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Subgraphs

tl;dr;

Subgraphs provide a streamlined way for developers to access blockchain data relevant to their applications, significantly enhancing developer efficiency and user experience.

Subgraphs collect and organize blockchain data by application needs, making it readily accessible for developers. Unlike blockchains that store data without application context, subgraphs allow you to quickly retrieve information pertinent to your application and simplify real-time data access, facilitating the creation of dynamic user interfaces and interactions in your applications.

Subgraph Components and Operations​

Subgraphs are built on GraphQL APIs, enabling you to query on-chain transaction data efficiently. This feature is particularly useful for developers working with complex smart contracts requiring detailed frontend interfaces. For instance, querying transactions within a specific liquidity pool becomes straightforward with subgraphs. By defining a schema and indexing event data, you can utilize the generated GraphQL API for effective data querying.

Subgraph Manifest​

The manifest details the smart contracts your subgraph indexes, the events it tracks, and how event data is mapped to queryable entities. This foundational document ensures your subgraph accurately reflects the blockchain data your application needs.

Subgraph Schema​

The schema organizes your subgraph data, defining entities like pools in DeFi applications, and their attributes. It is crucial for structuring your data to support efficient queries.

Subgraph Mappings​

Mappings process incoming blockchain events, specified in your manifest, and store them according to your schema. These AssemblyScript codes are essential for translating raw blockchain data into a format your application can easily query.

Subgraphs have found widespread adoption in various blockchain applications, from DeFi to NFTs and DAOs, due to their ability to index and query data effectively.

  • Custom Smart Contract Indexing: Ideal for developers needing to index data for unique smart contracts, especially those creating frontend interfaces.
  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Subgraphs provide real-time data on token prices, liquidity, and more, enhancing DeFi applications.
  • Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs): They allow for efficient querying of NFT ownership, transaction history, and off-chain data.
  • Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): Subgraphs facilitate on-chain decision-making and data analysis for DAOs.
  • Gaming: They support real-time data access, improving gameplay and in-game transactions.

Benefits of Using Subgraphs​

Subgraphs offer a developer-friendly approach to blockchain data indexing, compatible with various blockchains and enhancing application security and resilience.

  • Ease of Use: With familiar tools like AssemblyScript and GraphQL, subgraphs are accessible to developers, simplifying the backend data management.
  • Cross-Blockchain Compatibility: They work across multiple EVM-compatible networks, allowing applications to operate seamlessly on different blockchains.
  • Security and Decentralization: Opting for decentralized querying with subgraphs can reduce reliance on single data sources, increasing application robustness.

Subgraph Providers​

Goldsky​

Goldsky supports IOTA EVM. You can use their public API endpoints to access subgraph data.

Run a Local Graph Node

You can use Nakama's Graph Node GitHub repository to run your own Graph Node.

Blast API Archival Nodes

You can use the convenient Blast API on IOTA EVM to access archival nodes.

Wasp Access Nodes

You can find more information on how to connect to an access node in the #nodesharing channel on the IOTA Discord.