We use web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera to browse web pages and find information on the Internet.
In the same way, there are blockchain explorers that allow users to find specific information on blockchain networks.
One such explorer is Solscan, and it works on the Solana blockchain network. This article explores what Solscan is, its benefits, and how to use its features.
What is Solscan?
Solscan is a tool that lets you search the Solana blockchain for specific transactions, wallet addresses and smart contracts.
It allows you to view real-time and past transaction data that date back to the first block in the blockchain.
Solscan also provides details about each transaction, such as the sender and recipient addresses, amounts of transferred assets and gas prices, among other things.
You can also check trading activities across NFT marketplaces using the DeFi and NFT dashboards. The Application Programming Interface (API) allows you to create personalized feeds from these other platforms.
Solscan also provides tutorials and manuals to help users understand how the Solana network works.
The platform is free and does not require an account, but you may create one to access more features.
The platform is still in development, and its developers are constantly adding new features. Two of the most recent additions are a staking rewards calculator and an SOL value tracker. (SOL is the native coin on Solana)
Features on Solcan
Solscan offers features to help you search for transactions, wallet addresses, and NFT trades on the Solana blockchain. Let us us explore how to use them:
How to use Solscan to search for transactions
A popular feature in SolScan is the search function for transactions and addresses. When you input the correct hash, it allows you to access large amounts of information.
These include transaction fees, receipts, timestamps, and addresses involved in the transaction.
Every Solana transaction is signed and logged on the network’s mainnet. To search for a particular transaction:
- Copy the signature and paste it onto the search bar. Press enter.
- Next, you will see all the details about the transaction.
- The information is split into three categories: Overview, SOL Balance Change and Token Balance Change.
You will find most of the information you need in the Overview category. Some are:
- Block: the transaction’s block number.
- Fee: the amount paid for the transaction.
- Instruction Details: a comprehensive record of the transaction’s actions
- Main Actions: a description of the transaction’s activities.
- Previous Block Hash: the alphanumeric hash that identifies the previous block.
- Program Log: a detailed log of the instructions or actions outcomes.
- Signature: the transaction’s unique alphanumeric string.
- Signer: the wallet address that initiated the transaction.
- Result: the transaction’s confirmation status.
- Timestamp: the timestamp for the block in which your transaction was completed.
The SOL Balance Change and Token Balance Change tabs also show the token balance changes for all parties engaged in the transaction.
How to use SolScan to look up wallet addresses
You can use a similar method to check the history and get details on the activities in a wallet. To do this:
- Get the Solana wallet address you want to look up.
- Copy, and paste it into Solscan’s search bar. Press Enter.
- Next, you’ll see all the available details about that wallet.
The Overview section displays current account balances, but the lower tabs are mostly used to check transaction history.
How to find tokens on SolScan
You can easily verify tokens and view their details. To do this:
- Copy and paste the token address into SolScan’s search bar and press enter.
- If you input the correct address, you’ll be able to see the side-by-side Market Overview and Profile Summary tabs.
- The bottom tabs are Transfers, Transactions, Holders, Analysis and Markets.
How to access DeFi and NFT dashboards on SolScan
The Solana block explorer includes dashboards for some of the major DEXs in the ecosystem. You can easily find them under the DeFi tab.
SolScan’s NFT dashboard also allows you to monitor new NFTs, trades, and collections. You can find the section in the website header.
- The NFT dashboard lets you search through any NFT available on Solana
- The Collections tab displays a volume-based list of NFT projects.
- The Trades tab shows the most recent sales.
- The New NFTs tab displays the latest mints.
Why you should use SolScan
Anyone who trades on a blockchain network needs a blockchain explorer. One of its uses is that it helps you discover vital details about your staked funds and your transaction statuses.
SolScan uses the same format as EtherScan, making it simpler to comprehend. You can trust the information on SolScan since it comes directly from the Solana blockchain.
Many people prefer Solscan to Solana’s official explorer because of its layout. It’s completely free to use and includes many handy tools, lists, and graphs.
SolScan helps you understand the technical aspects of the DApps you use, and the transactions you make. You can also use its built-in chat system to communicate with other traders in real-time.
The explorer also includes a set of public APIs for integrating real-time SolScan data into custom, third-party apps and tools.
Conclusion
While anybody can use Solscan, it is primarily designed for blockchain developers, traders, investors and researchers.
The platform provides updates and alerts to help traders and investors make better investment decisions to maximise profits and minimise losses.
