The Block Explorer: a window to the chain

Block explorers are online interfaces which provide the user a chance to search for past and on-going transactions, wallet addresses and other useful info on a given chain. This provides a dimensionality of transparency between the chain and its users.

Solana has several block explorers to choose from:

• Official Solana Explorer

• Solscan

• Solana Beach

• Blockchair

• SolanaFM

Throughout the tutorial, we'll see examples right from the block explorers that juxtapose the theory we discuss. Here are some of the words you'll see often throughout the tutorial:

1. Blocks, Validators and Proof of History

2. Accounts

3. Instructions and Transactions

4. Programs

5. Token Program

6. Token Metadata Program

7. Program Derived Addresses (PDA)

8. SPL-tokens, Fungible Assets and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

Let's start from the very top. What is a Blockchain?