What are Subgraphs?
Subgraphs are specialized indexing tools that organize and query blockchain data efficiently. They enable developers to define how blockchain events and smart contract data should be extracted, transformed, and stored for fast and flexible querying. Tools in this category include frameworks and services that help build, deploy, and manage these custom data indexes, often using GraphQL APIs.
The primary use cases for subgraph tools involve powering decentralized applications (dapps) with real-time, structured blockchain data. Target users are developers and product teams who need to access complex on-chain data without directly querying blockchain nodes or parsing raw logs. Key characteristics of subgraph tools include customizable data schemas, event-driven indexing, and support for decentralized or hosted query endpoints. Related categories include blockchain infrastructure providers and monitoring tools, which complement subgraphs by supplying raw data and observability.
Developers should look for subgraph tools when their applications require efficient, scalable access to specific blockchain data sets, especially when dealing with complex queries or large volumes of on-chain events. These tools reduce development overhead and improve performance by abstracting low-level blockchain data handling.
Top Tools
Resources
Continue learning with the resources included below.