The Graph
Crypto Overview
Understanding the Intended Utility
The Graph (GRT) is designed as a decentralized protocol for indexing and querying blockchain data, primarily on Ethereum and IPFS. It functions as a crucial infrastructure layer that allows developers to efficiently query blockchain data through GraphQL APIs called subgraphs. The protocol aims to make blockchain data easily accessible and queryable, similar to how Google indexes the web.
Business Model & Actual Usage
The Graph operates through a network of participants including Indexers (who operate nodes), Curators (who signal which subgraphs are worthwhile to index), and Delegators (who stake GRT to Indexers). The GRT token is used for several purposes: staking by Indexers, delegation by token holders, and payment for query fees by users of the network.
The protocol has achieved significant real-world adoption, being used by major Web3 applications including Uniswap, Aave, and Decentraland. As of 2024, The Graph processes billions of queries monthly across thousands of subgraphs, demonstrating substantial actual utility.
Token Distribution & Governance
The initial token distribution included allocations to team members and early investors with vesting periods. The Graph Foundation maintains transparency regarding token distribution and uses a decentralized governance model where token holders can participate in protocol decisions.
Technical Implementation
The Graph's technical implementation involves real asset ownership and value creation through its indexing services. The protocol creates genuine utility by solving a real problem in the blockchain ecosystem - efficient data querying. The revenue model is based on actual service provision rather than speculative mechanisms.
Crypto Impact
To assign a comfort level investing in The Graph from a halal perspective we need to determine whether it has a net positive or negative impact.
Towards this end, the table below is used to tally all the positive and negative considerations our members can think of related to The Graph.
If you don’t see something that should be listed, positive or negative, feel free to submit your own contribution using the button “Contribute”.
We will review your contribution for accuracy before publication.
Importantly, you can review listed contributions and vote on which one you think has the greatest impact, positive or negative.
You only have one vote per asset so use it wisely.
You can change your vote if you change your mind.