Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts on the blockchain to real-world data, events, and payments. By providing reliable, tamper-proof inputs and outputs for complex smart contracts, Chainlink enables developers to create dApps that can securely interact with external data sources. Chainlink’s oracles are crucial for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, as they provide accurate and up-to-date information, such as price feeds and weather data, which are essential for the execution of smart contracts. The platform is designed to be blockchain-agnostic, meaning it can operate across different blockchain networks. Chainlink's technology is widely used in various industries, including finance, insurance, and supply chain management, where reliable data feeds are critical.