The Graph (GRT)
The Graph is an open-source protocol designed to enable decentralized applications (dApps) to efficiently query blockchain data. It plays a crucial role in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 ecosystems by providing a solution for data indexing and querying, which are essential for building scalable and seamless dApps. The Graph Network includes various participants, such as indexers, curators, and delegators, who work together to ensure that data is indexed and served correctly.
The Graph overview
| Ticker | GRT |
| Website | https://thegraph.com/ |
| @graphprotocol | |
| Telegram | graphprotocol |
| https://www.reddit.com/r/thegraph | |
| Contract Addresses | |
|---|---|
| ethereum | 0xc944e90c64b2c07662a292be6244bdf05cda44a7 |
| near-protocol | c944e90c64b2c07662a292be6244bdf05cda44a7.factory.bridge.near |
| polygon-pos | 0x5fe2b58c013d7601147dcdd68c143a77499f5531 |
| arbitrum-one | 0x9623063377ad1b27544c965ccd7342f7ea7e88c7 |
| harmony-shard-0 | 0x002fa662f2e09de7c306d2bab0085ee9509488ff |
| avalanche | 0x8a0cac13c7da965a312f08ea4229c37869e85cb9 |
| energi | 0x771513ba693d457df3678c951c448701f2eaaad5 |
| sora | 0x00d1fb79bbd1005a678fbf2de9256b3afe260e8eead49bb07bd3a566f9fe8355 |
The role of The Graph in blockchain technology
The Graph addresses a significant challenge in blockchain technology: accessing and processing vast amounts of data stored across decentralized networks. Traditional centralized databases are not suitable for decentralized applications, as they compromise the fundamental principles of decentralization and transparency. The Graph provides a decentralized solution where developers can build and publish open APIs, called subgraphs, that applications can query using GraphQL.
How The Graph works
The Graph operates through a decentralized network of nodes called indexers. These indexers process blockchain data, extract relevant information, and store it in an easily accessible format. Developers can create subgraphs, which are custom data schemas, to specify the data they require from the blockchain. Once a subgraph is deployed on The Graph Network, applications can retrieve the necessary data using GraphQL queries.
Indexers are incentivized to participate in the network by staking The Graph's native token, GRT. Curators signal which subgraphs are valuable by depositing GRT, guiding indexers on which data to prioritize. Delegators can also contribute to the network by staking GRT with indexers, earning a share of the rewards without running nodes themselves.
Use cases and applications of The Graph
The Graph has become an integral part of the DeFi ecosystem, as many popular DeFi projects utilize it for data indexing and querying. Applications such as Uniswap, Synthetix, and Aave leverage The Graph to access real-time data feeds, enabling functionalities like trading, lending, and price predictions. Beyond DeFi, The Graph is also used in various blockchain projects that require efficient data retrieval, such as NFT platforms and decentralized social networks.