> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aeternity.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aeternity.com/aeternity-developer-tools/protocol/core-protocol-components/oracles.md).
# Oracles
Oracles in æternity serve as a bridge between the blockchain and external data sources, enabling smart contracts to access real-world information in a decentralized manner. As native protocol-level entities, rather than smart contract implementations, oracles in æternity offer an efficient and reliable way to bring outside data onto the blockchain.
The [Oracles documentation](/developer-documentation/protocol/oracles.md) covers the complete oracle lifecycle, from registration and operation to querying and response handling, including technical specifications for oracle APIs, type systems, and time-to-live (TTL) mechanisms.
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# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
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