Indexing blockchain data to life with Dedicated Subgraphs

Petar Stoykov

December 15, 2023

Blockchain technology is fundamentally transforming the landscape of data management and transaction processing, offering unprecedented levels of security, transparency, and decentralization. However, this innovative technology is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing and indexing blockchain data.

The inherent complexity of working with blockchain data arises from several key factors:

Volume and variety of data: Blockchains continuously grow in size due to the constant addition of new blocks. This ever-expanding volume of data, comprising diverse types of transactions and smart contract interactions, demands robust and scalable indexing solutions to ensure efficient data retrieval and analysis.
Real-time processing needs: For many applications, such as DeFi and GameFi platforms or real-time trading systems, accessing up-to-date blockchain information is crucial. This necessitates the development of high-throughput, low-latency indexing solutions, capable of handling real-time data.
Interoperability challenges: With the proliferation of multiple blockchain networks and protocols, interoperability becomes a significant concern. Creating a unified system that can effectively index and query data across various blockchains is a complex task that involves addressing issues of compatibility and standardization.

We noticed how developers grappled with them, so we took these concerns aboard and set out to engineer a solution.

Solving blockchain data indexing one query at a time

For applications that need to access specific data, efficient and seamless blockchain data indexing is key. And when you’re indexing data on blockchain networks, let’s just say it pays to have a plan—because structuring your on-chain data in a way that’s easily readable and analyzable can seriously level up the performance of your blockchain-based applications and platforms.

Subgraphs are like open APIs—and with them, you can seamlessly query data from any application using The Graph indexing protocol. By offering faster, better, and more reliable infrastructure, Dedicated Subgraphs serves as a single point of access for all your data across any blockchain. Our Subgraphs are tailored to deliver incredible performance, high precision, and bulletproof reliability for your DApp.

By supporting numerous blockchain protocols, we’ve made it easier than ever for developers and researchers to tap into blockchain data efficiently and effortlessly. Our enterprise-grade infrastructure guarantees you’ll stay ahead in this fast-paced decentralized world with access to up-to-date, accurate on-chain data at your fingertips.

Figure 1: Dedicated Subgraphs supported protocols; Source: Chainstack

Query blockchain data without the nodes

There’s a first for everything. And here at Chainstack, we’re proud to provide the first of its kind solution that lets you query Subgraphs without running any nodes or infrastructure. We handle everything, from deployment to maintenance, so you can focus on what matters – building your applications and growing your business.

We take reliability seriously. It’s a non-negotiable feature and we’ve got your back. Say goodbye to sleepless nights worrying about service availability and hello to calm, knowing that we hold a 99.9% availability rate. This means that you can rely on Dedicated Subgraphs for access to your blockchain data anytime, anywhere, without a hitch.

Boasting the fastest real-time indexing solution on the market, coupled with solid service level agreements (SLAs) and 24/7 support, we provide the backbone you need to drive your blockchain data indexing to new heights. With Dedicated Subgraphs, you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting a partner dedicated to your blockchain journey every step of the way.

Figure 2: Dedicated Subgraphs vs Hosted Service comparison; Source: Chainstack

Migrate your Subgraphs in a few clicks

We get it – migration can sound like a big job. But with Dedicated Subgraphs, migrating subgraphs from a hosted service is outrageously easy. It’s just a few clicks, and voila!

All you need to do is to input the IPFS link and deploy, and the syncing process starts immediately. With the indexing process fully automated, you get to focus on what’s important. And when that’s done? Your subgraph data is ready to be consumed via the GraphQL endpoint. Easy as pie.

We ensure seamless integration of our Subgraphs with your existing systems, powered by our robust and reliable backend infrastructure. Deploying and syncing Subgraphs couldn’t get any more straightforward. You may never want to go back!

Do you have a protocol that we don’t support currently? No worries. As long as it’s supported by The Graph or is EVM compatible, we can still query smart contract data using our custom hosting service. Just provide us with the RPC node endpoint, and we’ll handle the rest.

Appchains: Beyond basic blockchain data indexing

At Chainstack, we like to go a step further. Yes, we provide high quality, reliable indexing for major blockchain protocols – but why stop there? We believe in making all of your data accessible, and that includes appchains.

So what are appchains? Simply put, these are specialized blockchains that are designed to serve a single DApp. They can run independently or in tandem with other blockchains, allowing for greater scalability and dedicated use.

Unleashing the power of Subgraphs, now you can query real-time data from appchains and index on-chain activities. Yes, that’s right. With Dedicated Subgraphs, you can push the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain data indexing and unlock a wealth of insights from your appchains.

Blockchain data fit for your budget

Finding a reliable, efficient, and scalable blockchain solution shouldn’t have you breaking the bank. That’s why we have simplified the pricing for our Dedicated Subgraphs, so you don’t have to do any complex math just to get your finances in order.

We offer a flat fee for a fixed number of requests and the flexibility to pay-as-you-go. On our platform, you’ll bid farewell to hidden fees or unexpected charges—only fair, transparent, and straightforward pricing.

Here’s three awesome use cases you can tackle with it:

High-velocity trading

In DeFi, real-time access to historical transactions or token data is vital. Our Subgraphs facilitate instant access, enabling DeFi applications to operate smoothly and be up-to-date with the latest data. You, as a DeFi DApp developer, can be assured of seamless data streaming and querying for your ground-breaking decentralized finance applications.

Immersive GameFi

For you game developers out there, envision hassle-free tracking and visualization of in-game analytics. Our Dedicated Subgraphs empower you to tap into real-time in-game data, facilitating dynamic player economies and tracking NFTs. With us, you can create immersive gaming experiences with unparalleled data insights.

Real-time analytics

In the world of blockchain, staying updated with on-chain activities can provide remarkable insights for research and analytics. Dedicated Subgraphs offer real-time data streaming, keeping you informed on the latest on-chain activities. Use them to make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of the curve in your research endeavors.

We know how complex DApp development can be. Our Subgraphs make it quick and simple to fetch custom smart contract data, aiding you in crafting ideal decentralized applications. With Chainstack at your side, we’re simplifying your DApp development journey, one subgraph at a time.

Real-time blockchain data tailored for the DeFi industry

For developers keen on diving into the DeFi space, we offer an exclusive opportunity to experience the Chainstack DeFi API, currently in closed beta. This suite of tools is specifically tailored to access real-time and historical data from an array of DeFi protocols like Uniswap, SushiSwap, Lido, Aave, and OpenSea.

It empowers you to engage in lending, borrowing, trading, and yield farming, through a well-curated and controlled environment. This makes the Chainstack DeFi API a vital asset for those looking to monitor, analyze, and make strategic moves in the DeFi ecosystem. Ask to participate.

Bringing it all together

We’ve always believed in an inclusive, easy-to-use, and efficient blockchain world where data indexing isn’t cumbersome but an empowering process. That’s the vision driving us, and that’s the vision that brought Dedicated Subgraphs to life.

By integrating Dedicated Subgraphs into your blockchain projects, you—our valuable Web3 developers—are indeed bringing in reliability, flexibility, and speed. Not to mention the 24/7 support and customized solutions we are willing to offer to make your blockchain journey a success.

Our efforts are continuously aimed at improving and making blockchain more accessible and user-friendly for our community. With Dedicated Subgraphs, we move one step closer to that objective. We invite you to embark on this journey with us. Let’s build something amazing together!