How it works

Much in the way search engines index the web, The Graph aims to index blockchain data within networks like Ethereum and Filecoin. This data is grouped into open APIs called subgraphs that make it easy for developers to query the data via the GraphQL API. By making data accessible, The Graph provides decentralized finance (or DeFi) applications like DEXs the data they need to operate effectively. 

• Indexers stake GRT tokens in exchange for the right to process queries, choose subgraphs to be indexed, and earn APY rewards for doing that work.

• Curators help by validating the quality of subgraphs on the network. 

Keep in mind

Indexing requires a large contribution of GRT and technical knowledge — but anyone can delegate some GRT to an Indexer and receive a cut of their query and indexing rewards.

Released: January 2019