context to what is being shown on screen.
For example: If you purchased some Shiba Inu Tokens by trading Ether on Uniswap, you could find the transaction hash for the swap by entering your wallet address in the search bar.
Alternatively, you could find the transaction if browse the SHIB 'recent transactions' for the timestamp corresponding to your trade.
Getting Comfortable Using EtherScan
These tools can be confusing and intimidating to beginners, but practice using them regularly and they will eventually feel very natural to use.
