Determining Input Type on Ethereum Exchanges: Understanding Block Explorer’s Access
As a user of online cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken, you may have come across input fields that allow you to enter addresses, transaction IDs, or block IDs. But what’s going on behind the scenes? How do these platforms determine whether your input is actually an address, transaction ID, or block ID?
In this article, we’ll dive into how websites like Block Explorer ( and others approach identifying the type of input you’re entering.
Address Input: The 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 for developers to understand and use.
The Block Explorer input field uses this standard address format, which allows users to easily enter Ethereum addresses. When you enter an address into the Block Explorer input field, it is converted to a hexadecimal string, making it clear whether your input is actually an address or not.
Transaction ID Input: A Different Story
Transaction IDs, on the other hand, are unique identifiers used for transactions on the blockchain. They are usually represented as a hexadecimal string with specific length requirements (e.g. 32 characters). Transaction IDs are typically generated using algorithms that generate random numbers and hash them into a specific format.
The Block Explorer input field for transaction ID inputs is more complex than entering an address. You will need to enter the transaction hash, which can be obtained by retrieving the latest block or a specific block using the eth_blockNumber function in the Ethereum API. The platform then takes this transaction hash and generates a new one in its own format, converting it to hexadecimal.
Block ID Input: A Complex Case
When you enter a block number into the Block Explorer platform, there is no direct way to determine whether your input is actually a block ID or not. This is because Ethereum has a complex internal structure that includes different types of blocks, such as:
- 0x0000: Genesis block (the first block in the blockchain)
- 0x0010–
0x9FF: Regular blocks
- 0xAAB
–
0xBFF: Special blocks with specific properties (e.g. “0x2a…”) that are not yet implemented
Without further context or information about your request, it is difficult to determine whether the input is a block ID or not.
Conclusion
While the Block Explorer 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. In the case of transaction IDs, users need to know how to get the latest block or a specific block number and then enter that hash into the input field.
In general, if you are unsure whether your input is an address, transaction ID, or block ID, it is always best to consult a developer or engineer familiar with Ethereum and its internal structures.
