What is Etherscan?

Etherscan is a blockchain explorer that allows users to view transactions, smart contract addresses, token data, and other information available on the Ethereum blockchain. It provides public access to these transactions as they are submitted, validated, and made available on Ethereum using only the transaction ID, also known as the transaction hash.

History of Etherscan

Etherscan was developed and launched in 2015 by blockchain developer and entrepreneur Matthew Tan. According to its founder, Etherscan was created to provide equal access to blockchain data and other related information. Staying true to its purpose, Etherscan remains a free service and does not require users to create an account to use its functions.

Functions of Etherscan

Etherscan offers various functions that cater to the needs of blockchain companies and users:

1. Tracking gas fees: Etherscan allows users to view gas prices using the "Gas Tracker" tool.
2. Searching transaction data: Users can view all ETH-facilitated transactions processed with the corresponding Gwei.
3. Wallet tracking: Etherscan enables users to track wallet balances and history.
4. ERC-20 token tracker: Users can search for any ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network.
5. Smart Contracts: Etherscan allows users to modify and read smart contracts without additional authorization.
6. Ethereum ecosystem news: Users can follow developments in the Ethereum ecosystem.

How to search for transactions on Etherscan

To search for transactions on Etherscan:

1. Visit the Etherscan website.
2. Copy the TXID and paste it into the search field on the homepage.
3. Click the Search icon or press Enter.
4. View the complete display of transaction details.

How to view smart contracts on Etherscan block explorer

To view smart contracts on Etherscan:

1. Copy the smart contract address and paste it into the Etherscan search bar.
2. Click the Search icon to start your request.
3. View the smart contract balance details and other relevant token information.

How to view gas prices on Etherscan

To check gas prices before making a transaction:

1. Visit the Etherscan Gas Tracker tool.
2. View the three options - Low, Average, and High prices, each with different Gwei prices.
3. Check the estimated transaction costs based on the asset, platform, or token used.

What is the future of Etherscan?

Etherscan continues to be an industry trendsetter, introducing new and exciting features such as NFT View and chat rooms for wallet owners. The team has been working on including a wallet blacklist feature to reduce fraud in the crypto industry.

Conclusion

Etherscan has established itself as a comprehensive and essential tool for the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. Its continued development and introduction of new features demonstrate its commitment to providing equal access to Ethereum network data and improving the user experience for blockchain enthusiasts and professionals alike.

FAQ

What's the best blockchain explorer?

Etherscan is widely considered the best blockchain explorer for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens, offering comprehensive transaction data, smart contract interactions, and user-friendly features.

Is Etherscan a block explorer?

Yes, Etherscan is a popular block explorer for the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to view and analyze transactions, addresses, and smart contracts on the Ethereum network.

Who is the biggest ETH holder?

As of 2025, the Ethereum Foundation remains the largest ETH holder, followed by major exchanges and institutional investors. However, exact holdings are not publicly disclosed for privacy reasons.

How accurate is a blockchain explorer?

Blockchain explorers are highly accurate, providing real-time data directly from the blockchain. They offer precise information on transactions, addresses, and network activity, ensuring transparency and reliability for users.