Blockchain technology has revolutionized our world. It offered thousands of innovative solutions and opportunities. However, Today, people can securely transfer funds within minutes or seconds, create new apps and software, and much more. The Chainlink blockchain offers one such innovative solution. Chainlink enables users to connect smart contracts with external data. You can achieve this result through various tools and services, mainly via the Chainlink coin called LINK. It’s critical to mention that using Chainlink effectively requires understanding smart contracts, blockchain tech, and other factors. Thus, you can check out our article about the Chainlink network, its native token, and the LINK stake process.
What Is Chainlink?
Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts on blockchain platforms to real-world data. Also, Oracles operate as third parties for blockchain networks and other data sources; giving access to data that isn’t natively available on the blockchain. However, Chainlink employs a decentralized network of nodes to offer reliable data feeds to smart contracts; assuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of the data utilized. The architecture of Chainlink incorporates both on-chain and off-chain components. Also, On-chain components employ smart contracts to control the process of requesting and receiving data from other sources on the blockchain. Off-chain is in charge of gathering and confirming the required data before securely transmitting it back to the smart contract. Chainlink enables us to use smart contracts in a wider range of applications by enabling decentralized; and secure access to real-world data, making blockchain technology more adaptable and valuable.What is LINK?
Chainlink’s native currency is LINK. The system uses these tokens to compensate Chainlink network node operators for gathering and verifying data from off-chain sources and delivering it to smart contracts. LINK is an ERC-20 token, which means you may store it in any crypto wallet that accepts ERC-20 tokens and operates on the Ethereum network. LINK has a market capitalization of 3.7 billion dollars (February 2023), making it one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies in the world. Current LINK’s price (February 28, 2023) is USD 7.32.How Is Chainlink Used?
Chainlink aims to incentivize a worldwide network of computers to deliver trustworthy real-world data to smart contracts that operate within various blockchains. Smart contracts are pre-specified blockchain agreements that assess information and are executed automatically when specific circumstances are satisfied. A simple example of a smart contract is crowdsourcing. Suppose you set up a smart contract, so its executed if you manage to raise 1000 ETH. Once you reach this number, smart contracts execute the request and release the money to the fundraiser. If you don’t meet this or any other conditions, donors automatically receive their money back.Where And How To Use LINK Tokens?
As mentioned, LINK is a token used to compensate node operators for obtaining data for smart contracts; and to pay node operators for deposits made as requested by contract creators. LINK is native to Chainlink so that you can use these tokens within this network. You can use LINK tokens within the Chainlink ecosystem to perform the following tasks:- Pay for oracle services. LINK coins are used to compensate Chainlink network node operators for supplying accurate and trustworthy data to smart contracts.
- Trade. You may buy or sell LINK tokens on several cryptocurrency exchanges for other cryptocurrencies or fiat money. As this article mentions, LINK is one of the biggest digital currencies market cap-wise. It is also relatively high in value. The use cases of the Chainlink network may imply that the value of LINK will keep growing, making the token a good investment.
- Stake and receive passive income. Node operators can stake LINK tokens to participate in the network and receive rewards for delivering reliable data (more on that further in the article).
- Participate in governance. LINK token holders can participate in the governance of the Chainlink network by voting on proposals and decisions related to the development and operation of the platform. This is achieved due to the blockchain’s consensus mechanism, Proof of Stake.