Definition of input type on Ethereum Stock Exchange: Understand Block Explorer approach
As a user of online cryptocurrencies such as Coinbase, Binance and Kraken, you may have encountered input fields that allow you to enter addresses, transaction IDs or block IDs. But what happens behind the scenes? How do these platforms determine that your input is truly address, transaction ID or block ID?
In this article, we are immersed that websites, such as Block Explorer ( and others approach to determine the type of intake.
Address input: Simple Case
Standard format is used to treat cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum. Titles are usually depicted as hexadecimal strings, each group separated by cola (:) and “0x” or “0x”. This format is easy to understand and use for developers.
The Block Explorer Input field uses this standard title format, allowing users to easily enter Ethereum titles. When entering a title in the Block Explorer input field, it is converted to a hexadecimal string and makes it clear that the input is actually the title or not.
Transaction ID input: Other Story
On the other hand, transaction IDs are unique identifiers used for blockchain transactions. It is usually portrayed as a hexadecimal string with specific length requirements (such as 32 characters). Transaction IDs are usually produced using algorithms that create random numbers and determine them in a particular format.
The Block Explorer input field for the transaction ID inputs is more complex than the title input. You need to enter a transaction hash that can be obtained by retrieving the latest block or a particular block with ETHEREUM API “ETH_BLocknumber” feature. The platform then takes over this transaction hash and generates a new one in its own format, converting it to hexadecimal.
Block ID input: Complex case
When entering a block number into the Block Explorer platform, there is no clear method to determine whether the input is actually a block -identifier or not. The reason for this is that Ethereum has a complex internal structure that contains different types of blocks, such as:
* 0x0000 : The Genesis block (the first block in the blockchain)
* 0x0010 –
0x9ff : Regular blocks
* 0xaab –
0xbff : Special blocks with special properties (such as 0x2a ...) that are not yet implemented
Without additional context or information, the request is challenged to determine whether or not the input block is.
Conclusion
While Block Explorer Input Fields have restrictions on the identification of the transaction ID and block identifiers, the platform provides some guidance using a standardized address format. For transaction IDs, users need to know how to get the latest block or specific block number and then enter that hash in the input field.
In general, if you are not sure that your input is address, transaction ID or block ID, it is always best to consult a developer or engineer who knows Ethereum and its internal structures.