The team at the POA Network have unveiled the first full featured open-source block explorer tool for the Ethereum ecosystem. This new block explorer is called BlockScout. It is an easy-to-use and secure tool that allows users to search and explore transactions, addresses, and balances on the three blockchains of Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC) and POA Network.

BlockScout is the next generation of block explorers that lets the user view detailed information on balances, transactions and token transfers; both in the past and as they occur in real time. The tool is open source and lets anyone contribute to its development and to suit their own needs. BlockScout also has API functionality and supports ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens.

Additional features on the new block explorer include smart contract verification, querying and real-time tracking of block confirmation.

Igor Barinov, Tech Lead of POA Network, had this to say about the launch:

While building POA Network, we realized the existing block explorer options were closed source and limited in functionality. This meant we couldn’t propose updates, contribute to development or integrate sidechain platforms. BlockScout sets a new standard for blockchain exploration tools by providing detailed insights for users looking to easily verify transactions on the Ethereum blockchain, sidechains, and private chains.

Andrew Cravenho, BlockScout Project Lead, added the following:

It’s thanks to the hard work of our technical contributors and the detailed feedback from our dedicated community that BlockScout is so advanced in functionality. We are proud to deliver a high-quality product that is open and available to all users, and remain committed to closely collaborating with our ever-expanding community to refine and strengthen BlockScout.

BlockScout was initially funded by POA Network and a grant from ETHPRize. Its Beta version was released on GitHub back in August of this year and after a year of development. With over 2,000 commits and 27 community contributors, BlockScout has managed to mature and become a product that meets the need for a robust block explorer functioning on multiple blockchains.

About POA

POA Network is an Ethereum-based platform that offers an open-source framework for smart contracts. It is a sidechain of Ethereum and uses a Proof of Authority as its consensus mechanism. POA allows developers to code according to Ethereum standards with the added benefits of POA Network’s solutions to scalability and inter-operability in blockchain networks.

The team recently introduced the POA20 token which will allow two standalone blockchains to safely and securely interact with each other through cross-chain bridges. This is a critical step towards solving scalability on the Ethereum network as well as connectivity issues.