Quick Facts
Description of PancakeSwap: PancakeSwap is a leading multichain DEX built on an automated market maker (AMM) model. It offers a superior DeFi experience with low transaction fees, high-speed trading, and a user-friendly interface.
Chains served: BNB Chain, Ethereum, Aptos, Polygon zkEVM, Linea, zkSync Era, Base, Arbitrum One, and opBNB.
Make or break feature: Fast indexing engine can handle millions of events and custom features to leverage advanced database functionalities.
Using SQD for: Primary ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), aggregating onchain data and providing data needed for analytics internally and externally.
Only possible with SQD: Large-scale indexing and customization to serve multi-network analytics.
How PancakeSwap Discovered SQD
PancakeSwap rapidly became a major DeFi hub through its user-friendly interface, minimal fees, extensive trading pairs, and Farming programs. Beginning on BNB Chain, the platform expanded to multiple networks, including non-EVM chains like Aptos and zkSync.
This expansion introduced technical challenges. The team prioritized maintaining a seamless and consistent user experience across different networks, requiring meticulous monitoring and proactive infrastructure maintenance. They implemented features such as paymaster services and gas sponsorship on zkSync to optimize transaction efficiency.
Since each blockchain processes data differently, PancakeSwap sought a solution for extracting, transforming, and loading on-chain data for analytics purposes. This search led them to SQD.
SQD in PancakeSwap’s Data Stack
PancakeSwap’s primary objective involved tracking users trading across multiple protocols and networks. Given their substantial user base and BNB Chain v2 pool history, they required a fast indexing engine capable of handling millions of pair events.
SQD now serves as their primary ETL tool, enabling rapid reindexing and up-to-date data maintenance across all networks. PancakeSwap leveraged SQD’s custom features to integrate with analytics-focused databases such as TimescaleDB or ClickHouse, offering superior performance and flexibility, according to Frontend Lead Chef Jackson.
The SQD SDK’s flexibility has enabled PancakeSwap to:
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Track ERC20/ERC721 Balances Across All Chains: Providing comprehensive asset tracking capabilities across multiple blockchain networks, allowing users to manage and monitor digital assets confidently.
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Monitor All Transaction Activities on PancakeSwap: SQD delivers detailed analytics on trades, swaps, and platform interactions, enhancing operational transparency and supporting informed decision-making.
Chef Jackson highlighted the smooth migration process, citing support from SQD’s archive and RPC providers as critical drivers to ensure a seamless transition. While customizing the SDK required effort, it proved manageable and worthwhile.
Working with the SQD Team
Chef Jackson concluded: “Our experience collaborating with the SQD team has been constructive and supportive. They have consistently assisted us throughout the integration process, offering valuable guidance and technical expertise as needed.”