A Beginner’s Guide to Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) and Blockchain Explorer

If you're new to blockchain technology and curious about enterprise applications, this guide is for you. We'll explain what Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) is, how it works, how it differs from public blockchains, and how to deploy a test network using Blockchain Explorer. By the end, you’ll be ready to set up your own blockchain system, even if you're starting from scratch.

What is Hyperledger Fabric (HLF)?

Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) is a blockchain framework designed specifically for enterprise applications. It is open-source, developed by the Linux Foundation, and is part of the Hyperledger Project, which focuses on building industry-grade blockchain platforms.

Why Use HLF?

HLF offers a private, permissioned blockchain, meaning only authorized participants can join and transact. This makes it ideal for businesses that require secure and confidential transactions.

Key Features of Hyperledger Fabric

1. Permissioned Network: Access is restricted to known participants.
2. Modular Design: You can choose how your blockchain works, including its consensus mechanism.
3. Smart Contracts (Chaincode): Supports business logic written in languages like Go, Java, or Node.js.
4. Data Privacy: Supports private channels for confidential data sharing.
5. High Performance: Optimized for business workloads with high transaction rates.

Is HLF a Private Blockchain?

Yes, HLF is a private blockchain. It is designed for businesses and organizations needing strict access control. Unlike public blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum, where anyone can participate, HLF is permissioned, ensuring only trusted parties are part of the network.

Difference Between Private and Public Blockchains

Real-World Use Cases of HLF

• Supply Chain Management: Track goods in real time.
• Healthcare: Manage and secure patient records.
• Finance: Facilitate cross-border payments.
• Government Services: Digital identity management.

What is Blockchain Explorer?

Blockchain Explorer is a web-based tool that lets you monitor and manage a Hyperledger Fabric network. It provides a user-friendly interface to view transactions, blocks, and network activity in real time.

Why Use Blockchain Explorer?

• Transaction Visibility: See all completed and pending transactions.
• Smart Contract Details: Track the deployment and execution of chaincode.
• Network Health Monitoring: View network nodes, peers, and organizations.
• User-Friendly Dashboard: Easy management with a graphical interface.

How to Deploy a Hyperledger Fabric Test Network and Explorer

Here’s a step-by-step guide on deploying a blockchain test network and connecting it to Blockchain Explorer.

Step 1: Prerequisites

Install the following tools on your system:

• Git, Curl, Docker, jq, Go (1.23.2)
• Hyperledger Fabric (2.5.9)
• Blockchain Explorer (2.0.0)

Step 2: Install Hyperledger Fabric

1. Create a project folder:

   mkdir fabric && cd fabric
   

2. Download Fabric Samples:

   curl -sSLO https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hyperledger/fabric/main/scripts/install-fabric.sh && chmod +x install-fabric.sh
   ./install-fabric.sh docker samples binary
   

3. Start the test network:

   cd fabric-samples/test-network
   ./network.sh up
   ./network.sh createChannel
   ./network.sh deployCC -ccn basic -ccp ../asset-transfer-basic/chaincode-go -ccl go
   

Step 3: Install Blockchain Explorer

1. Create a directory and download config files:

   mkdir hlf-explorer && cd hlf-explorer
   wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hyperledger/blockchain-explorer/main/examples/net1/config.json
   wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hyperledger/blockchain-explorer/main/docker-compose.yaml
   

2. Configure the Explorer environment:

   export EXPLORER_CONFIG_FILE_PATH=./config.json
   export EXPLORER_PROFILE_DIR_PATH=./connection-profile
   export FABRIC_CRYPTO_PATH=./organizations
   

3. Start Explorer:

   docker-compose up -d
   

Step 4: Access Blockchain Explorer

1. Open your browser and navigate to:
   http://localhost:8080/

2. Login credentials:

   • Username: exploreradmin
   • Password: exploreradminpw

Conclusion

Hyperledger Fabric and Blockchain Explorer together form a powerful solution for managing blockchain networks in enterprise environments. With this guide, even blockchain beginners can deploy a private blockchain network and monitor it with ease.

For a detailed implementation document, check out the attached file, which includes step-by-step instructions on setting up a test network, deploying chaincode, and integrating Blockchain Explorer.

Detailed Document on HLF

By following this guide, you’ll gain hands-on experience with blockchain technology and be ready to build your first enterprise-grade blockchain project. 🚀