- Initial Critique by ZachXBT
- Evaluation of Block Explorers
- Further Critique and Suggestions
Pseudonymous blockchain investigator ZachXBT has raised concerns about the quality of block explorers for numerous Layer 1 blockchain networks.
Initial Critique by ZachXBT
In a September 5 post on social media platform X, ZachXBT argued that most block explorers outside of Ethereum’s Etherscan are in urgent need of a comprehensive redesign to enhance their functionality. This critique was in response to a question by Arthur Cheong, founder of DeFiance Capital, about which blockchain networks have user-friendly block explorers and easily trackable on-chain transactions.
Evaluation of Block Explorers
The famous blockchain sleuth ranked various block explorers and rated the block explorers for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains, such as those supported by OKLink, as well as Solana’s Solscan and Ripple’s Bithomp, as “okay” but not ideal. Blockchair, Mempool, and WalletExplorer were rated as “good block explorers,” the analyst noted that they were acceptable tools for tracking Bitcoin transactions. ZachXBT placed Cosmos, Bittensor, Hedera, Harmony, Algorand, Aptos, and Sui in the “bottom tier” for block explorers. They specifically criticized the ones for Aptos and Sui, describing them as “not great” for on-chain transaction tracking.
Further Critique and Suggestions
Meanwhile, ZachXBT had earlier criticized Sui’s block explorer, SuiVision, for its significant shortcomings in another X post on August 12. They highlighted the platform’s inability to filter spam transactions, tokens, amounts, or even date and time, calling it “complete garbage.” However, ZachXBT noted that with the proper updates or grants to the appropriate teams, there is still “potential” for improvement. When asked by the community if they had plans to develop a “multi-chain block explorer,” ZachXBT responded that, while appealing in theory, many chains aren’t profitable enough to justify the effort. However, they suggested pursuing a similar project, promising to share more details in a future update.
In conclusion, ZachXBT is calling for significant improvements in block explorers for Layer 1 networks. They acknowledge the potential for changes but emphasize the need for investments and updates to realize these improvements.
