The use in smart contracts being used as business-grade options expands across different industrial application scenarios. However, the effectiveness of smart contracts is stifled in the blockchain ecosystem since it only has access to and read data that is stored in the blockchain. If smart contracts were able to connect to external data sources in outside, then their programming capabilities could be greatly enhanced. With improved flexibility, smart contracts will improve their utility in real-world scenarios. What is needed to start the development in smart contract use as a practical solution? How can we create smart contracts that are capable of accessing information that’s not stored within the Blockchain?
It is possible to accomplish this by using an Oracle. Oracle implementation helps to connect blockchain smart contracts to APIs and data sources off-chain and makes it easier to transfer data between the two.
What is Blockchain Oracle?
Oracle is, as was previously stated acts as bridges that connect blockchain’s smart contracts with external data sources on-chain Off-chain computing, as well as APIs. In the simplest sense, Oracle is middleware software that converts off-chain data to blockchain-based codes which can be used by smart contracts and reverse.
With the help of Blockchain ledger technologies, smart contracts and cryptocurrency, Blockchain is providing decentralized alternatives to many financial services, including transfer of money around the globe and borrowing funds without collateral and trading crypto tokens for accessing secure currencies, and a myriad of other. Although innovative financial solutions of the future such as crypto loans peer-to-peer lending and decentralized exchanges are already in existence and are being developed, new types of DeFi products like Yield aggregators DEX Aggregators, Insurance platforms and lotteries that are not loss-prone, permission-free trading, fixed-interest rates on loans, and more are likely to appear in the near future. In a sense each of these solutions will be based on the use of smart contracts. It is unlikely for these solutions to reach a wide market if they be limited to the Blockchain. In order to be relevant to real-world scenarios, Defi’s products and services will need the ability to coordinate with millions of databases in real-world.
The problem is that smart contracts aren’t able to access the off-chain format of data. So, if any blockchain application is planning to utilize off-chain data, it will require an application that can convert off-chain data to the on-chain format. The system that is needed is Oracle. It converts off-chain data to the format of the on-chain.
The Oracle Problem The Oracle Problem Blockchain requires a decentralized system of oracles
The concept of integrating oracle in a blockchain-based system is against the essence in Blockchain, i.e., decentralization. Trusts are built on Blockchain data since the information on the chain is verified by a peer-to peer network that is regulated by a decentralized mechanism for consensus. Blockchain data is deterministic. However, when Blockchain acquires data off-chain by using a central oracle it’s nothing more than the use of a central source to access data and this is in fact a breach of the nature of Blockchain. It is therefore crucial to inquire about whether the oracle is able to verify the off-chain data prior to transferring it on to the Blockchain.
The oracle issue is about two things:
- Blockchains on their own can’t access off-chain data , or use APIs directly since the code formats differ.
- Blockchains shouldn’t use central oracles since they negate the advantages that smart contracts offer.
In simple terms, Blockchain can’t rely on an oracle alone to get the off-chain information. It requires a decentralized system of oracles in order to stay certain. Decentralized networks of Oracles could allow smart contracts to access real-world information, payment systems and off-chain computations in a secure, tamper-proof and secure manner.
- The Decentralized Oracle Network collects data from APIs outside Validates, safeguards the data, and then sends the data to smart contracts based on blockchain.
- The Decentralized Oracle Network runs blockchain smart contracts and Layer-2 solutions . It also can perform a range of other computations.
What are the advantages of Oracle’s solution to implement Blockchain Applications and Networks?
Any system that relies on blockchain technology and uses smart contracts, such as Defi platforms market places for NFT, blockchain-based gaming, corporate systems and supply chain management systems utilities, both public and private blockchains, etc. are able to profit by Oracle implementation. Oracle implementation software adds an element that analyzes, validates, and authenticates information from other sources and then relays this information onto blockchain. Blockchain network. In addition, it provides the following advantages.
Off-chain and on-chain connectivity
It allows on-chain smart contract applications as well as gaming applications to communicate with other marketplaces for data on-chain as well as APIs or off-chain computation.
Retrieve external data
Developers of dApps are able to easily access data that has been thoroughly checked from outside sources, and also off-chain computing.
Push notifications
Every change in the state of a smart contract is recorded in network logs while push messages are sent out to off-chain systems.
Secure and decentralized external data
Gives Defi applications with tamper-resistant and high-quality aggregated information, secure from threats such as Oracle flaws and flash loan attack.
Secure Connectivity
It seamlessly integrates with different networks, applications and external data, reducing dependence on third party services and removing the risk of counterparty risk.
Transparency is improved
Integrating data inputs such as data feeds on prices from decentralized network oracles in any DeFi application gives access to a high-quality , non-tamper-proof source of market data for a broad range of assets.
Improvements in Defi Development
Oracle’s implementation opens up the possibilities for Defi development on blockchain networks by making data feeds from outside and off-chain computing simpler to access.
Facilities Interoperability
Secure cross-chain connectivity to any Smart Contract as well as all other publicly accessible (Ethereum) or privately (Hyperledger) network.
Read More : https://www.leewayhertz.com/oracle-implementation-solution-for-blockchain/