#show-card ## Introduction [Etherscan](https://etherscan.io/) is the leading block explorer for the [[Ethereum]] blockchain, providing a comprehensive window into on-chain activity. It allows users, developers, and researchers to search, verify, and analyze transactions, addresses, smart contracts, and other [[Ethereum]] network data. Etherscan operates as an independent entity, separate from the [[Ethereum]] Foundation, and has become an indispensable tool for transparency and insight within the [[Ethereum]] ecosystem. ## Core Services Etherscan offers a range of services centered around exploring and interacting with the [[Ethereum]] blockchain: ### Blockchain Exploration The primary [Etherscan.io](https://etherscan.io/) platform enables users to: - Search for transactions by hash, block number, or address. - Inspect wallet addresses and their token balances, transaction history, and interactions with smart contracts. - View and verify smart contract source code. - Track [[Gas price]] using the [Etherscan Gas Tracker](https://etherscan.io/gastracker). - Monitor network status via the [Node Tracker](https://etherscan.io/nodetracker). - Look up [[ENS|ENS domains]] using the [Domain Lookup](https://etherscan.io/name-lookup). - Utilize the [Etherscan Chrome Extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/etherscan/joeoaocmnapjmkhjndfflecmdaldkpbn) for direct browser interaction with the blockchain. ### API Services Etherscan provides robust [[API|API Services]] ([API Documentation](https://docs.etherscan.io/)) that empower developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and integrate [[Ethereum]] data into their services. These APIs are designed for high availability and serve as a critical data feed for numerous projects in the ecosystem. ### Multichain Exploration - **[[Blockscan]]**: ([blockscan.com](https://blockscan.com/)) This platform extends Etherscan's capabilities to over 25 other blockchains, offering a unified interface for tracking activities across multiple chains. - **Explorer as a Service (EaaS)**: Etherscan offers [Explorer as a Service (EaaS)](https://etherscan.io/eaas) to other EVM-compatible blockchains, including major networks like [[Optimism]], [[Arbitrum]], and [[Binance smart chain]]. ### Communication Tools - **[[Blockscan]] Chat**: ([chat.blockscan.com](https://chat.blockscan.com/start)) A wallet-to-wallet messaging service enabling users to communicate directly using their [[Ethereum]] addresses. ## Technical Architecture Etherscan's platform is built upon a sophisticated infrastructure that continuously monitors the [[Ethereum]] blockchain. It downloads, indexes, and processes vast amounts of data related to transactions, addresses, blocks, and smart contracts. This data is then stored in their servers and made accessible through user-friendly interfaces and APIs. The system is engineered for high reliability and scalability to handle significant query volumes and provide real-time data updates. ## Social Media & Community Stay connected with Etherscan through their official channels: - **X (formerly Twitter)**: [@etherscan](https://x.com/etherscan) - **Information Center**: [info.etherscan.com](https://info.etherscan.com/) - **Medium Blog**: [medium.com/etherscan-blog](https://medium.com/etherscan-blog) ## Key Milestones & Updates Etherscan has continuously evolved, marking significant milestones: - **2024-10**: Launched Etherscan API V2, supporting 50+ blockchains with a single API key. ([Source](https://cointelegraph.com/news/etherscan-drops-v2-unifies-api-for-over-50-blockchains)) - **2024-07-09**: Introduced "Etherscan Cards" feature. ([Announcement](https://info.etherscan.com/cards/)) - **2024-01-03**: Acquired Solscan, expanding blockchain data services. ([Announcement](https://info.etherscan.com/solscan-acquisition/)) - **2023-04**: Launched the Etherscan Metadata API. - **2022-11**: Released the [Etherscan Chrome Extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/etherscan/joeoaocmnapjmkhjndfflecmdaldkpbn). - **2022-09**: Supported The Merge on [[Ethereum]]. - **2021-05**: Became one of the top 1,000 websites globally by traffic. - **2020-01**: Published the first edition of Etherscan's newsletter. - **2018-06**: Launched the Etherscan Gas Tracker. - **2018-01**: Introduced verified contract signatures. - **2017-12**: Displayed images and metadata for CryptoKitties ([[ERC-721|NFTs]]). - **2017-05**: Added support for [[ENS]] (ENS). - **2016-08**: Joined the Boost VC startup accelerator. - **2016-08**: Implemented support for the [[ERC-20]] token standard. - **2016-04**: Launched smart contract verification service. - **2015-09**: Launched Etherscan API service for [[Ethereum]]. - **2015-08**: Etherscan platform launched. ## See Also - [[Ethereum]] - [[API]] - [[Blockscan]]