How to Develop an Explorer Using KS Query APIs

Building a blockchain Explorer is now easier and more customizable than ever with KS Query APIs.

Step 1. Understand KS Query APIs

KS Query offers a powerful suite of endpoints to access:

• Smart Contracts: Analyze deployed contracts and metadata

• Blocks: View block details and included transactions

• Transactions: Track transactions across the chain

• Network: Monitor overall network activity

Note: Use the API Console on the KS Query dashboard to explore all available endpoints before you begin.

Step 2. Set Up Your Environment

Make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Postman – for testing API endpoints

• Browser DevTools – to inspect API traffic (useful for debugging)

• Frontend Framework – React, Angular, Vue, or plain JavaScript to build your Explorer UI

Step 3. Integrate the APIs

a. Access the API Console

• Go to the KS Query API Console

• Navigate to All APIs Categories include:

  • Smart Contracts

  • Blocks

  • Transactions

  • Network

All APIs Page

b. Choose Your Endpoint

• Select the endpoint you need (e.g., /analytics/chaincode)

• Click on it to open detailed documentation

• Copy the endpoint URL

Copy Endpoint URL

c. Check Required Parameters

Click on Params to view Route Details and review required inputs.

View Route Details

A Route Detail dialog will open with 3 tabs:

• Params: Lists required header and query parameters

Params

• Blockchain & Network: Shows the blockchain context for this API (network: e.g., devnet blockchain: e.g., kalp)

Blockchain & Network

• API Auth Key: Displays your existing API keys

Note: Generate or copy your active API key from the API Key Generation tab

API Auth Key

d. Test the Endpoint in Postman

1. Open Postman and create a new GET request.

2. Paste the copied endpoint into the request URL.

3. Add the following Headers:

• Network: Enter the network name (e.g., devnet).

• Blockchain: Enter the blockchain name (e.g., kalp).

• API Key: Paste your API key.

1. Send the request and verify the response.

Test the Endpoint in Postman

Step 4. Build the Frontend

After successful API testing, start building your Explorer UI. Common components include:

• Tabs for: Smart Contracts, Blocks, Transactions, and Network Monitoring.

• Search and Filter Options: Enable users to filter data using parameters like smartContractName, from, and to.

• Interactive Charts and Tables: Display blockchain data dynamically.

Step 5. Example: Display Smart Contract Data

To create a tab that displays smart contract details:

1. Use the /analytics/chaincode endpoint.

2. Pass query parameters like smartContractName to fetch specific results.

3. Display the results in a table format, including details like contract address, creation date, and associated transactions.

Step 6. Advanced Features

Take your Explorer further by integrating:

• Real-Time Updates: Use WebSockets (when supported) for live blockchain feed

• Metrics + Analytics: Integrate metrics APIs when they’re available

• Custom UI Themes: Match your Explorer to your brand with a styled frontend

Step 7. Test and Deploy

1. Validate all endpoints return accurate data

2. Perform edge case testing (e.g., empty state, failed API call)

3. Host the frontend using platforms like Netlify, AWS, or Vercel

Step 8. Inspect Tool for Debugging

Use your browser’s Inspect → Network tab to:

• Observe live API requests

• Debug headers, parameters, and responses

• Optimize performance

KS Query APIs empower developers to create high-performance, flexible blockchain Explorers. By combining powerful backend access with customizable UI, you can tailor your Explorer for enterprise, DeFi, or research use cases with ease.