The Graph is an indexing protocol and developer ecosystem. A subgraph describes which blockchain contracts and events to index, how to transform them, and the data applications can query.
A subgraph turns events into queryable records
An indexer processes blockchain data according to a subgraph definition and stores selected fields. Applications can then request indexed data through an endpoint rather than reconstructing every result from raw blocks themselves.
A schema defines the indexed data model
The subgraph mapping transforms blockchain events and entities into queryable records.
Indexed results are useful but may lag the chain
Indexing takes time, and an endpoint can be delayed, incomplete, or unavailable. Applications should account for block height, query errors, API-key limits, and whether critical decisions need direct chain verification.
Check the indexed block height
Applications can detect lag by comparing an indexer’s reported progress with the chain.
Sources
Educational information, not investment advice.