The Graph (GRT) is a decentralized protocol for indexing and querying data from blockchains, primarily Ethereum. It's essentially a bridge between blockchain data and applications, allowing developers to extract and use information more efficiently. It can be understood as useing artificial intelligence (AI) to do what Google did for the internet, but for blockchains.
GRT is the native utility token of this protocol, used to incentivize and reward a network of operators known as Indexers. Indexers are node operators who process data and serve queries, earning GRT tokens for their work. The Graph's decentralized network ensures that data remains open and that no single party controls access to data. GRT tokens also play a role in network governance. Token holders can delegate their GRT to Indexers, effectively voting on their behalf and influencing the direction of the protocol's development. This aligns with the ethos of decentralization, giving stakeholders a say in the network's future.
According to the official announcement, In August 2023, The Graph announced that it has officially entered the third and final phase of L2 expansion. Since then, L2 transport tools was live, making accessing The Graph on Arbitrum even easier and more seamless. The expansion would help users easily transfer GRT or subgraphs to L2 with lower gas fees and faster transactions.
In 2024, The Graph introduced a new roadmap called “The New Era of The Graph,” which focuses on expanding its data services to include advanced analytics, verifiable data sources, and integration with large language models (LLMs). This expansion will transform The Graph into a more versatile data platform, catering to a wider range of use cases beyond decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 applications. The roadmap also emphasizes improved support for developers, enhanced indexer performance, and the creation of a knowledge graph that interlinks various datasets across multiple blockchains.
Above are only for introduction, not intended as investment advice.