- What is The Graph (GRT) and what does it do?
- The Graph (GRT) is a decentralized protocol designed to index and query data from blockchain networks. It enables developers to build and publish open APIs, called subgraphs, that apps can query using GraphQL. This makes it easier for decentralized applications (dApps) to access on-chain data efficiently, reducing the need for custom indexing solutions. In short, The Graph acts as a data infrastructure layer for the Web3 ecosystem, improving data accessibility and enabling faster, more scalable dApp development.
- How does The Graph's token model work and what is GRT used for?
- GRT is the native utility token of The Graph network. It serves multiple purposes: (1) indexing nodes stake GRT to participate in indexing and curate data for subgraphs, (2) curators stake GRT to signal which subgraphs are of high quality, guiding developers and indexers, and (3) delegators can stake GRT on indexers to support reliable data services without running a node themselves. This staking and delegation mechanism aligns incentives to ensure accurate data indexing and query performance. While the price and circulating supply are dynamic, as of now, approximately 10.7 billion tokens are in circulation with a max supply just over 10.8 billion, indicating a near-saturated cap.
- Where can I buy or stake GRT, and what should I know before investing?
- GRT can be traded on multiple major crypto exchanges, and you can typically buy it with fiat or other cryptocurrencies. For staking, you can participate as an indexer, curator, or delegator within The Graph network. Indexers run nodes that process subgraph queries and earn rewards in GRT, but they must stake significant collateral and maintain uptime. Curators signal quality by staking GRT on subgraphs, influencing indexing priorities. Delegators support indexers by staking their GRT through trusted indexers. Before investing or staking, consider factors such as network activity, number of active subgraphs, reward rates, slashing risks for misbehavior, and the lock-up or liquidity terms offered by staking services. Also evaluate market liquidity, price volatility, and your risk tolerance, as with any crypto asset.
- What is the current market status of GRT, and what factors influence its price volatility?
- GRT’s price and market cap are influenced by network usage, developer adoption of subgraphs, competition from other data indexing solutions, and broader crypto market conditions. Recent price movement can reflect shifts in network activity, such as new subgraphs, partnerships, or integrations with major dApps. The token's supply dynamics—near the max supply with about 10.69–10.79 billion tokens circulating—also play a role in price behavior, particularly if burn or mint events occur through protocol updates. Investors should monitor metrics like total value staked, number of active subgraphs, and transaction volumes on The Graph network alongside price data to gauge momentum and underlying demand for GRT.
- What are common use cases for applications built on The Graph, and how does GRT support them?
- Applications built on The Graph use subgraphs to query blockchain data efficiently, enabling faster and more reliable user experiences. Typical use cases include DeFi dashboards, NFT marketplaces, wallets, analytics tools, and cross-chain data aggregators. By indexing on-chain events and metadata, developers can deliver real-time insights, historical analyses, and responsive UIs without building bespoke backends. GRT underpins this ecosystem by aligning incentives for indexing, curation, and delegation. With active participation, the network can provide faster query responses and higher data integrity, which translates into improved performance for dApps and a more scalable Web3 infrastructure.
