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Smart Contract

Self-executing contracts with terms directly written in code on the blockchain.

A Smart Contract is a self-executing program stored on the blockchain that automatically runs when predefined conditions are met. Smart contracts eliminate intermediaries by enforcing rules through code rather than human oversight.

They form the foundation of DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, and modern Web3 applications.

How Smart Contracts Work

Written in code (e.g., Solidity for Ethereum)

Deployed on a blockchain

Conditions, rules, and actions are immutable once live

Automatically execute transactions and logic

Transparent and verifiable by anyone

Smart contracts create trustless interactions between users and applications.

Use Cases

Decentralized exchanges (AMMs)

Lending protocols and liquidations

NFT minting and marketplaces

DAO governance votes

Automated payments or escrow

Token vesting schedules

Benefits

No intermediaries

Reduced costs

Transparency and auditability

High automation

Security through decentralization

Summary

A smart contract is code on the blockchain that automatically executes actions when conditions are met, enabling decentralized applications and automated transactions.

See also