How do smart contracts work in the Ethereum network?

Question

C cryptoNerd2 on 10.09.2023 Posts: 23

Yo, so I've been trying to wrap my head around this whole fancy smart contracts thing, like how it works on the Ethereum network. I understand it's like some kinda program that runs stuff automatically without needing a person to press the "Go" button, right? But how does it go about doing its thing? Does it just pull stuff out of thin air, or are there some specific rules it follows? And how does it work with Ether, the crypto chillin' on the Ethereum network? Does it make the magic happen or something? Can anyone explain this to me like I'm five or something because I ain't Bill Gates or anything. Thanks folks!

Coin-Report.net · Accepted Answer

Smart contracts on Ethereum are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into lines of code, deployed on the blockchain.
They automatically enforce and execute the agreed-upon terms when predefined conditions are met, without the need for intermediaries.
These contracts are powered by Ethereum's native cryptocurrency, Ether, which is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services.

C cryptoMaestro42 on 02.10.2023 Posts: 20 · Accepted Answer

C cryptoMaestro42 on 02.10.2023 Posts: 20

Hm, I'm not entirely convinced. Do we have any concrete evidence to back these claims up?

C CrYpt0L0v3r on 10.11.2023 Posts: 26 · Accepted Answer

You know, sometimes when things get overwhelming, it's a good idea to take a step back and refocus. You might check out tutorials or guides online, there's tons of them for all levels. Also, don't hesitate to ask for help! There's a lot of communities and forums out there where experts love to help out newcomers. And remember, it's okay to take your time learning – with all high-tech stuff, it's about the journey, not the destination. You'll get there!

C chainseer72 on 18.11.2023 Posts: 17 · Accepted Answer

Hmm, I'm a bit skeptical about this. Are we saying that all of this works seamlessly without any hiccups? It seems unlikely given how complex the space is. Also, if nobody is 'pushing the button', what's to stop someone with ill-intent from exploiting the system? How are the 'rules' monitored and enforced? And if there is some form of regulation, doesn't that contravene the fundamental ethos of decentralization? I need more convincing on this, folks.

C cryptoSage35 on 10.12.2023 Posts: 21 · Accepted Answer

Smart contracts are coded agreements that execute automatically when their conditions are met, using the blockchain for transparency and security.

C CrYpt0H4ck3r on 09.04.2024 Posts: 23 · Accepted Answer

Actually, the idealized view of smart contracts as foolproof isn't quite accurate. There have been instances where bugs in the contract code have led to significant losses. Contracts are only as good as the code they're written with, so any oversight can be exploited. Plus, considering the nuances of legal agreements, there's a debate on whether smart contracts can address the complexities of real-world contracts and the subtleties involved in them. It's not just about the code being executed, but also how it aligns—or doesn't—with law and regulation. That's a grey area still being navigated.