What is Etherscan and how to use it?

Alright, no problem. Here's an explanation of Etherscan I've prepared for you, hope it helps!

What is Etherscan and How Do You Use It?

Hey friend! Just getting into Ethereum and blockchain? Then you're definitely going to come across Etherscan. Don't worry, it's not that complicated. Simply put, Etherscan is the "Google Chrome" + "package tracking system" of the Ethereum world.

Ethereum is a public and transparent ledger where everything that happens (like transfers, buying/selling NFTs) is openly recorded. Etherscan is a website that allows you to conveniently view this large ledger. You don't need to register or log in; anyone can use it to query any information.

Remember the most important point: Etherscan is just a browser; you can only "view" with it, not "move" your money. Your assets are very secure, and querying with it poses no risk.

What Can Etherscan Do?

You can think of it as a multi-purpose toolbox, mainly offering these functions:

1. Check transaction records: Just like tracking a package, see where your transfer went.
2. Check wallet addresses: See how much money and which tokens a particular wallet holds, along with all its historical transactions.
3. Check smart contracts: Understand if the underlying code of a DApp (decentralized application) or an NFT project is public and secure.
4. Check Gas fees: See how congested the current Ethereum network is and roughly how much transaction fees will cost.

How to Use Etherscan (A Hands-on Practical Guide)

Let's look at a few of the most common scenarios, and you'll know how to use it.

Scenario One: Checking the Status of a Transaction ("Why haven't my coins arrived yet?")

This is the most frequently used function. When you transfer ETH or other tokens to someone, your wallet will give you a Transaction Hash (TxID). This is essentially your "tracking number" for the transfer.

1. Copy your transaction hash. It usually starts with "0x" followed by a long string of characters, for example: 0xabcde12345...
2. Open the Etherscan website: https://etherscan.io
3. Paste into the search bar: Paste that hash into the search bar at the top of the website, then press Enter.