Ethereum smart contracts are contracts written in code that can be deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. These contracts are self-executing, meaning that they will automatically execute the terms of the contract once they have been deployed to the blockchain.
Ethereum smart contracts are immutable, meaning that they cannot be changed once they have been deployed. This makes them incredibly secure, as any changes to the contract code would need to be made before it is deployed.
Ethereum smart contracts are written in a language called Solidity, which is a programming language designed specifically for writing smart contracts. Solidity is similar to other programming languages, but it has some specific features that make it well suited for writing smart contracts.
For example, Solidity has a feature called “libraries” which allows developers to create reusable code modules that can be used in multiple contracts. This makes it much easier to develop complex contracts, as well as making it easier to verify the correctness of the code.
Once a contract has been written, it needs to be compiled into bytecode, which is a format that can be read by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The EVM is what actually executes the code of smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain.
After a contract has been compiled into bytecode, it can be deployed to the blockchain. Once deployed, the contract code will be stored on the blockchain and will be available for anyone to view.
Once a contract has been deployed, it can be invoked by sending a transaction to its address on the blockchain. When the contract is invoked, it will execute its code and perform the actions specified in its code.
For example, if a contract is created that allows users to bet on the outcome of a dice roll, invoking the contract would cause it to roll the dice and determine the winner of the bet.
Ethereum smart contracts are an incredibly powerful tool that can be used to create decentralized applications (DApps). DApps are applications that run on the decentralized Ethereum network, rather than on a central server.
This means that they are not controlled by any single entity, and their data is stored on the blockchain instead of in a central database. This makes DApps much more resistant to censorship and fraud than traditional applications.
The possibilities for what can be built with Ethereum smart contracts are nearly limitless. From simple betting games to complex financial applications, Ethereum smart contracts can be used to create any type of application imaginable. In fact, many of the most popular DApps currently being built are being built on top of Ethereum smart contracts.