Blockchain technology is a fairly young industry. Initially introduced to the mainstream public in 2009 with the launch of Bitcoin, today, blockchain is making things that were once impossible a reality. Are you looking for the most convenient way to join the new wave of blockchain developers? In this article, we are going to cover some of the instruments — blockchain explorers and crypto nodes — that can be used to guarantee the more efficient implementation of the new technology into your Web3 product. Let’s get started!
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Blockchain development in recent years
A blockchain is a distributed ledger that records transactions on numerous computers all over the world. These records are immutable, which prevents further change. Blockchain technology makes information exchange faster, more secure, and more transparent while also providing more cost-effectiveness. It also excludes third parties (like banks and other traditional financial institutions) since now the blockchain itself provides trust and verification in transactions.
Organizations coming from a variety of industries have been expressing interest in blockchain due to its high importance, with the banking industry now showing the most activity. Blockchain has led to the creation of thousands of new jobs and enterprises, including everything from games to mobile payment systems.
Blockchain explorers and crypto nodes are two derivatives of blockchain technology. What is their purpose, and why do we need them?
What is a blockchain explorer?
Simply put, a blockchain explorer, sometimes referred to as a search engine for distributed ledgers, is a tool based on blockchain technology that looks like an application and provides comprehensive data on a certain blockchain. Users may rapidly check information like wallet balance, transaction status, block history, block height, hash rate, and validator settings.
Additionally, users can frequently utilize this web dashboard to monitor pending transactions or check wallet balances. As they provide access to the world of decentralized networks, blockchain explorers are regarded as user-friendly web tools for surfing through data.
What are crypto nodes?
Crypto nodes are an essential part of each blockchain platform that works to keep it functioning properly. These are components of blockchain technology used to transfer, synchronize, and store data within a chain. Their primary purpose is to power on-chain wallets, trading bots, analytical trackers, and other decentralized applications and tools, such as blockchain explorers, by following the consensus algorithm to confirm transactions.
Crypto nodes typically have two basic components: hardware (a computing device) and software (the algorithm’s rules). Using your smartphone as an example, we can say that it is also a crypto node, but in this case, it connects to the Internet by adhering to a specific set of guidelines outlined by application software.
Crypto nodes must reach a consensus by comparing the data in order to validate or confirm transactions. Each block needs to be validated by all nodes before it can be added to the chain.
How can GetBlock help?
GetBlock is a top-tier crypto node provider offering access to 40+ leading networks, which makes it one of the most powerful crypto node providers in the world. Not only that, but GetBlock has also partnered with several popular platforms to create user-friendly blockchain explorers.
If you are interested in building your own decentralized application, also known as dApp, or skyrocketing your Web3 product performance, then GetBlock might be the right place for you. Choose crypto nodes available for 40+ networks, like Ethereum, Bitcoin, BNB Chain, Tron, Polygon, Solana, and many others.
GetBlock offers shared and dedicated node alternatives. The first option is ideal for smaller budgets – you can start experimenting with 40,000 free requests per day. Shared crypto nodes are entry-level infrastructure, as you have to share the same API with other users. However, if you are a more experienced developer, you might look into the dedicated node option. These are privately designed crypto nodes built based on your requirements and needs. GetBlock offers market-friendly prices, high availability, a variety of API methods and locations, as well as 24/7 online support. Working with GetBlock is not only going to save you time and money but also allow you to fix some major issues you might come across in one click.
Moreover, GetBlock has collaborated with NEAR Protocol, Flow, and Harmony to develop simple-to-use blockchain explorers that are available free of charge on the website. These services allow you to trace transactions in more detail. Users can be expecting more explorers in the future.
Closing thoughts
Nowadays, the blockchain industry is becoming more and more globally accessible. Naturally, the list of use cases increases alongside the exploration of this new technology. Today is only the beginning of this exciting crypto journey. Check out GetBlock and become part of the Internet!
