Preparing for the Snowtrace Multichain Transition, Powered by Routescan

If you've been following the news, you're likely aware that the Avascan team is in the process of transitioning the current Avalanche explorer, Snowtrace, by Etherscan, to a new and improved Snowtrace Multichain explorer. The response from the community has been positive, signaling a new era for the Avalanche ecosystem. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, we've put together this comprehensive guide to keep you informed about what's happening, what actions you need to take, and how you can contribute.

1. Stay Informed

   To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you regularly check for updates on the new Snowtrace at https://snowtrace.dev. Keep an eye out for a new blog post a few days before the transition, which will provide exact timing information for various time zones.

2. Why the Transition?

   The current version of Snowtrace, created and maintained by Etherscan, primarily serves as a 'Single-chain Explorer' for the C-Chain. However, Avalanche comprises more than just the C-Chain, with over 10 subnets on the Mainnet and numerous others on the Testnet. As Teleport, the cross-subnet communication protocol, goes live, these subnets will become increasingly interconnected. The new Snowtrace will be a 'Unified Multi-chain Explorer,' consolidating data at the ecosystem level, encompassing every token, transaction, and data point across all subnets. This represents the future of block explorers.

3. What Happens to Avascan.info?

   Avascan.info isn't going anywhere. The new Snowtrace will focus on EVM-specific data, while data related to Staking, X-Chain, and P-Chain will remain on Avascan. Links between the two platforms will ensure seamless access to all necessary information.

4. Hosting by Routescan

   The new Snowtrace will be hosted on Routescan, a cutting-edge block explorer platform designed specifically for EVM blockchains and ecosystems by the Avascan team.

5. Website Impact

   While the new Snowtrace will retain the familiar look and feel of the old version, it will introduce unified multi-chain data points on every page. Expect added features like web3-based user accounts, replacing the previous web2 system. The new Snowtrace will continuously improve with the addition of new features, such as .avax domain lookup and integration with development workflow tools.

6. API Continuity

   The API endpoints will remain unchanged, ensuring that developers don't need to modify their calls within their applications. For the main network, access the API at https://api.snowtrace.io, while the test network API can be found at https://api-testnet.snowtrace.io. These endpoints will continue to provide data exclusively from the C-Chain to maintain consistency.

7. Tags and Metadata

   Efforts are underway to import as many public tags as possible from the old Snowtrace, ensuring a seamless transition. Updates will be shared through Routescan's and Avascan's official accounts. If you want to help us label addresses related to you or your application, you can fill the Snowtrace Transition Address Labeling form by verifying your address here: https://app.deform.cc/form/35330e32-078a-48c5-b93e-ed7ac787a005

8. Private Tags

   Private tags on your user account may need manual export since we have no control over the tools available on the current Snowtrace. The new Snowtrace will feature a web3-based authentication system for easier account creation. A bulk import tool will also be available for uploading private tags on transactions and addresses. This is the schema that we will support, in CSV file:

   • For addresses: address,private_tag_name[,description]

   • For transactions: tx_hash,private_tag_name[,description]

   As part of our ongoing commitment to a smooth transition from Snowtrace.io to the new Snowtrace Multichain, we're thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking Firefox & Chrome extension. This innovative tool simplifies the process of transferring your profile, ensuring no disruption to your work.

   The extension allows you to effortlessly download your profile from Snowtrace.io and upload it to Snowtrace Multichain. This means your meticulously collected data, settings, and personalizations won’t be lost in transition.
   
   You can find how Chrome & Firefox Extension works here: Effortless Profile Transition: The New Firefox & Chrome Extension for Snowtrace Users

9. Verified Contracts

   We're working on importing as many verified contracts as possible from the old Snowtrace to maintain continuity. Updates will be communicated through Routescan's and Avascan's official accounts.

10. Service Continuity

    We aim to minimize service disruptions during the transition, except for a brief period (not more than 15min) sometime between November 27th at 00:00 UTC and November 30th at 00:00 UTC. During this time, we anticipate a brief time window for the domain to propagate worldwide. You can use https://snowtrace.dev during this brief downtime. We will publish a blog post a few days before the transition to explicit the exact date and time.

11. How You Can Help

    Your feedback is invaluable. From November 1st to November 30th, we're open to bug reports, and from November 15th, we'll also consider missing feature reports. To contribute, send an email to hello@routescan.io, being as specific as possible. We appreciate your assistance in making this transition as smooth as possible.

12. Developer Contributions

    If you're a developer, you can assist by verifying the contracts related to your application using our contract verification system through Hardhat: https://snowtrace.dev/documentation/hardhat-verification .By following this guide and staying engaged with updates, you'll be well-prepared for the exciting transition to the new Snowtrace Multichain explorer powered by Routescan. Thank you for being a valuable part of the Avalanche community!
    
    -- Follow Routescan on X: https://x.com/routescan_io -- Follow Avascan on X: https://x.com/AvascanExplorer