Definition ∞ An oracle data feed provides external, real-world information to smart contracts on a blockchain, enabling them to execute based on events or data outside the chain. These feeds supply crucial inputs, such as price data, sports results, or weather information, that smart contracts cannot access natively. They bridge the gap between off-chain and on-chain environments.
Context ∞ Oracle data feeds are foundational to many decentralized finance applications, stablecoins, and prediction markets, making their reliability and security critical news topics. Reports often focus on the robustness of oracle networks, their resistance to manipulation, and the impact of data latency on contract execution. Ensuring the integrity of these feeds is paramount for the accuracy and security of dependent smart contracts.