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Microsoft AI Researchers Accidentally Exposed Terabytes of Internal … – Slashdot

Microsoft AI researchers accidentally exposed tens of terabytes of sensitive data, including private keys and passwords, while publishing a storage bucket of open source training data on GitHub. From a report: In research shared with TechCrunch, cloud security startup Wiz said it discovered a GitHub repository belonging to Microsoft's AI research division as part of its ongoing work into the accidental exposure of cloud-hosted data. Readers of the GitHub repository, which provided open source code and AI models for image recognition, were instructed to download the models from an Azure Storage URL. However, Wiz found that this URL was configured to grant permissions on the entire storage account, exposing additional private data by mistake. This data included 38 terabytes of sensitive information, including the personal backups of two Microsoft employees' personal computers. The data also contained other sensitive personal data, including passwords to Microsoft services, secret keys and more than 30,000 internal Microsoft Teams messages from hundreds of Microsoft employees.

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Soroban Smart Contracts to Launch on Stellar, Dubbed By Far The Biggest Protocol Upgrade Yet – CoinCodex

Key takeaways

Stellar has announced that the Soroban Smart Contracts upgrade is set to go live on testnet on 20 September. Until now, Stellar has not had a virtual machine that can execute custom code like other leading layer-1 blockchains, such as Ethereum, Solana, Aptos, and others. The Sorobon upgrade, therefore, will introduce a competitive smart contract language that could encourage more decentralization and innovation in the Stellar ecosystem.

Previously, the Stellar network could only support simple smart contracts known as Stellar Smart Contracts (SSCs). SSCs can track multiple on-chain transactions at once; however, the breadth of customization is limited when compared to other leading chains.

Stellars move to incorporate a more advanced smart contract language has been dubbed by far the biggest protocol upgrade yet. Soroban Smart Contracts will unlock greater versatility for developers on the Stellar blockchain, which could lead to a growing number of decentralized applications (dApps) being launched within the ecosystem.

The major Sorobon milestone follows a recent announcement from Stellar that unveiled a new look for the brand, intended to better connect the blockchain to the real world. Stellars new identity was initially met with disappointment from investors, but the price of XLM has since recovered after news broke about Sorobans testnet launch.

The price of XLM crashed in the aftermath of a recent announcement that it had changed its brand identity. It seems as though investors may have been disappointed that Stellar has moved away from its core follower base, and has instead targeted a different market entirely.

XLM fell 7.5% on the day the rebrand was announced and had been in a downtrend since 10 September, just before the rebrand was unveiled. Since yesterday, however, XLM has recaptured a key level of support at ~$0.117 and may be ready for further upside on low timeframes if it can hold this level.

Zooming out, XLMs Soroban upgrade could spark new life into the market. Its certainly a major development for the ecosystem, and investors will be watching keenly during the testnet phase hoping that it goes off without a hitch. The CoinCodex algorithm forecasts a slow reversal for XLM, highlighting a possible breakout in March 2024 that would mark the beginning of more bullish price action if it unfolds.

Ethereum (ETH) combined the ability to create complex smart contracts with distributed ledger technology to great effect when it first launched back in 2015. The widespread popularity of Ethereums transparency, accessibility, and immutability has made ETH the second most valuable cryptocurrency by market capitalization and the largest ecosystem of dApps by TVL.

Until now, Stellar (XLM) has not attempted to compete with Ethereum. The blockchain serves a different function and has different kinds of users primarily, Stellar aims for more equitable access to DeFi by creating real-world infrastructure that brings people on-chain, serving legacy financial institutions and other enterprise clients.

The move for Stellar to introduce a complex smart contracts language means that it will now support many of the same functions as other leading layer-1 networks, including Ethereum, but with greater connectivity to traditional finance systems.

Whether Stellar can compete with Web3s largest ecosystem remains to be seen, but the recent rebrand which included a helpful tone and a partnership with actor Idris Elba may indicate that it has plans to conquer mainstream markets instead.

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Stellar (XLM) Readies for Its Biggest Protocol Upgrade: Details – U.Today

Tomiwabold Olajide

Stellar to receive its biggest and most complex protocol upgrade to date, introducing smart contract support

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Blockchain-based payment network Stellar (XLM) readies for its biggest, most complex protocol upgrade to date, "Protocol 20 Upgrade," which will introduce support for Soroban smart contracts.

