We’re thrilled to host an exclusive AMA with @chainlink, the leading decentralized oracle network powering the world of Web3! Join us as we chat about their game-changing tech, partnerships, and how they’re revolutionizing smart contract security and interoperability:

- Can you provide an overview of Chainlink and Chainlink Build programs in general?
Chainlink is the standard for high-quality onchain data and secure cross-chain interoperability, powering leading tokenized assets and unifying global markets onchain. Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, as well as top DeFi protocols, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, global trade, gaming, and other major sectors. The Chainlink Build program is an initiative that helps Web3 projects accelerate growth through enhanced access to Chainlink services, technical support, and community and marketing resources.

- Could you share insights into how Chainlink’s data feeds are optimized for security and reliability?
Chainlink Data Feeds are built to ensure security and reliability through a decentralized network of independent, high-quality node operators that source data from multiple premium providers. By aggregating data from a diverse range of sources, Chainlink minimizes the risk of single points of failure and mitigates data tampering.

- What recent updates or improvements have been made to Chainlink's oracle networks that benefit BUILD program projects?
This year’s SmartCon conference brought several key announcements for Chainlink, which you can explore more at https://t.co/uQtgUokm4w.
One of the most relevant announcements for the Build Program projects is the introduction of the CCIP v1.5 upgrade, enhancing cross-chain interoperability with improved security and scalability. This upgrade scales the number of tokens compatible with CCIP and introduces new developer-friendly features, including the Cross-Chain Token (CCT), which allows token developers to integrate both new and existing tokens in a self-serve model.

- How does Chainlink support seamless integration of data feeds across multiple blockchains, like Ethereum and BSC, without sacrificing performance?
Chainlink is a blockchain-agnostic oracle protocol that is natively integrated on leading blockchains, sidechains, and layer-2 rollups. By being deployed natively, Chainlink Price Feeds can deliver data directly to blockchains without any cross-dependencies on other blockchains. This enables data to be delivered at the native speed and cost of the supported chain so DeFi applications on higher-throughput chains can benefit from higher-frequency and lower-cost oracle updates. Furthermore, Chainlink Price Feeds on one blockchain will not be affected if another blockchain network experiences downtime or congestion issues.

- For projects like Hackless that require real-time token conversion for fee calculations, what advantages does Chainlink provide over traditional data sources?
Chainlink Data Feeds are highly secure and ultra-reliable with an unparalleled track record. They are built on the infrastructure that has enabled over $16 trillion+ in transaction volume and they are trusted by the biggest brands in DeFi- with a network of globally distributed node operators and multiple layers of aggregations Chainlink data feeds are resistant to manipulation and exploits. This means that Hackless users can have high confidence in the data underlying real-time token conversions that protect their assets.

- What can we look forward to in terms of future Chainlink offerings or updates?
Chainlink unveiled the Chainlink Runtime Environment (CRE) at SmartCon 2024, a powerful platform designed for developing scalable, secure Web3 applications. CRE allows developers to create serverless functions that simplify dApp creation and support integrations beyond chain-specific limitations. This marks a significant step toward scaling Chainlink across thousands of blockchains to meet Web3 and capital market demand. For details, visit: https://t.co/W7nuil8z57.

Another key update is the Chainlink SmartData suite, which brings on-chain data products tailored for Real-World Asset (RWA) use cases. SmartData offers essential metrics like reserves, NAV, and AUM, adding security and depth to tokenized RWA solutions. Learn more here: https://t.co/rRES5GIJGx