Use the explorer

A blockchain explorer is a web-based tool that functions like a search engine specifically designed for blockchain data. The act as an interface, allowing users to quickly search, retrieve, and analyze information on the blockchain. This page explains how to view information about the Entropy network through an explorer.

The Polkadot{.js} Apps is a popular user interface for interacting with Substrate blockchains. Since Entropy is built using Substrate, we can use this explorer to search and view chain data on the Entropy network.

Public interface

The fastest way to view information about the Entropy blockchain is to visit the public Polkadot{.js} interface.

1. Go to polkadot.js.org/apps

2. Click the network dropdown at the top left of the screen.

   

3. In the sidebar, select the Development dropdown.

4. Within the custom endpoint field, enter the address for the network you want to connect to:

   wss://testnet.entropy.xyz

5. Click the Save icon next to the address field.

6. You should now be able to use the Polkadot{.js} interface with Entropy.

Local install

If you don’t want to use the public web interface, you can spin up a local copy of the Polkadot{.js} explorer.

Prerequisites

• Docker

Run the explorer

1. Open a terminal window and run:

   docker run --rm -it --name polkadot-ui -e WS_URL=ws://testnet.entropy.xyz:9944 -p 80:80 jacogr/polkadot-js-apps:latest

   This command will start a background process.

2. Open a browser and go to http://localhost.

Connect to the Entropy network

1. With the explorer running, select the Unknown dropdown at the top left:

   

2. In the sidebar, select the Development dropdown.

3. Within the custom endpoint field, enter the address for the network you want to connect to:

   ws://testnet.entropy.xyz:9944

4. Click the Save icon next to the address field.

   

5. The block explorer should start populating with details from the Entropy network:

   

You should now be able to use the block explorer as usual. Check out the wiki for what information you can get from this blockchain explorer.