In an exciting upcoming development, Soroban's smart contract support will be added to Stellar's testnet on Sept. 20 at 3:00 p.m. UTC. Soroban makes this known in an X post, adding that the Soroban Futurenet will remain live and unaffected for the time being.

The Stellar testnet will also upgrade on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 3:00 p.m. UTC to release candidate versions of Stellar Core and Horizon.

As the Protocol 20 upgrade would introduce new network settings that validators control, the initial upgrade vote might be followed by a series of additional votes to adjust the settings.

As stated by Stellar in a blog post explaining the details of the upgrade, mainnet validators are likely to schedule an upgrade vote date for six weeks after stable releases come out. Thus, the date for the public network upgrade vote is TBD, which means "to be determined."

Stellar, however, promises to provide an update in this regard as time goes on. It also promises to immediately supply timelines for the votes and also update with new dates as new information comes in or as new releases come out.

Stellar garnered attention in the past week after it unveiled its much-awaited teaser, which was a fancy commercial with British actor Idris Elba. A new look for Stellar was also undertaken with a website rebrand.

On Sept. 14, Stellar also introduced "Decentralife," a series that explores the authentic stories of individuals creating real-world change through blockchain technology.

At the time of writing, Stellar (XLM) was less moved by the upgrade news. XLM was up 1.40% in the last 24 hours to $0.119, mirroring the general rise in the crypto market.

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Revolutionizing Employment: Web3’s Disruption of Traditional Models – Geeks World Wide

Summary:Web3, the next generation of the internet, is disrupting traditional employment models through the use of decentralized applications (dApps) that run on blockchain technology. This transformation is attributed to the elimination of intermediaries, the ability to work for global companies without geographical restrictions, the automation of tasks through smart contracts, and the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). These advancements offer a more democratic, decentralized, and efficient way of working and doing business.

Introduction:Web3 is revolutionizing the employment landscape by introducing decentralized applications that leverage blockchain technology. This article explores how Web3 is disrupting traditional employment models by eliminating intermediaries, offering global work opportunities, automating tasks through smart contracts, and enabling the operation of decentralized autonomous organizations.

Main Points:1. Eliminating Intermediaries: Web3 platforms like Gitcoin, Upwork, and Ethlance allow freelancers to work for global clients and receive payment in cryptocurrencies, eliminating the need for traditional intermediaries and payment systems.2. Global Work Opportunities: Web3 enables remote workers and entrepreneurs to access a wider range of projects and clients without geographical restrictions through decentralized marketplaces like OpenBazaar and Origin Protocol.3. Automation through Smart Contracts: Smart contracts running on blockchain technology automate various tasks and processes, including payments, project milestones, and dispute resolution. This eliminates the need for traditional contracts and intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.4. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): Web3 facilitates the creation of DAOs, which operate in a decentralized manner without traditional management structures. Members of DAOs make decisions about the organizations operations and future direction using tokens or cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion:Web3 is disrupting traditional employment models by offering a more democratic, decentralized, and efficient way of working and doing business. The elimination of intermediaries, access to global work opportunities, automation through smart contracts, and the operation of decentralized organizations are transforming the employment landscape. Embracing these changes will empower workers and businesses to take control of their careers and financial futures in the new economy.

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How To Use GPT-4 To Write And Debug Solidity Smart Contracts – Blockchain Magazine

Smart contracts have revolutionized the way transactions and agreements are carried out in the blockchain space. These self-executing contracts, often written in Solidity, enable trustless and automated interactions on blockchain platforms like Ethereum. However, writing and debugging Solidity smart contracts can be challenging, as accuracy and security are paramount. In this article, well explore how

Smart contracts have revolutionized the way transactions and agreements are carried out in the blockchain space. These self-executing contracts, often written in Solidity, enable trustless and automated interactions on blockchain platforms like Ethereum. However, writing and debugging Solidity smart contracts can be challenging, as accuracy and security are paramount. In this article, well explore how you can harness the power of GPT-4, a state-of-the-art language model, to assist in writing and debugging Solidity smart contracts with accuracy and confidence.

