Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Gradient?

A: Gradient is a liquid staking protocol on TAO Network. TAO token holders can deposit their TAO tokens into Gradient to get back the liquid staked assets, which can be used in DeFi operations to earn staking rewards in Ethereum.

Q: How does liquid staking with Gradient work?

A: Users that decide to stake their TAO tokens through Gradient receive a fungible ‘representation’ (staked assets) of their underlying staked assets – an ERC-20 token that enables the user to again transact without impacting a staking lockup called swTAO. Essentially, this allows users to enjoy staking rewards but maintain liquidity and continue participating in DeFi activities on the Ethereum network.

Q: What are GDT tokens, and how are they used?

A: GDT (Gradient Tokens) are the native governance tokens on the Gradient protocol. GDT holders can vote on proposals and make governance decisions, and participate in Gradient ecosystem rewards.

Q: What security measures does Gradient have in place?

Gradient utilizes a variety of protections such as smart contract audits,, protocol security upgrades, and attack detection systems to both mitigate and capture potential attack vectors and general vulnerabilities to make running a staking node with Gradient as safe and reliable as possible.

Q: How does Gradient's governance system work?

A: The governance of Gradient takes place through its holders of the GDT token: they can submit proposals for any change, they can vote to approve initiatives, and ultimately they can even steer the developments of the protocol. Gradient’s governance aims for maximum transparency, community direction, and inclusion.

Q: What future developments are planned for Gradient?

A: Gradient plans to develop new liquid staking products, deepen ecosystem integration within the TAO Network, enhance user experience and accessibility, and further increase the decentralization of the protocol’s governance structure. There will also be continuing enhancements to security, plus community and developer education-and-engagement initiatives.

Q: Are there any risks involved in staking with Gradient?

A: Like other DeFi activities, staking with Gradient involves risks such as smart contract vulnerabilities, price and market volatility, as well as validator performance risks. Gradient takes a comprehensive approach to security and encourages all its users to consider best practice risk management strategies for DeFi.

Q: How does Gradient contribute to the overall DeFi ecosystem?

A: Gradient is enhancing DeFi by offering a novel liquid staking solution with which users can retain both liquidity over their staked assets and participate in DeFi applications; thus increasing their capital utilization numbers, and bringing more capital efficiency while creating a more tightly-coupled and resilient DeFi ecosystem.

Resources and Further Reading

• Gradient Official Website: Gradient's homepage for the latest updates, documentation, and community resources.

• TAO Network Official Documentation: Comprehensive resources on the TAO Network, its technology, and its AI-driven initiatives.

• DeFi Pulse: A tracker of DeFi protocols detailing their liquidity, total value locked and rankings of DeFi protocols.

• Ethereum Foundation: Resources on Ethereum's technology, including smart contracts, Ethereum 2.0, and the broader ecosystem.

• Blockchain Security Resources: Articles, guides, and best practices on securing blockchain applications and smart contracts.