Glossary
Chainlink
The dominant decentralized-oracle network on Ethereum and other chains, publishing price feeds, VRF randomness, and cross-chain messaging via CCIP.
Chainlink runs networks of independent node operators that fetch, aggregate, and publish off-chain data on-chain. Its price feeds power most major DeFi lending and derivatives protocols, with specialized products for VRF (verifiable randomness), proof of reserves, and cross-chain messaging (CCIP).
The economic model uses LINK staking and slashing to align operator behavior. Despite competition from newer designs (Pyth, RedStone, Chronicle), Chainlink remains the default oracle for high-value on-chain markets.