Chainlink Dependency

Definition ∞ Smart contracts often rely on external data provided by Chainlink oracles. Chainlink dependency refers to the reliance of decentralized applications and protocols on Chainlink’s oracle network for off-chain information. This reliance is critical for smart contracts that require real-world data, such as price feeds, event outcomes, or proof of reserves, to execute their logic accurately. Such dependence ensures the operational integrity and utility of many decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
Context ∞ The discussion around Chainlink dependency centers on maintaining decentralization and security within the oracle network itself. A critical development involves the expansion of Chainlink’s services and the adoption of its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to mitigate single-point-of-failure concerns. The robustness of Chainlink’s decentralized oracle networks is consistently monitored for its impact on the stability of dependent protocols.