# CardanoScan MCP > CardanoScan gives your AI client direct access to real-time Cardano blockchain data. You query addresses, transactions, blocks, and stake pools using natural language prompts. Get detailed insights into UTXOs, monitor network metrics like epoch transitions, and track native assets without leaving your agent environment. ## Overview - **Category:** developer-tools - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** cardano, block-explorer, crypto-api, blockchain-data, smart-contracts ## Description You can connect your AI agent to this MCP to explore the entire Cardano blockchain directly through conversation. Instead of opening a browser and manually navigating multiple data points, you ask for specific details—like an address's full history or the inputs and outputs of a transaction hash—and get the structured data back instantly. For example, if you need to know exactly what assets moved from Address X in Epoch Y, your agent handles that complex query across several data streams. If you’re building out tooling for internal analysis, Vinkius makes connecting this raw chain data straightforwardly into any compatible client. You'll pull everything from basic ADA balances right up to tracking native asset movements across the entire network. ## Tools ### get_address Fetches detailed info for a specified Cardano address. ### get_asset Retrieves information about one specific native asset type. ### get_block Gets data for a block using its number or hash. ### get_epoch Retrieves details about a specific network epoch period. ### get_latest_blocks Returns a list of the most recent blocks added to the chain. ### get_latest_epoch Pulls details about the current network epoch period. ### get_pool Gets specific metadata for a defined stake pool ID. ### get_transaction Provides full details for a given transaction hash. ### get_transaction_utxos Lists all inputs and outputs (UTXOs) associated with a specific transaction. ### list_address_transactions Gets a history list of transactions tied to one address. ### list_asset_transactions Retrieves all transactions that involved a specific native asset type. ### list_pools Generates a paginated list of every registered stake pool. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Get the balance and transaction count for address addr1q8... ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the details for that address. It currently holds 1,250 ADA and has been involved in 42 transactions. Would you like to see the most recent transactions? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Show me the latest blocks added to the Cardano blockchain. ``` **Response:** ``` Fetching the latest blocks... I found the most recent entries, including block height 10,452,120 produced by pool 'TICKER'. Each block contains detailed timestamps and transaction counts. ``` **Prompt:** ``` List the registered stake pools on Cardano. ``` **Response:** ``` I've compiled a list of registered stake pools. Notable pools currently active include 'IOG1', 'POOL2', and 'ADA3'. Would you like the specific metadata for any of these? ``` ## Capabilities ### Get address details Retrieves detailed information, including current balances and transaction history for a specific Cardano address. ### Analyze transactions Provides comprehensive data on a specific transaction hash, letting you inspect all related inputs and outputs (UTXOs). ### Track assets Gathers information about native assets and monitors their movement across the Cardano network. ### Monitor network status Accesses real-time data on block heights, epoch details, and a list of recently added blocks. ### Manage stake pools Lists all registered stake pools or pulls specific metadata for a target pool ID. ## Use Cases ### Auditing an account's entire history A compliance officer needs to know if Address X was involved in any transfers of Asset Y. They ask their agent, and it uses `list_address_transactions` combined with `list_asset_transactions` to compile a clean, filtered report. ### Investigating a suspicious transaction A security analyst spots an unusual hash. Instead of opening the explorer, they prompt their agent. The agent uses `get_transaction` and then calls `get_transaction_utxos` to map every single source and destination for forensic analysis. ### Checking staking viability A delegator wants to compare pool performance quickly. They use the MCP to execute `list_pools` to see all options, then call `get_pool` on a specific ID to review its metadata and health. ### Determining current network status A developer needs to confirm if their script is running against the latest data. They prompt for the system state, and the agent calls `get_latest_blocks` and `get_latest_epoch` to provide two key metrics in a single response. ## Benefits - You stop relying on separate API calls for basic data. With `get_address`, you get not just a balance, but also the transaction count—all in one go. - Pinpoint exactly what happened with money using `get_transaction_utxos`. It breaks down every single input and output (UTXO) from a transaction hash. - Keep network monitoring current. Call `get_latest_blocks` or `get_latest_epoch` to always know the most recent block height and epoch details. - Streamline pool research by using `list_pools` first, then grabbing specific metadata for a target pool ID with `get_pool`. - Track complex movements of digital goods. You can use `list_asset_transactions` to see every time a native asset moved across the network. ## How It Works The bottom line is, it translates complex on-chain queries into simple conversational commands. 1. Subscribe to this MCP and input your CardanoScan API Key into the Vinkius catalog. 2. Your AI client sends a natural language request (e.g., 'What are the latest blocks?'). 3. The MCP executes the necessary tool calls, processes the raw blockchain data, and passes the structured results back to your agent. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I check an address balance with get_address?** It pulls the current ADA balance and basic activity stats for any Cardano address. Use it when you need a quick, high-level view of account health. **What is the difference between get_transaction and get_transaction_utxos?** `get_transaction` gives the overall summary (who sent what to whom). `get_transaction_utxos` digs deeper, listing every specific input and output used in that transaction. **Can I see all native assets with get_asset?** No, `get_asset` requires you to specify the asset type. You must first use tools like `list_asset_transactions` or a similar method to identify the specific asset ID. **How do I find out about stake pools?** You start by calling `list_pools` to get an overview of all registered pools. Then, use `get_pool` with the pool's specific ID for detailed metadata. **What is required before I can use the get_address tool?** You must provide your CardanoScan API key. This credential authenticates your request and ensures proper rate limiting. Pass this key to your AI client when calling the tool. **If I need a complete history, how do I use list_address_transactions?** The tool uses pagination for large result sets. After running it once, you'll examine the response metadata for a cursor or next page identifier to retrieve all associated transactions. **When should I use get_latest_blocks instead of querying a specific block hash?** Use `get_latest_blocks` when you need an overview of recent network activity. It fetches the most current batch of blocks, whereas providing a specific block hash targets one fixed data point. **How does knowing the epoch context from get_epoch help me with a block hash from get_block?** The epoch defines a larger time window for network activity. Knowing the current epoch helps you understand if the specific block you retrieved via `get_block` is timely or part of an older cycle. **Can I see the specific inputs and outputs of a transaction hash?** Yes. Use the `get_transaction_utxos` tool with the transaction hash. It will return the detailed list of all UTXO inputs and outputs associated with that specific record. **How do I check the current progress of the Cardano network epoch?** You can use the `get_latest_epoch` tool to retrieve details about the current epoch, or `get_epoch` for a specific epoch number to see its timing and block count. **Is it possible to find information about a specific native asset or token?** Absolutely. Use the `get_asset` tool with the Asset ID (Policy ID + Asset Name) to fetch its metadata, supply, and other on-chain characteristics.