Why is Chainlink so valuable?

Why is Chainlink so valuable? This question often baffles those new to the cryptocurrency realm. After all, with so many projects and tokens popping up every day, it's difficult to pinpoint the true worth of any one of them. But Chainlink seems to stand out. Could it be the robust infrastructure it provides for smart contracts? Or perhaps the secure and reliable data feeds it offers? It's no secret that blockchain technology is still in its nascency, and the need for reliable, tamper-proof information is paramount. Could Chainlink be filling this gap, thus justifying its high valuation? Or is there something else, some unseen aspect of its technology or business model, that truly sets it apart? I'm eager to understand the secrets behind Chainlink's success and why it commands such a high price in the market.