In the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain technology, Avalanche is making waves yet again. The platform, renowned for claiming to have cracked the blockchain trilemma, is set to retire SnowTrace, a Contract Chain (C-Chain) explorer run by Etherscan, by the end of November. This move is not merely a transition but a significant upgrade that could reshape the experience for developers within the Avalanche ecosystem.
The Phasing Out of SnowTrace
The upcoming transition, scheduled for completion within a month, involves redirecting the current SnowTrace website to a new platform. This revamped explorer, developed in-house by the Avalanche team, promises enhanced capabilities and a potentially improved user experience. Users keen on exploring the entirety of the Avalanche blockchain, spanning its three chains, will find this new explorer to be their go-to destination.
Reassuringly, Avalanche users need not fret about service disruptions during this transition. The team has emphasized that while the explorer undergoes a facelift, operations will continue seamlessly. The key change lies in the backend, ensuring a smoother and more capable exploration of the Avalanche blockchain.
Beyond the C-Chain: Exploring Subnets
SnowTrace, led by Etherscan, was initially designed to navigate the C-Chain, a facet of Avalanche compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This compatibility allowed users to deploy protocols compatible with Ethereum from the C-Chain. The decision to move to an in-house explorer stems from the desire to eliminate the limitations imposed by SnowTrace.
Given Avalanche’s ability to scale horizontally, the network relies on subnets – individualized blockchains catering to specific decentralized applications (dapps). These subnets operate autonomously, with operators establishing their rules, issuing unique tokens, and defining validator requirements. The launch of a subnet necessitates the staking of AVAX, with the staked amount varying based on the chain’s specifications. Every subnet remains independent yet connected to the mainnet through the Platform Chain (P-Chain), responsible for validator registration and consensus.
Not Without Controversy: Short Notice Raises Concerns
While the Avalanche team expresses confidence in a smooth transition, some developers and founders have voiced concerns. One notable complaint is the brief one-month notice period, deemed insufficient by some. Critics argue that Ava Labs should have announced the transition well in advance, allowing businesses and developers reliant on SnowTrace for on-chain data to prepare adequately.
In the wake of this announcement, AVAX prices have remained stable at spot rates, experiencing an upward trend. At the time of writing, the coin is trading around October highs, showcasing an impressive 30% increase from the Q4 2023 lows.
As Avalanche bids farewell to SnowTrace, the crypto community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the new in-house explorer, anticipating a more robust and versatile tool that aligns seamlessly with Avalanche’s commitment to scalability, security, and decentralization.
