Q&A with Imperator: Indexer and Validator for the dYdX Chain

Introduction

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Imperator is a core infrastructure partner for the dYdX Chain, playing a pivotal role in powering the dYdX web app, mobile app, and the broader ecosystem through their work on the dYdX indexer. As both a validator and an indexing service provider, Imperator ensures accurate and reliable access to blockchain data, helping maintain a seamless experience for users and developers alike. In this Q&A, the Imperator team walks us through their background, technical challenges, and how they help keep the dYdX Chain running smoothly at scale.

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Q: For those unfamiliar with indexing, can you explain how Imperator helps the dYdX community access blockchain data efficiently?

Imperator is the maintainer of the dYdX Unlimited indexer, a core component powering the dYdX web app, mobile app, and ecosystem. Our architecture ensures fast and reliable data access not only for the main app but also for external community contributors. This includes a complex setup designed to scale efficiently and serve high-volume, real-time data needs.

Q: Can you give us a quick introduction to the Imperator team? How did you get started?

We’re a team of 5: 4 on the technical side and 1 in business development. Our journey started in February 2021 when we launched our first validator, after being early Cosmos tech-curious contributors to the ecosystem. That passion evolved into building robust infrastructures and services.   

Q: As a validator, how has your experience been with dYdX? Any major upsides or challenges?

The experience has been excellent. We’ve found the dYdX team collaborative and responsive, which makes working on critical infrastructure like this a rewarding experience. 

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges in indexing dYdX’s data compared to other networks?

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining extremely high uptime. Given that the indexer plays a key role in powering the app, maintaining uptime is critical to ensure a smooth user experience. That means we have to be constantly on-call and extremely proactive.

Q: What strategies does Imperator use to ensure smooth performance during periods of high network activity?

We always have a dedicated engineer on call, especially during key trading hours, and maintain close contact with the dYdX team to get real-time feedback and recommendations. This coordination is key to ensuring a smooth experience.

Q: What’s the most complex technical issue you’ve had to solve while indexing or validating for dYdX?

One of the most complex issues was scaling up the database to handle increasing loads, all while ensuring zero downtime and no service disruption. We had to execute changes quickly, carefully, and without breaking anything.

Q: What best practices does Imperator follow to maintain high uptime and data accuracy?

Our approach includes a follow-the-sun setup, constant monitoring, deep technical expertise, and close collaboration with all stakeholders. We’re proactive by nature and continuously optimizing.

Q: How does Imperator continue to optimize its indexing and validation services to support the dYdX ecosystem?

We collaborate closely with the dYdX team to provide infrastructure feedback and apply enhancements to the indexer as they’re released. Our team stays on top of updates and continues to improve performance and reliability.

Q: Where can people follow Imperator’s work and learn more about what you do?

You can follow us on X  and check out our website at imperator.co Feel free to reach out — we’re always open to chatting with other builders and contributors.

Conclusion

A huge thank you to the Imperator team for the work they do and for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how indexing and infrastructure come together to support the dYdX Chain. Stay tuned for more interviews with the validators and service providers helping to grow and scale the network!

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