Use the explorer

A blockchain explorer is a web-based tool that functions like a search engine specifically designed for blockchain data. Blockchains, like Entropy, store information in public databases called ledgers. These ledgers are transparent, meaning anyone can view them. However, the data can be complex and challenging to understand without assistance. Blockchain explorers act as an interface, allowing users to quickly search, retrieve, and analyze information on the blockchain.

The Polkadot{.js} Apps is a 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.

Prerequisites

• Docker

Why Docker?

The Entropy networks use regular WebSockets ws://..., rather than Secure WebSockets wss://.... Due to this limitation, you must run the block explorer locally. The easiest way to do this is to use 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:

   # Testnet
   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 details on what information you can get from this blockchain explorer.