THE GRAPH (FOR DUMMIES)
The Graph can simply be defined as a decentralized protocol created specifically for indexing and querying data from services such as IPFS, Ethereum and many more.
There are 3 key participants playing huge responsibilities in creating markets which will help query data from decentralised blockchains and applications. These 3 participants are;
a. The Indexers:
b. The Curators:
c. The Developers:
The Indexers: These can simply be defined as node operators competing to provide the best services at the most affordable prices. These Indexers help to index subgraphs thereby contributing to generating utility to end-users.
The Curators: The main aim of the curators is to organize data, information and signals in which subgraphs are useful and accurate.
These curators search, investigate, evaluate and send signals to the indexers with which subgraphs are the most accurate. This process is entirely conducted with the help of the Graph Explorer .
The higher the Curators stake on a subgraph, the stronger the signal to which an Indexer receives that the subgraph is of high quality and most relevant to obtain data for a specific blockchain app.
The Developers: These are specifically the subgraph and dApp developers that build on The Graph and contribute to driving query volume to the network.
All these parties come together to form a subgraph and the major aim of a subgraph is to help in creating and delivering reliable data points to the end-user, consumer or 3rd party another app. For sustainability of the business, these end-users will pay a fee for the usage and only the useful subgraphs will be queried and able to generate income.
