Definition
Chainlink is a decentralized oracle protocol that connects blockchains with external data and services. It uses independent nodes to deliver information from off-chain sources to on-chain smart contracts in a reliable and tamper-resistant way. Chainlink also includes a native token, LINK, used within the protocol for payments and incentives to support secure data delivery.
In Simple Terms
Chainlink is a system that helps blockchains get real-world data they cannot access by themselves. It sends information from outside sources into smart contracts in a secure, automated way. Its LINK token is used inside the system to pay for this data and to encourage honest participation by the nodes that provide it.
Context and Usage
Chainlink is commonly mentioned in discussions about smart contracts that depend on external information, such as market prices, event results, or other off-chain data. It appears in conversations about oracles, decentralized infrastructure, and ways to reduce data manipulation risks. The protocol is relevant across many blockchain networks where on-chain programs need trustworthy inputs from off-chain environments.