Decentralized Data Feeds

Definition ∞ Decentralized data feeds are systems that supply external data to smart contracts through a distributed network of independent data providers. Unlike centralized oracles, these feeds mitigate single points of failure and censorship risks by sourcing and validating information from multiple, disparate sources. They are crucial for ensuring the reliability and integrity of real-world data used in decentralized applications. This architecture enhances the security and robustness of on-chain operations.
Context ∞ The ongoing challenge of oracle decentralization makes decentralized data feeds a central topic in the development of robust decentralized finance applications. Debates concern the mechanisms for data aggregation, reputation systems for providers, and economic incentives to maintain data accuracy. Future efforts focus on improving the latency and cost-efficiency of these feeds while preserving their censorship resistance.