Solidity is a high-level programming language specifically designed for writing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. These contracts are integral to decentralized applications (dApps), initial coin offerings (ICOs), and various blockchain-based services. Solidity code defines the rules and logic governing these contracts, making it essential to ensure code correctness and security.

Solidity code, once deployed, is immutable, meaning any errors or vulnerabilities can result in significant financial losses or even exploitability. Ensuring accurate and secure contract code is, therefore, paramount. Traditional methods of code review and debugging may not always catch subtle issues or optimize code for efficiency.

Solidity is a high-level programming language designed explicitly for writing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They automatically execute and enforce the terms without the need for intermediaries, ensuring trustless and transparent transactions.

In the context of Ethereum, Solidity serves as the language for defining the rules and logic of these smart contracts. It allows developers to specify how funds should be managed, conditions for transactions, and more, all in a secure and decentralized manner.

Well-written and secure smart contracts are paramount in the blockchain ecosystem. Any errors or vulnerabilities in smart contract code can lead to significant financial losses or exploits. Due to the immutable nature of blockchain, once a contract is deployed, it cannot be changed. Therefore, ensuring accuracy, security, and efficiency in the code is of utmost importance.

Writing and debugging Solidity code can be a complex and challenging task. Some of the key challenges include:

Also, read The Ultimate Solidity Cheatsheet: Top 10 Things For Your Solidity Cheatsheet

GPT-4, short for Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4, is a cutting-edge language model developed by OpenAI. It is renowned for its natural language understanding and generation capabilities. GPT-4 builds on the successes of its predecessors, offering improved accuracy, context comprehension, and language generation.

GPT-4 can understand and generate human-like text in a variety of languages, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of natural language processing tasks.

GPT-4 can assist developers in generating Solidity code in several ways:

The use of AI, such as GPT-4, for Solidity code generation offers several benefits:

Incorporating AI into the Solidity development workflow can lead to more reliable, efficient, and secure smart contracts, advancing the state of blockchain technology and making it more accessible to developers worldwide.

To leverage GPT-4 for generating Solidity smart contract code, youll need to set up your development environment. Here are the steps to get started:

Now that your environment is set up, you can start using GPT-4 to generate Solidity smart contract code. Heres a step-by-step guide:

Smart contract development in Solidity can be complex, and errors in code can have serious consequences. Some common errors include:

GPT-4 can be a valuable tool for identifying and fixing errors in Solidity code:

Heres an example of how GPT-4 can assist in debugging Solidity code:

Issue: Reentrancy Vulnerability

Description: My contract allows external contracts to withdraw funds, but Ive noticed a potential reentrancy issue. How can I prevent this?

GPT-4 Response: To prevent reentrancy attacks, you can use the checks-effects-interactions pattern. First, perform all checks and state changes, then interact with external contracts. Use a mutex or state variable to control access to critical functions to ensure reentrant calls cant modify the contracts state concurrently.

To write secure Solidity code, consider the following best practices:

When using AI-generated code, its crucial to:

Code review and testing are critical steps in the development process, regardless of whether code is generated by humans or AI. Code review helps identify issues, enforce coding standards, and ensure code quality. Testing, especially using adversarial techniques, can reveal vulnerabilities and corner cases that may not be evident during code generation.

In the world of smart contracts, where security is paramount, the combination of AI assistance, rigorous code review, and comprehensive testing can help developers create robust and secure Solidity code, reducing the risk of exploits and vulnerabilities in blockchain applications.

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What Is Smart Contract Ethereum – Robots.net

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AIai

Welcome to the fascinating world of smart contracts and Ethereum! In todays digital age, technology is continuously evolving, and the way we conduct business is changing rapidly. One significant technological advancement is the introduction of smart contracts, which have the potential to revolutionize traditional methods of agreement and execution.

Smart contracts are an innovative concept that combines computer programming, cryptography, and blockchain technology to create self-executing contracts with predefined conditions and outcomes. These contracts not only automate the agreement process but also ensure its integrity, transparency, and security.

At the heart of the smart contract revolution is Ethereum, a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts. While Bitcoin focuses on digital currency, Ethereum takes it a step further by providing a programmable platform on which developers can build decentralized applications (dApps) and deploy smart contracts.

