Push-Based Oracle
Pronunciation: POOSH bayst OR-uh-kul
Definition
A push-based oracle proactively publishes updated feed state on-chain when deviation, heartbeat, schedule, or other configured conditions are met.
Overview
How it works and why it matters
A push-based oracle keeps a recent data point available in a contract by sending updates even when no particular customer has requested one. A reporting network collects observations, checks its publication conditions, and sends an on-chain transaction. Consumers then read the latest published answer. This separation is convenient for many applications, but a successful contract read says nothing about whether the answer has just been refreshed. The application must inspect the observation timestamp, value units, and limits for missing or implausible data.
Technical context
In a push-based oracle model, publishers or an oracle network monitor sources and submit reports without waiting for each consumer transaction.
Practical checks
When integrating a feed, record the actual aggregator contract address on the chosen chain and read its decimals. Calculate the maximum acceptable time since the source observation rather than blindly trusting the publication time. Test a delayed update during price volatility and decide whether the payment quote should expire.
Related concepts
Oracle; Oracle Network; Blockchain Oracle
Further reading
Example
An invoice quotes 0.02 ETH using an ETH/USD rate already stored on-chain. If the market moves sharply but the next oracle update is delayed by congestion, the invoice may use an outdated price. The checkout must decide whether to pause, requote, or use another verified source.
Comparison
Push delivery is not the same as continuous real-time data. Compare it with a pull-based oracle, where the caller supplies a signed update close to execution. Both require freshness checks and share dependence on their underlying sources.
Key Takeaway
An accessible oracle value can still be stale; validate age before making financial decisions.
Sources
- Base Documentation — Base (2026-07-30)
- Ethereum Documentation: Transactions — Ethereum Foundation (2026-07-30)