Chainlink

Founded in 2017, Chainlink is a [blockchain](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/blockchain) abstraction layer that enables universally connected [smart contracts](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/smart-contract). Through a decentralized [oracle](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/oracles) network, Chainlink allows blockchains to securely interact with external data feeds, events and payment methods, providing the critical off-chain information needed by complex smart contracts to become the dominant form of digital agreement. The Chainlink Network is driven by a large open-source community of data providers, [node](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/node) operators, smart contract developers, researchers, security auditors and more. The company focuses on ensuring that decentralized participation is guaranteed for all node operators and users looking to contribute to the network. To learn more about this project, check out our deep dive of [Chainlink](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/what-is-chainlink).