Chainlink is a decentralized blockchain oracle network built on Ethereum that enables smart contracts to communicate securely with real-world data and services outside of blockchain networks). It acts as middleware that connects a blockchain with off-chain environments, allowing the transfer of tamper-proof data from off-chain sources to on-chain smart contracts). Chainlink was created in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis, who co-authored a white paper introducing the Chainlink protocol and network with Cornell University professor Ari Juels the same year).

Chainlinks decentralized oracle network is an open-source technology infrastructure that allows any blockchain to securely connect to off-chain data and computation resources). The network nodes fetch, validate, and deliver data from multiple sources onto blockchains to execute smart contracts). Chainlink uses blockchain technology to securely enable computations on and off-chain, supporting what it calls hybrid smart contracts. Enterprises using Chainlink can access any major blockchain network, including Ethereum and Solana.

Chainlinks key features include:

• Middleware: Chainlink acts as a "bridge" between a blockchain and off-chain environments, allowing the transfer of tamper-proof data from off-chain sources to on-chain smart contracts).

• Decentralized Oracle Network: Chainlinks decentralized oracle network is an open-source technology infrastructure that allows any blockchain to securely connect to off-chain data and computation resources).

• Hybrid Smart Contracts: Chainlink supports what it calls hybrid smart contracts, which enable computations on and off-chain.

• LINK Token: The Chainlink (LINK) DON is powered by the Ethereum token called LINK. This network enables Ethereum smart contracts to connect to other data sources, payment systems, and application user interfaces securely.

Chainlink is known as a decentralized oracle network or blockchain abstraction layer. It is used to verify whether the parameters of a smart contract are met in a manner independent from any of the contracts stakeholders by connecting the contract directly to real-world data, events, payments, and other inputs). Chainlink is essential because it significantly enhances smart contract capabilities by allowing access to data outside the blockchain and off-chain computing while keeping blockchain technologys security and reliability assurances[[6]](https://cointelegraph.com/learn/what-is-chainlink-a-beginners-guide-to-the-cross-chain-interoperability-protoc...