The Graph is a software which collects, processes and stores data from several different blockchain applications in order to facilitate the retrieval of information while helping developers use data to increase their decentralized applications (dApps) efficiency.

It is open-sourced and runs on the Ethereum blockchain.

By analyzing and gathering blockchain data before storing it in what is known as Subgraphs (which basically work as indices), The Graph allows any application to receive an immediate response to whichever query it sends to its protocol.

The Graph Explained

Data is aggregated through Graph Nodes, which are a special type of node that scans both network blocks and smart contracts for information continuously.

When a decentralized application adds data to the blockchain via smart contract, these nodes add said data to an appropriate Subgraph.

Three different user types contribute towards the organization of data in The Graph’s protocol:

1. The Curators: who are the Subgraph’s developers. They assess the quality of the Subgraphs and deem them worthy of indexing. They also attach GRT, The Graph’s very own crypto, to the subgraphs they value and believe in

2. The Indexers: who are node operators that provide indexing and querying services for any subgraph that gets signaled. Indexers must stake GRT as to provide their services.

3. The Delegators: who delegate GRT to the indexers as to contribute to running the network without having to install a node.

Every user earns a fraction of the network fees. The amount depends on the role they played.

The History Behind The Graph

The Graph is the vision of Brandon Ramirez, Jannis Pohlmann and Yaniv Tal. It was founded in 2018 and in it raised an estimated $19 million US Dollars in token sales the following years, $10 million of which from a 2020 public sale.