What are smart contracts, and how do they work?
What are smart contracts, and how do they work?
A smart contract is a computer protocol that facilitates, verifies, or enforces the negotiation or execution of a contract. These contracts are self-executing and have predefined terms and conditions that are automatically enforced when the conditions are met.
Know moreIn other words, a smart contract is a type of digital contract that automatically executes the agreed-upon clauses between the involved parties without the need for intermediaries. It's like a computer program that carries out financial, legal, or commercial transactions according to pre-established rules.
Smart contracts are based on blockchain technology, which enables the creation of a shared digital ledger. This technology ensures the security and reliability of the transactions performed as all the information is encrypted and stored on multiple computers across the network.
Smart contracts have been widely used in various areas such as the financial sector, real estate, and logistics. They provide a secure and efficient alternative for conducting transactions between unknown parties, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing costs.
In summary, smart contracts are a technological innovation that has revolutionized the way transactions are conducted, providing transparency, security, and reliability to the involved parties.
How do they work?
Smart contracts are written in specific programming languages and are executed on a blockchain, making them tamper-proof. When the specified conditions in the contract are met, the program automatically executes the agreed-upon actions in the contract without the need for human intervention.
For example, a smart contract can be created for car insurance. The specified conditions could include the monthly payment of an insurance premium, the absence of accidents, or the immediate notification of an accident occurrence. If the contract detects that all the conditions have been met, it can automatically release the insurance payout to the insured party.
Smart contracts are seen as a way to increase efficiency and transparency in many sectors, including insurance, real estate, and finance. They also have the potential to reduce the need for intermediaries such as lawyers and insurance agents, making processes faster and more cost-effective for all parties involved.
In summary, a smart contract is a computer program that automatically executes the clauses of a contract when the specified conditions are met. They are executed on a blockchain, making them immutable and tamper-proof, and they have the potential to increase efficiency and transparency in many sectors.
By Sonica W3 Learning Center