Price Oracle Feeds

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Pronunciation

[prys awr-uh-kl feeds]

Analogy

Like a ticker tape continuously streaming stock prices into a trading terminal.

Definition

On‑chain contracts that record regularly updated external price data—typically via networks—so that smart contracts can reference trusted asset valuations.

Key Points Intro

feeds deliver timely price data for protocols and automated strategies.

Key Points

Update frequency: Defines how often new prices are posted.

Data source: Backed by decentralized node consensus.

Access interface: `getLatestPrice()` or `price(roundId)` calls.

Historical rounds: Maintains past values for TWAP calculations.

Example

Chainlink’s ETH/USD feed publishes a new round every 30 seconds with median price from multiple nodes.

Technical Deep Dive

Feed contract implements AggregatorV3Interface: stores `answer`, `startedAt`, `updatedAt`, `answeredInRound`. Nodes call `updateAnswer()`, contract emits `AnswerUpdated` events.

Security Warning

Feeds can stale if nodes stop reporting; monitor `updatedAt`.

Caveat

Fast feeds incur higher costs; balance with needs.

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