The Graph is an indexing protocol designed to enable efficient data querying for networks such as Ethereum and IPFS. It functions as a fundamental component in the DeFi sector and the wider Web3 ecosystem, allowing developers to build applications that can access blockchain data with ease.
The Graph operates as a decentralized indexing protocol, primarily designed for querying blockchain data. It uses GraphQL technology to facilitate data querying, allowing developers to create open APIs known as subgraphs. These subgraphs index blockchain data across multiple networks and enable applications to query this data efficiently. The protocol's network relies on a decentralized ecosystem of service providers—including Indexers, Curators, and Delegators—who maintain and supply the data within the network while earning fees through the staking of The Graph's native cryptocurrency, GRT.
The Graph has multiple use cases across various industries, notably in:
The Graph was co-founded by Yaniv Tal, Jannis Pohlmann, and Brandon Ramirez, with its first prototype created in late 2017. It was officially launched in 2018 and has since achieved several milestones, including the introduction of its Hosted Service and Graph Explorer, a successful token sale in 2020, and the launch of its mainnet in December 2020. The Graph has expanded to support multiple blockchain networks and introduced The Graph Foundation to bolster ecosystem support. Its protocol now hosts thousands of subgraphs, significantly contributing to its increased adoption and prominence within the Web3 and DeFi landscape.