Blockstream launches Esplora (source code for block explorer)

[PRIBO247]

Say what you will about Blockstream: blame them for
putting together the most brilliant minds in
cryptography and distributed systems, accuse them of
centralizing development, and ultimately question the
benevolence of some of the most prominent figures.
However, you can’t contest the company’s cypherpunk
ethos or deny the usefulness of its developments.
Furthermore, as we’ve seen this fall, every major
release is open-sourced in order to have the code
consulted, evaluated, and even forked for other
purposes.

On December 6th 2018, Blockstream has announced
the launch of Esplora. Just a month ago, the company
has released Blockstream.info, the first block explorer
to focus on advanced privacy features and include
support for the Liquid sidechain. Consequently, in the
true spirit of open and transparent development,
Blockstream has released the source code behind their
previous product.

According to the official statement , “Esplora is based
on a number of open source components. Using a
modified Electrs, a Rust implementation of Electrum
Server written by Roman Zeyde, Esplora indexes
blockchain data quickly from Bitcoin Core and Liquid
full node software.”

The technology includes support for the mainnet and
testnet of Bitcoin, as well as Liquid . Bench32 and
confidential addresses are also included, but
enthusiasts can also make use of link peg-ins and
peg-outs between Bitcoin and Liquid, as well as a light
mode for reduced resource use. Now anyone who has
interest in this source code can contribute to the
Blockstream.info project, build new extensions, or even
create new and independent blockchain explorers.

This is great news for the entire market of blockchain
explorers, as features that used to be unique and
proprietary of Blockstream can be implemented with
ease and universalized. One can also regard this as a
way of standardizing Liquid by extending its reach
among passionate coders who might get drawn to
more advanced features. And ultimately, it’s one step
closer to taking privacy and confidentiality into the
mainstream of blockchain software.

Crypto Insider has contacted Blockstream CSO
Samson Mow in order to comment on the
importance of Esplora’s launch. At press time, he
hasn’t yet responded. However, if an official
statement gets sent, this post will be updated to
include it.

Source : https://cryptoinsider.com