Contracts

Definition

A blockchain contract is a computer program that is stored and executed on a blockchain network. Blockchain contracts are also known as "smart contracts." They are self-executing contracts that can automate the exchange of value or the execution of certain actions between parties in a transparent and tamper-proof manner.

Smart contracts are written in programming languages that are compatible with the specific blockchain platform. They are stored on the blockchain and executed automatically when certain pre-defined conditions are met. The execution of a smart contract is irreversible and transparent, as all participants in the network can view the contract's code and the details of its execution.


Details

One of the most significant benefits of blockchain contracts is that they eliminate the need for intermediaries or trusted third parties to oversee transactions. This makes them more efficient, secure, and cost-effective than traditional contract execution methods.

The Blockchain Contracts namespace found in Amberdata's API allows users to view detailed information for a specific contract. For example, you could view the contract name, bytecode, ABI, and source code. We will even provide all the functions of a contract, and if they aren't available, we decompile the bytecode and extract the list of functions from it.


API Endpoints

/contracts/{hash}
/contracts/{hash}/functions
/signatures/{hash}


Availability

Our Blockchain endpoints found throughout the different On-Chain namespaces are available via REST API, WebSockets or JSON RPC. The list of supported Blockchain networks can be found in the API Documentation here.

Since we maintain our own nodes, we have every event from the genesis block forward which enables us to provide complete historical datasets for most chains we support.


Frequently Asked Questions

What programming languages are used to create blockchain contracts?

  • The programming languages used to create blockchain contracts depend on the specific blockchain network being used. For example, Ethereum contracts are typically written in Solidity, while contracts on the Bitcoin network can be created using a variety of languages, including C++, Python, and Java.

Can blockchain contracts be edited or deleted?

  • Once a blockchain contract has been created and stored on the network, it cannot be edited or deleted. This helps to ensure the immutability and security of the contract, as it is impossible for any party to modify the terms of the agreement after it has been executed.