Glossary

Block Explorer

1 min read

A block explorer is a service that allows anyone to browse and query the blockchain. Bitcoin’s blockchain is publicly accessible to all. Tens of thousands of nodes maintain full copies of the exact same blockchain, allowing them to verify any transaction or block and prove their Bitcoin balances. A block explorer allows those who do not run a node to do the same and in a simpler way.

These benefits come at the cost of potential loss of privacy and the need to trust a third party. Most block explorers exist as websites, which may collect data linking your IP address, physical location, and the Bitcoin addresses you queried. Some block explorers allow users to use their service locally with their own node, bypassing the aforementioned privacy leaks.

Try out Blockstream’s Explorer to browse a complete list of Bitcoin blocks and transactions. You should avoid looking up your own addresses in order to preserve your privacy.

Notice: River does not provide investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The information provided is general and illustrative in nature and therefore is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax advice. We encourage you to consult the appropriate tax professional to understand your personal tax circumstances.
Related Terms
Blockchain
A blockchain is a chronological list of records, called blocks. Each of these blocks contains transactions. Once a block is added to the blockchain, it is infeasible to alter, giving Bitcoin its immutability.
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Transaction
A transaction exists as a record of the transfer of bitcoin from one address to another. All transactions are recorded in blocks on the blockchain.
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Address
An address is used to receive bitcoin and is represented as a string of letters and numbers. When you send bitcoin to an address, only the owner of the private key(s) corresponding with the address can spend that bitcoin.
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Transaction ID (txid)
A txid or Transaction ID is a string of letters and numbers that identify a specific transaction. It can be used to look up a transaction on a node or block explorer.
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