Airnode (API3)
An airnode is a specialized oracle node that offers easy deployment for application programming interface (API) providers who wish to join the API3 blockchain protocol and integrate their data feeds on-chain. By utilizing an airnode, API providers can operate their own node with minimal maintenance requirements, enabling them to connect their API data feeds with smart contract platforms. When an API provider adopts an airnode, they become a first-party oracle, directly delivering data to the blockchain without the need for intermediary nodes.