Block explorer (software) allows users to view and search the blockchain to display information about specific addresses and related blocks. The tool also provides a way for users to access useful information such as transaction history, global hash rate, mining difficulty, and coin supply.
The block explorer uses APIs provided by cryptocurrency miners to track transactions. API calls enable real-time data retrieval so block explorers can display the latest information.
Originally, block explorers were designed for Bitcoin because it was the first and most popular cryptocurrency. Over time, the tool has been adapted to include other blockchains.
Different explorers offer different insights into a given blockchain. Some provide concise information, while others offer more in-depth analysis, such as mining profitability or social media activity.
Suppose someone is to view an individual transaction or check the wallet balance on the Bitcoin network. In that case, all we need is to enter the Bitcoin public address or transaction ID into a block explorer like https://blockchair.com/bitcoin or https://blockchain.info/. The wallet balance will be displayed with any transactions associated with that wallet address.
You can also search for any bitcoin transaction using its hash ID, e.g.:
Bc1qxy2kgdygjrsqtzq2n0yrf2493p83kkfjhx0wlh