The concept of smart contracts is not entirely new. It was initially introduced by computer scientist and legal scholar Nick Szabo in the 1990s, who envisioned these digital contracts as self-executing protocols with the terms of the agreement directly written into the code. However, it is the emergence of blockchain technology, specifically Ethereum, that has made this concept a reality.

By leveraging the decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain, smart contracts on Ethereum allow for a trustless and tamper-proof execution of agreements. This means that once a contract is deployed on the Ethereum network, it cannot be altered or manipulated by any party involved, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Moreover, the automation and elimination of intermediaries brought about by smart contracts can result in significant cost savings and increased efficiency. Traditional contract execution often involves multiple intermediaries, lengthy legal processes, and the possibility of human error. Smart contracts aim to streamline this process, reducing the need for intermediaries and enabling speedy, error-free execution of agreements.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the workings of smart contracts in Ethereum, explore their benefits and applications, and discuss the potential risks and challenges associated with this emerging technology. So, lets embark on this exciting journey of smart contracts and discover the opportunities that Ethereum brings.

Smart contracts, as the name suggests, are computer programs that facilitate, verify, and enforce the negotiation and execution of contracts. These contracts are designed to automatically execute predefined actions once the specified conditions are met. Unlike traditional contracts, which require manual enforcement and intermediaries, smart contracts are self-executing and eliminate the need for third-party involvement.

Smart contracts operate on the principle of code is law. The terms and conditions of the agreement are translated into computer code, ensuring that the contracts execution is objective, impartial, and transparent. This eliminates ambiguity and reduces the risk of fraudulent activities and disputes.

The underlying technology that powers smart contracts is blockchain. A blockchain is a decentralized and distributed ledger that records all transactions and actions performed within the network. Every participant in the network has access to a copy of the blockchain, ensuring consensus and security.

Smart contracts function by using if-then statements. For instance, if X happens, then Y will be executed. The conditions and actions are programmed in the contract, and once the preconditions are met, the contract is automatically executed without any manual intervention.

One important characteristic of smart contracts is their immutability. Once deployed on a blockchain, a smart contract cannot be altered or tampered with, ensuring the integrity of the agreement. This immutability, combined with the decentralized nature of blockchain, makes smart contracts highly secure and resistant to hacking and fraud.

Smart contracts have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, including finance, supply chain management, real estate, healthcare, and more. They can streamline and automate complex processes, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable new business models.

Its worth noting that while smart contracts are powerful tools, they are not a substitute for legal contracts. While the code within smart contracts can define the terms of the agreement, it cannot address every legal scenario and jurisdiction-specific considerations. Therefore, smart contracts should be seen as complementary to legal contracts and should be drafted with legal expertise.

In the next section, we will explore Ethereum, the blockchain platform that facilitates the creation and execution of smart contracts.

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that goes beyond being just a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. It is a programmable blockchain that enables the development and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Ethereum was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and officially launched in 2015.

At its core, Ethereum provides a platform for developers to build and deploy decentralized applications and smart contracts. It features a Turing-complete programming language called Solidity, which allows developers to design and program complex smart contracts with various functionalities and logic.

Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily focuses on financial transactions, Ethereum is designed to support a wide range of applications beyond simple transfers of value. It provides a virtual machine called the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) that can execute smart contracts across the network.

Ethereum operates on a decentralized network of computers called nodes, which collectively form a blockchain. Each node in the network maintains a copy of the blockchain and participates in validating and securing transactions. This decentralized nature ensures the integrity and security of the Ethereum network.

One of the key features of Ethereum is its ability to issue and manage its own cryptocurrency, called Ether (ETH). Ether is used to facilitate transactions and pay for computational resources on the Ethereum network. It serves as the fuel that powers the execution of smart contracts and incentivizes network participants.

Another significant aspect of Ethereum is its governance structure. Decisions regarding upgrades and changes to the Ethereum protocol are made through a consensus mechanism known as Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). This allows the Ethereum community to participate in shaping the future direction of the platform.

