Chainlink Research Hub | LINK information, history and analysis

Chainlink is a platform that aims to bridge the gap between smart contracts based on blockchain technology (widely popularized by Ethereum) and real-world applications. Since blockchains cannot access data outside their networks, oracles must act as data feeds in smart contracts. In the case of Chainlink, the oracles are connected to the Ethereum network.

LINK is a cryptocurrency derived from the Chainlink decentralized oracle network, used to pay node miners. Because the Chainlink network has a reputable scoring system, node providers with many LINKs can be rewarded with larger contracts, but failing to provide accurate results will result in a token deduction. After the $32 million LINK ICO in 2017, 32% of LINK tokens were sent to node operators to incentivize the ecosystem, and 30% stayed on Chainlink for development (35% were sold during the public token sale).