API3 protocol
Overview
API3 is a decentralized oracle protocol that enables APIs to serve data directly to smart contracts via first-party oracles called Airnodes. It eliminates the need for third-party oracle intermediaries by allowing API providers to run their own oracle nodes.
Within the DeFi Intel graph, API3 connects to 13 tracked entities, most strongly to Ethereum, API3, API3.
Relations
Top connections in the DeFi Intel knowledge graph (confidence-weighted, 10 of 13 total).
| Relation | Connected entity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
deployed_on | Ethereum | 90% |
supports_token | API3 | 90% |
issued_by | API3 | 90% |
launched | Airnode | 85% |
launched | dAPI | 85% |
founded | Heikki Vänttinen | 85% |
launched | API3 OEV Network | 85% |
deployed_on | Arbitrum | 81% |
deployed_on | Base | 81% |
deployed_on | Polygon | 81% |
Frequently asked questions
What is API3?
API3 is a blockchain oracle protocol that uses first-party oracles (Airnodes) operated by API providers to bring off-chain data on-chain, aiming for greater security and transparency than third-party oracle networks.
How does API3 differ from Chainlink?
API3 uses first-party oracles where API providers operate their own nodes, while Chainlink relies on third-party node operators. API3 also introduces dAPIs (decentralized APIs) and a staking mechanism for data feed quality.
What is an Airnode?
An Airnode is a lightweight, serverless oracle node designed to be deployed by API providers themselves, allowing them to serve data directly to smart contracts without intermediaries.
What is API3 connected to?
In the DeFi Intel knowledge graph, API3 is linked to 13 other tracked entities, most strongly to Ethereum, API3, API3.
Live news feed, full graph, and search.