Smartbit Launches Segwit Testnet Block Explorer

Even though the final decision regarding the Bitcoin block size debate is still up in the air right now, some users have taken it upon themselves to develop specific tools for segwit integration. While a new block explorer might not seem like anything groundbreaking, this tool offers some unique features compared to traditional block explorers.  Bitcoin developers will be pleased to tinker with the payment scripts provided.

Also read: Bitcoin Technical Analysis 1/30/16 – Divergence signals major movement

Segwit Testnet Block Explorer By Smartbit

Before people go off their rockers claiming how Smartbit is attempting to force the Bitcoin community to decide which block size solution to support, keep in mind this new block explorer is only using the testnet version of Segregated Witness. As a result, developers can enjoy this sandbox environment and test out the specific this potential block size solution could bring to the table.

With the Segwit features enabled in this block explorer, developers can start playing around with what this solution has to offer. However, there is no guarantee this will be the final solution to the ongoing block size debate as there is quite a lot of support for Bitcoin Classic at the time of publication.

What this block explorer by Smartbt brings to the table are additional script types. On the one hand, there is the keyhash, and on the other hand, we have the scripthash. Developers can easily run testnet transactions and see how these scripts will affect the inputs and outputs, as well as if whether or not other changes will need to be implemented to existing platforms and tools.

Furthermore, this new block explorer will probably validate segwit transactions, which is a feature none of the other available platforms can do right now. There is no word on whether or not all of the Bitcoin block explorers will add segwit support in the future. Only time will tell once we get closer to a final resolution to put the Bitcoin block size debate behind us once and for all.

Addressing the scalability of Bitcoin is an important milestone in the history of the popular digital currency. If the Bitcoin network is to grow and support lots more transactions, the block size will have to be increased. With different proposals on the table, reaching a consensus will take some time, but a decision has to be made in the very near future.

Source: Reddit

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