The Graph

The Graph is a protocol for indexing and querying data from blockchains, starting with Ethereum. It decentralizes the query and API layer of Web 3, removing a tradeoff dApp developers struggle with today: whether to build an application that is performant or to build an app that is truly decentralized.

GRT is a work token that is locked-up by protocol participants (Indexers, Curators, and Delegators) to provide indexing and curating services to the network. Active Indexers, Curators, and Delegators can earn income from the network proportional to the amount of work they perform and their GRT stake.

Consumers will be using a growing set of Indexers by paying for their metered usage using GRT. Indexers will be able to stake Graph tokens (GRT) to participate in the network and earn fees as well as inflation rewards for serving queries.

1. Visit the Graph explorer section.
2. In the pop-up menu select “Connect wallet” and then select “Metamask”.
3. Select the address you would like to choose from the Metamask notification window.
4. Select the “Next” option and then click on “Connect”.
5. Your account can now be seen in the upper right corner of Network Beta DApp.
6. Choose an indexer to whom you would like to delegate and click on the delegation icon.

Indexers are the ones who stake the Graph tokens (GRT) and are the node operators in the network. They provide query and indexing services and be delegated stakes from delegators to contribute to their work. As a result, they get query fees and index

Users can unstake their tokens at any time. The platform has a bonding period of 28 days. After that, your unstaked tokens will be released, and you can use them to transfer or for other activities. Note that during the cooldown period, we will not be eligible to earn any rewards.

Approximately 24 hours, rewards are either distributed to delegators every time an indexer closes his/her allocations or they are automatically distributed every 28 days.

Market volatility is a potential risk factor as the prices can go up or down at any time. The coins which are locked at a particular point in time can not be traded, and their prices might decrease. There is no slashing risk for delegators.

To unstake, there is a 28 day unbonding period during which your GRT tokens will remain illiquid.