Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that aims to connect smart contracts with real-world data. It was created in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis. The Chainlink network is designed to provide secure and reliable access to off-chain data sources, APIs, and payment systems. It uses a decentralized network of nodes to retrieve and verify data, which is then fed into smart contracts on various blockchain platforms. Chainlink's unique approach to oracle technology has made it a popular choice for developers looking to build decentralized applications that require access to external data sources.

Chainlink's native cryptocurrency is LINK, which is used to pay for services on the network. LINK is an ERC-20 token that can be stored in any Ethereum wallet. The total supply of LINK is fixed at 1 billion tokens, with a circulating supply of around 400 million. LINK has seen significant price growth since its launch, with a market capitalization of over $10 billion at its peak. The token has been listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges, making it easily accessible to investors and traders. Overall, Chainlink and LINK have gained a reputation as a reliable and innovative solution for connecting smart contracts with real-world data, and the project is expected to continue to grow in popularity as the use of blockchain technology expands.