A beginner’s handbook to becoming part of The Graph community.
TL;DR: Are you new to The Graph? You're in the right place! Keep reading for the best ways to learn about and participate in The Graph ecosystem.
The Graph is a decentralized and open-source indexing protocol for blockchain data, allowing for the creation of fully decentralized applications. Getting involved in The Graph isn’t just about using the technology—it’s about contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that values collaboration and innovation.
This blog post guides newcomers on how to dive into The Graph community and make a tangible impact.
1. Learn about The Graph
Read The Graph docs.
Understanding The Graph starts with its documentation.
- Begin with About The Graph to learn how The Graph works and Network Overview to discover the different roles in the network.
- The Glossary will help you understand any unfamiliar terms.
- If you are a developer interested in building, start with Quick Start for Subgraphs.
Whether you’re a developer or just curious about the technology, the official Graph documentation will give you a good look at the protocol’s basic and advanced features.
Watch introductory videos on The Graph.
- What is The Graph?
- Explanation of The Graph by Tegan Kline
- What is Graph Explorer?
- How to Delegate Your GRT Using Graph Explorer
Browse the Graphtronauts blog.
Discover a wealth of knowledge about The Graph through the Graphtronauts blog, where much of the entry-level material is about delegation.
💡 Delegation in The Graph involves individuals lending their GRT tokens to indexers, who process and organize data for decentralized applications. This simple process is an accessible, entry-level way for anyone to contribute to and participate in the network's security and efficiency.
A sample list for beginners:
- What is The Graph and why is [it] the next big thing in the technology industry
- FAQ for The Graph Delegators
- How to choose an Indexer for delegating your GRT tokens in The Graph Protocol
- Moving Your GRT from Central Exchanges to Layer 2 for Delegation
Whether you’re looking to delegate, undelegate, or move your GRT between Arbitrum and your exchange, there are how-to guides to help you.
Dive into these resources to kickstart your learning journey and master The Graph.
2. Engage through communities and socials
Become active on community platforms.
- Join The Graph Discord or Telegram communities to engage with other members, get support, and stay informed about the latest developments. You may want to visit some of the following Discord channels first:
- Resources: Lists all the different channels on The Graph’s Discord server.
- Roles: Allows you to choose your role for a customized experience.
- Browse Channels: Located at the top of the channel list, this allows you to customize which channels appear for you.
- General: For general questions, or if you’re unsure where to ask your question, start here.
- Workshops and Tutorials: Find tutorials or discuss upcoming workshops.
- The Graph Forum is also an excellent resource for deeper discussions. Here, you’ll find topics such as Graph Improvement Proposals (GIPs), core dev team updates, R&D, and grants. Read The Graph Forum Explained: Engaging with the Pulse of the Protocol for more details. Don’t be afraid to engage and ask questions!
Follow social media channels.
- Following The Graph on X (formerly Twitter) is essential for real-time updates, announcements, and social interactions with the community. The Graph is also on Warpcast.
- To add value, actively engage with social posts from The Graph by liking, commenting, and retweeting.
Check out tutorials, podcasts, and live events.
- The Graph has a variety of tutorials, workshops, quarterly participation updates, and much more on its YouTube channel. Check out the playlists:
- Listen to the GRTiQ Podcast for interviews and discussions with people building in web3 and on The Graph. These are geared more toward those who are deeply involved in the ecosystem—but these two episodes are suitable for those who are newer:
- Attend Indexer Office Hours (IOH) for valuable real-time advice and learning opportunities. To learn more, refer to our previous blog post, What Are Indexer Office Hours?
- Tune into Community Talk, a monthly chat on Discord (on the third Tuesday). You can find it under Events at the top of the Discord channel list. The Graph’s Community Talk covers a wide range of subjects and provides attendees with a comprehensive recap of the latest happenings within The Graph community.
3. Participate in the network
Become a delegator. Delegating GRT tokens is a way to support the network and a practical step for newcomers to learn through participation.
- The Graph has a written guide for delegators.
- Pinax has a super easy how to delegate GRT video guide.
Networking and community engagement
Attend events IRL.
Attending local ETH events or Graph-specific gatherings can provide invaluable networking opportunities. Meeting peers and experts face-to-face can enhance your understanding and involvement in the ecosystem.
Join local and online communities.
Engaging with community channels like Graphtronauts and other blockchain communities can enrich your network and provide support as you explore The Graph further.
Many groups can help you if English is not your first language.
Unofficial Telegram groups
| @TheGraph_Germany 🇩🇪 | @IndianGraphCommunity 🇮🇳 |
| @thegraphfrenchchannel 🇫🇷 | @TheGraph_Dutch 🇳🇱 |
| @thegraphenespanol 🇪🇸 | @GRTARAB 🇸🇦 |
| @thegraphRu 🇷🇺 | @thegraphjapan 🇯🇵 |
| @thegraphitalia 🇮🇹 | @Thegraph_KR 🇰🇷 |
| @graphprotocoltr 🇹🇷 | @thegraphpk🇵🇰 |
| @TheGraphBR 🇧🇷 | @graphindonesia🇮🇩 |
| @GraphProtocol_VN 🇻🇳 | @thegraphbangladesh🇧🇩 |
| @Graph_Persian 🇮🇷 | @GraphProtocolCN 🇨🇳 |
Become a Graph Advocate.
After gaining enough knowledge and experience, you may wish to be more involved in growing the ecosystem by supporting community-based initiatives, including helping others new to The Graph community. This role is currently known as a Graph Advocate, but it may evolve in the future.
Consider this role once you have established yourself as a contributor to the ecosystem and can help teach others to do the same.
Want more resources?
You’ll find more ways to contribute in The Graph’s blog post, 23 Ways to Participate in The Graph Ecosystem. Just note that because the blockchain space evolves quickly, a few items are no longer active, but there are still many great ideas to get involved.
Wrapping up
Getting involved with The Graph opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth. By engaging with educational resources, participating actively, and networking within the community, you can contribute to the evolution of this dynamic ecosystem. Take the initiative today and start your journey in one of the most exciting areas of blockchain technology.
This guide provides a pathway for new users and encourages an active role in shaping the future of decentralized applications. Dive in, learn, and help drive forward the promise of web3!
💡 This article answers questions like:
- How can a newcomer learn about The Graph?
- How can a newcomer get involved in The Graph community?
- Where can a newcomer find Graph-related content?
- How do I delegate my GRT?
I hope this helps guide people on where to get started in the ecosystem. There is so much to take in so helpful to know where to start!