Blockchain is a dynamic industry with constant technological developments. Hence, crypto enthusiasts are always on the lookout for tools that can explore and analyze blockchain data efficiently. Two of the most popular blockchain explorers are Solscan and Etherscan.
They have become integral to users navigating Solana Vs Ethereum blockchains, respectively. Keep reading this blog to understand what blockchain explorers are and how Solscan and Etherscan stack up against each other based on their features.
What are Blockchain Explorers?
Blockchain explorers are web-based applications also known as blockchain browsers or block explorers. Every blockchain is supported by specific explorers tailored to their architecture like Solscan is designed for Solana and Etherscan for Ethereum.
These tools allow users to view and analyze data on a blockchain like transaction details, addresses, or network metrics. A blockchain explorer converts complex ledger data into accessible and comprehensible information.
The core function of a Blockchain Explorer is to act as a specialized search engine for blockchain while delivering transparency and accessibility.
These explorers make data easily verifiable, hence, users rely on such tools to ensure security and accountability. A typical Blockchain explorer like Solscan or Etherscan allows users to do the following:
Other than technical capabilities, these explorers also play a crucial role in adopting blockchain technology. By making blockchain easily accessible, these tools educate people about the potential of blockchain. Moreover, such tools instill confidence in people and encourage them to use blockchain by ensuring data is verifiable and secure.
What is Solscan?
Solscan was launched in 2021 to meet the growing needs and popularity of the Solana ecosystem. Solscan is an open-source platform that lets users view blocks, tokens, transaction details, or accounts. It also has a user-friendly dashboard that provides users with real-time data about DeFi, NFTs, etc. Following are some key features of Solscan that make it stand out from its competition:
User benefits: Registered users get benefits like personalized dashboards, enhanced security through two-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring.
Tracking transactions: Users can track transactions on the Solana blockchain and also access details about these transactions like sender or recipient details, amount, or time of transaction.
Tracking tokens: It allows people to track how many tokens are on the Solana network and how many tokens are held by each address.
Staking information: Users get access to staking information for Solana like current staking yield or the total amount staked.
User-friendly interface: Solscan is perfect for beginner and experienced users because of its user-friendly interface.
What Is Etherscan?
Etherscan was launched back in 2015 with the aim to become the go-to blockchain explorer for Ethereum. Users can search for, verify, and explore smart contracts and transactions on Etherscan using its user-friendly interface.
Etherscan extracts data from the Ethereum Network using the RPC protocol and then organizes the data to present it in real time. This helps users to get through vast data quickly and effectively on Ethereum. Its search bar and categorized sections make it easier to access this information. Following are some other impressive features of Etherscan:
Tracking transactions: Users can monitor transactions and get access to details like gas fees, timestamps, sender details, etc.
Analyzing smart contracts: Smart contracts are an integral part of the Ethereum network. Etherscan allows developers to inspect smart contract details, view its source code, and analyze transaction history.
Tracking tokens: Etherscan lets users track a list of tokens like ETH or ERC-20 held in any wallet.
Helps optimize Ethereum transaction costs: Ethereum transactions and smart contracts run on gas. Etherscan’s Gas Tracker feature provides real-time data of gas prices which helps users make informed decisions regarding transaction or deployment costs.
Event logs: Ethereum’s event logs have details about smart contract interactions and through Etherscan, users can explore these contract details.
Solscan Vs Etherscan
Both Solscan and Etherscan are transformative blockchain explorers that are tailored to their respective networks, Solana vs Ethereum. Solscan offers a range of functionalities for Solana like personalized dashboards, staking information, user-friendly interface, etc. On the other hand, Etherscan offers more robust features like analyzing smart contract details, optimizing transaction costs by tracking gas prices, and providing access to Ethereum’s event logs.
A key distinguishing feature is their blockchain architecture. Solana’s architecture prioritizes hugh-performanc and low transaction costs while Ethereum focuses on decentralized applications and smart contracts. Despite the differences in Solscan and Etherscan, both explorers provide intuitive features allowing users to navigate through their respective networks easily.
Conclusion
Both Etherscan and Solscan have become integral for blockchain users, developers, and businesses. While Solscan is emerging as a vital tool due to features like staking insights and an easy-to-use interface, Etherscan has solidified its position as a platform with robust benefits like analyzing smart contracts.
Despite their differences both share a common goal of providing easy access to blockchain data. The relationship between the two platforms took a turn when Etherscan acquired Solscan in 2024. The acquisition will ensure that both the explorers are better equipped to address growing market needs. This merger is expected to set a new benchmark by achieving cross-chain tracking and analysis.
This partnership reflects their commitment to enhancing blockchain usability. Whether you are new to blockchain or an experienced user, tools like Solscan and Etherscan empower you to navigate through blockchain networks like a pro!
