The Graph

Blockchain technology comes with many problems. Structural reorganizations in the form of forks, chain finality, and others. These aspects make it difficult, and extremely time-consuming, for users to query specific pieces of data. These problems are what led to the creation of The Graph.

The Graph is a decentralized protocol designed for indexing and querying data. It utilizes an open-source, query language for APIs called GraphQL. GraphQL was made to make access to data fast, easy, and developer-friendly.

The Graph's organized datasets are called subgraphs. There are thousands of available subgraphs on the network. They contain smart contract data from dApps like Uniswap or Sushi Mainnet. These subgraphs are stored on a decentralized storage layer. dApp developers can query the specific data they need for their own dApp development process. Developers may also create their own subgraph using The Graph's subgraph studio.

The Graph's ecosystem has three types of nodes. Indexers are one of the nodes in The Graph's network, responsible for indexing and querying requested data. They decide on which subgraphs to take the data from based on the curation signal. This metric represents the subgraphs priority value and is determined by curators. Indexers need to stake The Graph's native cryptocurrency - GRT - in order to perform their role. They are incentivized by gaining tokens in indexing and querying fees for their services.

Curators are the other type of node crucial to The Graph's ecosystem. They stake their GRT tokens to signal to indexers, which subgraphs should be indexed by the network. They are rewarded by receiving a portion of what the subgraph they chose generated through query fees. Those curators that staked the earliest on a specific subgraph earn more rewards.

Delegators are the last role type on The Graph network. They have a similar job to curators, but instead of choosing subgraphs, they select trustworthy indexers. Indexers chosen this way are seen by the network as more reputable, and therefore may gain priority in querying. Delegators earn a cut of indexing rewards and querying fees.

GRT is an ERC-20 token native to The Graph network. It is essential for the operation of the network as well as maintaining its security. GRT has a total supply of 10 billion GRT and the token has both inflationary and deflationary mechanisms defined in the protocol.