Ethereum has gained significant traction and popularity due to its versatility and potential applications. It has enabled developers to create decentralized applications that offer a wide range of services, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), gaming, digital identity, and more.

Moreover, Ethereum has attracted the attention of industry giants and businesses looking to leverage blockchain technology. Many organizations have started exploring the use of Ethereum for various use cases, such as supply chain management, voting systems, and intellectual property rights management.

In the next section, we will dive into how smart contracts work in Ethereum, highlighting their unique characteristics and capabilities.

In Ethereum, smart contracts are created using the Solidity programming language and are stored on the Ethereum blockchain. They are self-executing contracts that automatically execute predefined actions when specific conditions are met.

When a smart contract is deployed on the Ethereum network, it is assigned a unique address, which acts as its identifier or location on the blockchain. This address allows users to interact with and invoke the functions defined within the smart contract.

Smart contracts on Ethereum are executed by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), a runtime environment that processes and executes the code written in Solidity. The EVM ensures that the smart contracts execution is consistent across all nodes in the network, achieving consensus.

Smart contracts are triggered by transactions sent to their address on the Ethereum blockchain. These transactions contain the necessary data and instructions for the smart contract to execute a specific function or update its state.

One important characteristic of smart contracts in Ethereum is their deterministic nature. This means that given the same inputs, a smart contract will always produce the same output. Determinism ensures that the execution of smart contracts is predictable and reproducible, which is crucial for maintaining consensus on the blockchain.

Smart contracts in Ethereum can store and update data within their internal state. This data can include variables, mappings, and arrays, allowing smart contracts to maintain and manipulate information relevant to the agreement or application they represent.

To interact with a smart contract on Ethereum, users can send transactions to its address, invoking the functions defined within the contract. These transactions can contain input parameters that modify the behavior or state of the smart contract.

Once a transaction invoking a smart contract function is sent to the Ethereum network, the transaction is included in a block. Miners on the network compete to validate and add the block to the blockchain. Once the block is added and confirmed, the smart contracts function is executed, and the changes in the contracts state are reflected on the blockchain.

In addition to executing actions based on predefined conditions, smart contracts in Ethereum can interact with other smart contracts and external systems. This allows for complex and interconnected decentralized applications to be built on the Ethereum platform.

Its important to note that executing smart contracts on the Ethereum network incurs a cost in terms of computational resources and transaction fees. These costs are denominated in Ether (ETH) and are paid by users interacting with the smart contract. This mechanism helps prevent abuse and ensures the efficiency and security of the Ethereum network.

Now that we have explored how smart contracts work in Ethereum, lets move to the next section where we will discuss the various benefits of utilizing smart contracts in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Smart contracts in Ethereum offer numerous benefits that have the potential to transform various industries and revolutionize traditional business processes. Lets explore some of the key advantages:

These benefits make smart contracts in Ethereum an attractive option for a wide range of applications. From financial services and supply chain management to healthcare and real estate, smart contracts have the potential to revolutionize how agreements are made and executed.

In the next section, we will explore some real-world examples of smart contracts in action on the Ethereum platform, showcasing the practical applications of this innovative technology.

Smart contracts in Ethereum have been utilized in various real-world applications, demonstrating the versatility and potential of this technology. Lets explore a few examples:

These examples only scratch the surface of the many possibilities and use cases for smart contracts in Ethereum. From healthcare and real estate to gaming and intellectual property rights management, smart contracts have the potential to transform various industries and reshape how agreements and transactions are conducted.

In the next section, we will discuss the risks and challenges associated with using smart contracts in Ethereum, highlighting the importance of careful planning and security measures.

While smart contracts in Ethereum offer numerous advantages, they also come with certain risks and challenges that need to be considered. Lets explore some of the key concerns:

Addressing these risks and challenges requires a combination of technical expertise, careful planning, and ongoing monitoring. Solid security practices, code audits, and rigorous testing can help mitigate the vulnerabilities and risks associated with smart contracts in Ethereum.

Despite these challenges, the benefits and potential of using smart contracts in Ethereum outweigh the risks. With the right precautions and a proactive approach to security, smart contracts can bring about significant improvements in efficiency, transparency, and cost savings, paving the way for a decentralized and trustless future.

