Chainlink (LINK) vs NEAR Protocol (NEAR)

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that allows smart contracts hosted on the blockchain to access off-chain data, meaning data from outside the blockchain. Whether it is blockchains, protocols, or any other cryptocurrency project, it is essential to be able to use information from the outside world to function, such as the price of a cryptocurrency. The infrastructure of Chainlink relies on distributed sources and oracles, enabling the provision of high-quality, accurate, and above all, incorruptible data.

NEAR Protocol, more commonly abbreviated as Near, is a layer 1 blockchain operating on a Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism. The technological infrastructure of Near uses an innovative sharding method called Nightshade, which enhances transaction processing capacity and network scalability. Developers can create and deploy smart contracts using familiar programming languages, and the Aurora tool allows them to have full compatibility with Ethereum.