# Chainlink

By [nope](https://paragraph.com/@poppyber) · 2023-04-24

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[https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xF5AB8E1FC396b6c4DECfa559e77529A8B728340f/2](https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xF5AB8E1FC396b6c4DECfa559e77529A8B728340f/2)

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.

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*Originally published on [nope](https://paragraph.com/@poppyber/chainlink)*