DefiLlama — DeFi Analytics & Protocol Tracker

DefiLlama is a leading DeFi analytics platform and Total Value Locked (TVL) aggregator, widely respected for its open‑source methodology and comprehensive coverage of decentralized finance across multiple chains. ([defillama.com](https://defillama.com)) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} While DefiLlama itself does not operate spot, perpetuals (perps), or lending functions, it tracks protocols that do, making it a central information source for those markets. It provides aggregated metrics for DEX volume, perps volume, lending supply/borrow, protocol revenue, and yield strategies. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Getting Started

1. Visit the official site at defillama.com :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. Browse the dashboard to see TVL, DEX volume, perps volume, lending markets, and revenue rankings.
3. Use the search box to look up specific protocols, chains or categories (e.g. “Aave”, “Uniswap”, “perps”, “lending”)
4. Click on a protocol to see deeper metrics, charts, historical data, and links to official sites.
5. Use tools like the Borrow Aggregator, Yield views, or watchlists to compare lending or yield across platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Why Use DefiLlama?

• Neutral & open data: DefiLlama’s aggregation is open‑source and refuses paid listings, striving for unbiased protocol coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Multi‑chain support: Tracks protocols across EVM chains, non‑EVM chains, L2s, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Protocol coverage: Covers DEXs, lending platforms, yield aggregators, liquid staking, governance, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Rich metrics: Beyond TVL, you get revenue, fees, borrow/supply rates, perp volumes, yield breakdowns, token unlocks, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Developer / API access: Their API and open adapters let developers embed real‑time DeFi data in apps, bots, dashboards. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Guide: Step by Step

View TVL & Protocol Rankings

1. Go to the main page of DefiLlama (defillama.com).
2. Select “All” or choose chain filters (Ethereum, Solana, BNB, etc.) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
3. Scroll or search to see protocol rankings by TVL, 24h change, fees, or revenue.
4. Click into a protocol to explore assets locked, charts, revenue, and links to project sites.

Compare Lending or Perps Data

1. Navigate to sections like “Borrow” or “Perps” via menu filters or categories. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
2. Scan protocols offering lending or derivatives to see supply/borrow rates, volumes, and utilization.
3. Use the Borrow Aggregator tool to find the best lending or borrowing rates across multiple protocols. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Yield & Strategy Insights

1. Go to the “Yields” or “Strategies” section.
2. Explore yield pools, stablecoin yield, leveraged lending strategies and compare yield breakdowns. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
3. Check historical charts and APY performance over time.

Security Best Practices

• Use only official domain (defillama.com) to avoid phishing clones. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Avoid entering private keys on any analytics site — use DefiLlama purely for data and reference, not as a wallet.
• Verify data by cross‑checking protocol sites or smart contracts — DefiLlama is a data aggregator and relies on public data sources.
• Be cautious when using external tools or APIs based on DefiLlama’s data — ensure the integration is trustworthy.
• Keep browser / software updated to avoid vulnerabilities in rendering charts or scripts.

Advanced Features

• LlamaSwap: A built‑in DEX aggregator that sources best swap paths across multiple exchanges. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• LlamaFeed: Crypto news, social sentiment, unlocks, proposals, and ecosystem events aggregated in one feed. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Borrow Aggregator: Helps users compare lending/borrowing options across multiple protocols. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Open adapters & community contributions: Projects can integrate with DefiLlama via adapters on GitHub to expose metrics. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Historical & trend analysis: Deep charts, time series for protocol metrics, and chain flows. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does DefiLlama provide spot, perps, or lending products?

No — DefiLlama is purely an analytics and data aggregation platform. It tracks protocols that offer spot, perps, or lending units, but does not host or operate those services itself.

2. How many protocols and chains does DefiLlama track?

DefiLlama tracks thousands of protocols across dozens or hundreds of chains. The official site shows metrics from many blockchains and DeFi sectors. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

3. Is DefiLlama open source?

Yes — its methodology, adapters, and data aggregation scripts are open and community‑driven. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

4. Can I use DefiLlama’s data in my own app?

Yes — DefiLlama provides APIs and open data that developers can integrate into apps, dashboards, and bots. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

5. Can DefiLlama metrics be manipulated?

Potentially — since protocols must expose adapters for their TVL or data, if a protocol misreports or doesn’t correctly integrate, metrics can be off or omitted. Users should cross-verify with protocol smart contracts. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Conclusion

In summary, DefiLlama is a foundational analytics tool in the DeFi ecosystem. While it doesn’t itself provide spot trading, perps or lending, it serves as the data backbone for those markets, enabling users to monitor TVL, fees, yield, and protocol health across multiple blockchains. Its open, neutral, and community‑driven nature makes it a trusted reference. To use it well, always stick to official domains, cross-check protocol data, and treat DefiLlama as a reliable lens into DeFi rather than a transactional platform.