# How to Develop an Explorer Using KS Query APIs

### Step 1. Understand KS Query APIs <a href="#id-1.-understand-ks-query-apis" id="id-1.-understand-ks-query-apis"></a>

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 <a href="#step-2.-set-up-your-environment" id="step-2.-set-up-your-environment"></a>

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 href="#step-3.-integrate-the-apis" id="step-3.-integrate-the-apis"></a>

**a. Access the API Console**

* Go to the **KS Query API Console**
* Navigate to **All APIs**\
  Categories include:
  * Smart Contracts
  * Blocks
  * Transactions
  * Network

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2F7EM9ppGz0I8nSrGcjDDO%2FKSQ%20rev%2025%20-%20Build%20Explorer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5d7a0d6e-7fe8-4b7d-b12a-b3fd0a08be99" alt=""><figcaption><p>All APIs Page</p></figcaption></figure>

**b. Choose Your Endpoint**

* Select the endpoint you need (e.g., `/analytics/chaincode`)
* Click on it to open detailed documentation
* Copy the **endpoint URL**

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2F73dj1dK1RE5mhwQKinxw%2FKSQ%20rev%2026%20-%20Build%20Explorer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=04c83d5e-74e6-4cf0-95ce-376d10c00a47" alt=""><figcaption><p>Copy Endpoint URL</p></figcaption></figure>

**c. Check Required Parameters**

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

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2FQxJ4tFHm5JNGpygwdBy9%2FKSQ%20rev%2027%20-%20Build%20Explorer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2d941f26-865e-42ae-8722-cec45d8f3989" alt=""><figcaption><p>View Route Details</p></figcaption></figure>

A **Route Detail** dialog will open with 3 tabs:

* **Params**: Lists required header and query parameters

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2FOm4jv4XgMvVPUwBsRULz%2FKSQ%20rev%2020%20-%20View%20All%20APIs.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f966a273-4f2a-4c74-970e-38e97c9f3bc0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Params</p></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2FRiR5p0cSogY62ib25Cfz%2FKSQ%20rev%2021%20-%20View%20All%20APIs.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1e785c46-7de0-445f-b512-1ebff34874fd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Blockchain &#x26; Network</p></figcaption></figure>

* **API Auth Key**: Displays your existing API keys

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

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2FRNb2eUoq4UCeEBGlbx4U%2FKSQ%20rev%2022%20-%20View%20ALL%20APIs.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7449cf9e-d1ec-4efc-b987-01edacb710df" alt=""><figcaption><p>API Auth Key</p></figcaption></figure>

**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.

4. Send the request and verify the response.

<figure><img src="https://2728277179-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F32ARwuLQsaRUrxLlTJ6A%2Fuploads%2FEoMK4XNrsisLrlOadGBM%2FKSQ%20rev%2028%20-%20Build%20Explorer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=233cf690-9079-4158-b7e5-53864766b6c7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Test the Endpoint in Postman</p></figcaption></figure>

### Step 4. Build the Frontend <a href="#step-4.-build-the-frontend" id="step-4.-build-the-frontend"></a>

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 <a href="#step-5.-example-display-smart-contract-data" id="step-5.-example-display-smart-contract-data"></a>

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 <a href="#step-6.-advanced-features" id="step-6.-advanced-features"></a>

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 <a href="#step-7.-test-and-deploy" id="step-7.-test-and-deploy"></a>

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.
