What are DeFi Subgraphs?
DeFi Subgraphs are specialized data indexing tools built on The Graph protocol that organize and expose blockchain data related to decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. These subgraphs define how on-chain events and smart contract states are mapped into a queryable format, enabling efficient access to complex DeFi data such as liquidity pools, token swaps, lending positions, and yield farming metrics. Tools in this category include pre-built or custom subgraphs tailored for popular DeFi platforms, as well as services that facilitate subgraph deployment and management.
The primary users of DeFi Subgraphs are developers building analytics dashboards, portfolio trackers, DeFi aggregators, and other applications that require real-time or historical DeFi data. These tools help reduce the complexity and cost of querying raw blockchain data directly, providing a structured and performant API layer. Key characteristics include support for GraphQL queries, event-driven data indexing, and compatibility with multiple DeFi protocols. Related categories include general blockchain indexing services and DeFi analytics platforms.
Developers should look for DeFi Subgraph tools when they need reliable, scalable access to DeFi-specific on-chain data without building custom indexing infrastructure. These tools accelerate development by providing standardized data schemas and reduce the overhead of maintaining direct blockchain queries.