#show-card ## Introduction [Etherscan](https://etherscan.io/) is the leading [[Block|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 contract|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|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]] 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]] Services ([API Documentation](https://docs.etherscan.io/)) that empower developers to build decentralized applications ([[DApp|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]] ([[NFT|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