The Evolution and Innovation of Blockchain Data Indexing Technology

1. Introduction

From the early applications of Blockchain to the now diversified decentralized applications ( dApp ) thriving, the source and processing of data have always been a core issue. With the integration of artificial intelligence and Web3, the importance of data has become increasingly prominent. This article will delve into the development history of Blockchain data accessibility, analyze the characteristics of mainstream data indexing protocols, and explore how emerging protocols leverage AI technology to optimize data services.

2. The Evolution of Data Indexing: From Nodes to Full Chain Database

2.1 Data Source: Blockchain Node

Blockchain nodes serve as the cornerstone of a decentralized network, responsible for recording and storing all transaction data. However, building a node is a high barrier for average users. To address this issue, remote procedure call ( RPC ) node providers have emerged, lowering the barrier for users to access blockchain data.

2.2 Data Analysis: From Raw Data to Usable Data

The raw data provided by blockchain nodes often needs to be further parsed to be effectively utilized. The data parsing process converts complex raw data into a more understandable and operable format, which is a key link in the data indexing process.

Evolution of Data Indexers 2.3

As the amount of data increases, the demand for indexers is growing. Indexers simplify the data retrieval process significantly by organizing on-chain data and providing a unified query interface. Different types of indexers, such as full node indexers, lightweight indexers, dedicated indexers, and aggregate indexers, each have their advantages and application scenarios.

2.4 Full-chain Database: Stream Priority Method

As application demands become more complex, traditional indexing methods are gradually unable to meet diverse query needs. The full-chain database adopts a "stream-first" approach, enabling real-time data processing and analysis, supporting more complex data applications and on-chain data analysis.

3. The Integration of AI and Databases: A Comparative Analysis of The Graph, Chainbase, and Space and Time

3.1 The Graph

The Graph provides multi-chain data indexing and query services through a decentralized network of nodes. Its core products include the data query execution market and the data indexing cache market, which define data extraction and transformation methods through subgraph structures. The network is jointly maintained by indexers, curators, delegators, and developers, with economic incentives ensuring the system's operation.

The Graph ecosystem is actively integrating AI technologies, such as AutoAgora, Allocation Optimizer, and AgentC tools developed by Semiotic Labs, optimizing index pricing and user query experience.

3.2 Chainbase

Chainbase provides full-chain data integration services, featuring a real-time data lake, dual-chain architecture, innovative data format standards, and a cryptographic world model. Its AI model Theia is based on NVIDIA's DORA model, combining on-chain and off-chain data to offer intelligent data analysis services.

3.3 Space and Time

Space and Time is committed to building a verifiable computation layer, with its core technology Proof of SQL achieving tamper-proofing and verifiability of SQL queries. The platform is collaborating with Microsoft's AI lab to develop generative AI tools that facilitate users in processing blockchain data through natural language.

3.4 Difference Comparison

The three have significant differences in technical paths, data processing methods, and AI applications, each targeting different market demands and application scenarios.

Conclusion and Outlook

Blockchain data indexing technology has evolved from the initial node data source, through data parsing and indexer development, ultimately evolving into AI-enabled full-chain data services. In the future, with the advancement of new technologies such as AI and zero-knowledge proofs, blockchain data services will become further intelligent and secure, continuing to play an important role as industry infrastructure.