Blockchain Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide to ChainMaker Explorer

Overview

A blockchain explorer is an essential tool that provides real-time browsing, querying, and statistical analysis of blockchain data. The ChainMaker Explorer consists of three core components:

1. Frontend: Built with React framework for web-based visualization.
2. Backend: Developed in Go for processing logic.
3. Database: MySQL for structured data storage.

This architecture enables users to interact with blockchain data efficiently while maintaining system performance.

Installation Guide

Environment Requirements

Docker Setup

• Docker: Version 20.10.7 or higher
• Docker-Compose: Version 1.29.2 or higher

Installation resources:
👉 Get Docker Engine
👉 Install Docker-Compose

Verify installations using:

docker -v
docker-compose -v

Deployment Process

Prerequisites

A functional ChainMaker environment is required. Follow the official Quick Start Guide for ChainMaker setup.

Code Acquisition

• Repository: chainmaker-explorer

• Version: v2.1.0

  git clone https://git.chainmaker.org.cn/chainmaker/chainmaker-explorer.git

Configuration

Edit configs/config.yml to specify:

• Web server parameters
• Node synchronization settings
• MySQL database credentials

Execution

Launch the container after configuration:

docker-compose up

User Manual

Initial Setup

• Subscribe to a chain by verifying node connectivity
• Configure TLS settings according to your chain's specifications
• Multiple chains can be added post-initialization

Dashboard Features

• Multi-chain switching capability

• Advanced search by:

  • Block hash/height
  • Transaction ID
  • Contract name

• Real-time displays of:

  • Latest blocks
  • Recent transactions
  • Active contracts

Chain Management

• Subscribe/unsubscribe to chains dynamically
• Modify node configurations for active subscriptions

Data Exploration

Block Information

• Comprehensive block lists

• Detailed block views showing:

  • Hash values
  • DAG information
  • Transaction sets

Transaction Analysis

• Filterable transaction logs

• Transaction details including:

  • Block references
  • Contract execution status

Contract Interface

• Complete contract listings

• Inspection of:

  • Creation metadata
  • Execution history
  • Event logs

Network Participants

• Organization profiles
• Node specifications
• User account histories

FAQ Section

Q: Can I run the explorer without Docker?
A: While possible, Docker is recommended for simplified deployment and environment consistency.

Q: How often does the explorer sync with the chain?
A: By default, synchronization occurs every 30 seconds, configurable in config.yml.

Q: What happens if a subscribed node goes offline?
A: The explorer will stop receiving updates until you reconfigure with an active node.

Q: Is TLS mandatory for all connections?
A: TLS requirements depend on your chain configuration, though it's enabled by default in ChainMaker.

Q: Can I export blockchain data from the explorer?
A: While not directly supported, you can query the MySQL database for data extraction.

Q: How are multiple chains differentiated in the interface?
A: Each chain maintains separate views and can be toggled via the dashboard.

By implementing these guidelines, your blockchain exploration experience with ChainMaker will be both powerful and intuitive.