What Was the GRP Step in the Graph Improvement Proposal Process?
The GRP, or Graph Request for Proposal, was a step in The Graph Improvement Proposal (GIP) process designed to formalize a problem or opportunity for The Graph protocol to address, without necessarily putting forth a specific solution. In essence:
- GRP:
- Served as a way to collect proposals seeking solutions to key issues or needs within The Graph protocol.
- Aimed to encourage community debate and solicit ideas for potential protocol upgrades, before refining these into specific, actionable improvement proposals (GIPs)1.
- Operated alongside GIPs (protocol improvements) and GRCs (application-layer standards).
Current Status of the GRP Step
As of January 2025,
The Graph Council voted to remove the GRP step from the GIP process, simplifying the overall workflow. The process now focuses directly on discussing, drafting, and finalizing GIPs, as well as GRCs for standards
3.
Rationale
- The removal intended to streamline governance, provide clearer proposal instructions, and focus contributor and council efforts directly on actionable improvements3.
- Now, contributors start with forum and community discussion, then proceed to draft, candidate, and voting stages for GIPs, bypassing the formal GRP stage3.
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