Determining input type on Ethereum Exchanges: Understanding Block Explorer’s Approach
As a User of Online Cryptocurrency Exchanges Like Coinbase, Binance, And Kraken, You Might Have Encountered Input Fields That Allow You To Enter Addresses, Transaction IDS, OR Block Ids. However, what happens behind the scenes? How do these Platforms Determine Whether Your Input Is Indeed An Address, Transaction ID, OR Block ID?
In this article, we’ll delve into how websites like block explorer ( and Others approach identifying the type of input you’re enterting.
Address Input: A Simple Case
When it comes to addressing cryptocurrencies like ethereum, a standard format is used. Addresses are typically represented as a hexadecimal string, with each group separated by colons (:) and preceded by ‘0x’ or ‘0x’. This format is Easy to Understand and Use for Developers.
Block Explorer’s Input Field Uses This Standard Address Format, Allowing Users to Easily Type in Ethereum Addresses. When you enter an Address Into the Block Explorer’s Input Field, It Will Be Convert to a Hexadecimal String, Making It Clear Whether Your Input is Indeed An Address Or Not.
Transaction ID Input: A Different Story
On the other hand, transaction Ids are unique identifiers used for transactions on the blockchain. They’re usually represented as a hexadecimal string with specific length requirements (E.G., 32 characters). Transaction Ids are typically generated using algorithms that create random number and hashes them into a specific format.
Block Explorer’s Input Field for Transaction ID Inputs is more complex than the address input. You’ll need to enter a transaction hash, which can be obtained by fetching the latest block or a specific block using the eth_blockknumber function on the ethereum api. The Platform then takes this transaction hash and generates a new one in its own format, converting it into hexadecimal.
Block ID Input: A Complex Case
When you input A Block Number Into Block Explorer’s Platform, There’s No Straight Forward Way to Determine Whether Your Input is Indeed A Block Id Or Not. This is because Ethereum has a complex internal structure that includes varous types of blocks, such as:
* 0x0000 : The Genesis Block (The First Block in the Blockchain)
0x0010
–
0x9ff : Regular Blocks
0xaab –
0xbff : Special blocks with specific property (e.g., 0x2a ...) that aren’t yet implemented
Without more context or information about your request, it’s challenging to determine white the input is a block id not.
Conclusion
While Block Explorer’s Input Fields Have Their Limitations when it comes to identifying transaction Ids and Block Ids, the platform Does provide some Guidance by Using a Standardized Address Format. For transaction Ids, users need to know how to obtain the latest block or specific block number and then enter that hash in the input field.
In General, If You’re Unsure White Input, An Address, Transaction ID, OR Block ID, It’s Always Best to Consult with A Developer or Engineer Familiar with Ethereum and its Internal Structures.