The Graph (GRT) is a decentralized indexing and query protocol aimed at organizing blockchain data into a searchable state and providing easy access to developers. The Graph was launched in 2020 to address the growing demand for a scalable and efficient solution to query blockchain data. Initially supporting Ethereum, The Graph has expanded its capabilities to multiple blockchains, providing a critical infrastructure layer for Web3. Dubbed the “Google of blockchains,” it empowers dApps through easy and efficient access to on-chain data facilitated by its indexing mechanism. The protocol’s native token, GRT, incentives participants within the ecosystem and is used for querying, staking, and governance. Through The Graph, developers can build and deploy subgraphs—open APIs that enable data querying for decentralized applications.
The Graph was founded by a team of visionary technologists, Yaniv Tal, Jannis Pohlmann, and Brandon Ramirez. Led by Tal, a software engineer with extensive experience in APIs and distributed systems who pictured a decentralized data layer that would streamline access to blockchain data for developers while promoting the growth of Web3 ecosystems. Their work has established The Graph as a foundational technology in the blockchain space.
The Graph’s decentralized infrastructure efficiently indexes and queries blockchain data. Developers can specify and deploy subgraphs, essentially open APIs for querying particular blockchain data. GraphQL is one of the most powerful query languages used within the protocol; it enables developers to acquire specific data in an efficient way.
Indexers run nodes to process and store data from blockchains so that applications can access it easily. Curators signal the value of subgraphs by staking GRT to ensure that high-quality data is available to users. Delegators support indexers by staking GRT without running nodes, earning a portion of rewards in return.
The Graph does not operate centrally; it decentralizes all its data storage and queries of nodes. Although The Graph primarily targets Ethereum, it indexes chains on platforms like Polygon, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and Arbitrum. Subgraphs will reduce some pressures on dApps while being more efficient in retrieving even complicated blockchain data using GraphQL. GRT incentivizes stakeholders—indexers, curators, and delegators—for the reliability and quality of the network.
The Graph’s Transactions Per Second (TPS) primarily depends on the blockchains it indexes and its query infrastructure. Since The Graph itself does not process traditional transactions like a payment network, its TPS relates to the efficiency of its indexing and querying system.
The Graph’s indexing speed aligns with Ethereum’s 15-30 transactions per second (TPS), enhanced by efficient processing and Layer-2 solutions like Polygon, 7,000 transactions per second (TPS), while multi-chain indexing leverages the high TPS of Solana, 65,000 transactions per second (TPS).
The Graph has forged critical partnerships with leading blockchain projects, significantly expanding its ecosystem and enhancing its capabilities. The strong collaboration with Ethereum positions The Graph as the go-to indexing protocol for Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps), thus laying the bedrock for the Web3 ecosystem.
Integration with Polygon reduces the query cost and increases scalability, hence enabling developers to handle large-scale applications efficiently, especially in the DeFi and NFT ecosystems. Further extending its indexing services to Near, The Graph increases multi-chain support for developers, who can now seamlessly access data across a wide variety of blockchain networks.
In this partnership, Chainlink will securely and reliably provide data feeds for decentralized indexing, complementing the goal of The Graph with accurate and high-quality data delivery for dApps. Supporting these Layer-2 solutions, such as Arbitrum and Optimism, enhances query performance and reduces costs while allowing scalability for developers building on Ethereum.
The Graph continues to be one of the evolving foundational technologies of Web3. It now supports more than 30 blockchains, including Solana, Avalanche, and BNB Chain, to ensure developers have a wide variety of networks at their fingertips. Optimizations in indexing nodes further lower latency and operational costs, ensuring faster data retrieval and a better developer experience.
The powerful tool, Subgraph Studio, will let developers easily create, test, and deploy subgraphs with ease, streamline dApp development, and increase the overall usability of the ecosystem. The Graph DAO empowers GRT holders to make key protocol decisions, reinforcing the network’s decentralized and community-driven ethos.
The Graph Foundation’s educational programs are driving broader adoption by teaching developers how to leverage indexing and querying capabilities for innovative dApp solutions.These strategic collaborations and innovations solidify The Graph’s status as an indispensable infrastructure layer for Web3, enabling seamless data access across the blockchain universe.
The Graph, GRT, changes hands at approximately $0.25 as of December 18, 2024. GRT reached its all-time high (ATH) on February 12, 2021, at $2.88. Growing traction in the adoption of Web3 applications, multi-chain expansion, and DAO-driven governance have bolstered GRT’s relevance. More blockchains added to support in The Graph attracts more developers and applications. Expanding DeFi and NFT ecosystems naturally increase demand for robust data indexing. The DAO model ensures the protocol is developed to address community needs. New tools like Subgraph Studio ease dApp development, increasing adoption.
The Graph is the indispensable Web3 infrastructure for effectively and decentrally accessing blockchain data. Multi-chain, robust developer tools, and community-driven governance make The Graph home for the next generation of decentralized applications. As Web3 adoption increases, The Graph will continue to be foundational technology that enables seamless interaction with on-chain data across diverse ecosystems.
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FAQs
Q1. What is The Graph used for?
- A: The Graph indexes and queries blockchain data, enabling developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) with seamless access to on-chain information.
Q2. What are subgraphs?
- A: Subgraphs are open APIs created by developers to define and organize specific data from blockchains, making it accessible for dApps.
Q3. How does The Graph ensure decentralization?
- A: The Graph uses a network of indexers, curators, and delegators, incentivized by GRT, to provide decentralized and reliable data services.
Q4. How many blockchains does The Graph support?
- A: The Graph currently supports over 30 blockchains, including Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, and Avalanche.