In the final section, we will summarize the key points discussed and highlight the transformative potential of smart contracts in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Smart contracts in Ethereum are revolutionizing the way agreements are made and executed. These self-executing contracts, powered by blockchain technology, offer automation, transparency, security, and efficiency across various industries.

Ethereum, with its programmable platform and decentralized network, provides a fertile ground for the development and deployment of smart contracts. From decentralized finance (DeFi) and supply chain management to voting systems and digital assets, Ethereum showcases the versatility and potential of smart contracts.

However, its important to recognize the risks and challenges associated with smart contracts. Code vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance, scalability, privacy concerns, and the irrevocable nature of actions are factors that must be carefully considered and addressed.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of smart contracts in Ethereum are clear. They automate processes, increase transparency, reduce costs, enhance security, and eliminate the need for intermediaries. Smart contracts have the potential to reshape industries, streamline operations, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to evolve and mature, it is crucial for developers, businesses, and users to prioritize security, conduct thorough code audits, and stay informed about best practices. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of smart contracts and navigate the challenges that arise.

Smart contracts in Ethereum are not just a technological innovation; they represent a paradigm shift in how we approach agreements and transactions. With careful planning, robust security measures, and ongoing advancements, smart contracts have the potential to create a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive global economy.

So, lets embrace the power of smart contracts in Ethereum and explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in this exciting and transformative technology.

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Ethereum Smart Contract Development and Deployment – The Coin Republic

Ethereum has rapidly grown in popularity as one of the blockchain platforms upon which smart contract-based decentralized applications can be developed. The EVM, abbreviated from ethereum virtual machine, is a platform on which smart contracts are introduced.

They make it possible for programmers to write programs that run themselves, with applications ranging from tokens and decentralized banking to autonomous apps. Learning Solidity is essential for creating secure smart contracts,

This article details developing, testing, and releasing smart contracts on the Ethereum network.

The first step is gaining a proper understanding of programming smart contracts. Smart contracts are accounts with associated codes that can modify blockchain states based on predefined conditions. They are executed by every node participating in the network to ensure consensus. Smart contract code needs to be deterministic and terminate properly to avoid vulnerabilities. Programming languages like Solidity are designed for the EVM environment, keeping these factors in mind.

To begin smart contract programming, learn the basics of Solidity, including data types like structs, enums, mappings, syntax, modifiers, functions, events, inheritance, mathematical operations, global variables, etc. Many online courses and documentation resources provide a solid grounding. Start by writing basic smart contracts and test knowledge through code samples, online compiler practice, etc.

After getting familiar with Solidity, set up a development environment using tools like Truffle, Ganache, Remix, and MetaMask. Truffle provides a development framework for compiling, testing, and deploying smart contracts. Ganache quickly sets up a personal Ethereum blockchain for testing. Remix is a browser-based IDE, and MetaMask enables interaction with contracts via a browser wallet.

Configure these tools to connect together for a unified environment. For example, connect Truffle to Ganache, then deploy contracts on Ganache from Remix using MetaMask. Learn

to compile and migrate contracts, write tests, run a console, script tasks,s etc. There are many configuration options, so allocate time to be comfortable with the tools.

With the environment ready, start coding the smart contract based on requirements using Solidity. Modularize code into separate files for each contract. Make use of libraries, interfaces, and inheritance patterns where suitable. Follow style guides and best practices throughout development. Thoroughly comment code for readability.

Writing comprehensive unit tests using frameworks like Mocha is critical before deployment. Use test-driven development as much as possible. Trigger edge cases, account for bad input data, and maximize code coverage. Deploy locally on Ganache and ensure the contract executes as intended on a private blockchain first. Fix issues incrementally as they are uncovered during testing.

Carefully analyze gas usage when developing Ethereum contracts. Operations like storage and computation can get expensive. Make use of tools like the Solidity Gas Golf to estimate gas costs. Optimize code to lower costs by efficiently packing data, using immutable variables, efficient logic, loop optimizations, etc. Complex math operations and unbounded loops are common pitfalls.

Follow gas best practices throughout the lifecycle. Use the most efficient data structures, incorporate fail-early checks, and limit contract size. Analyze gas costs on development and test networks. Balance optimizations with readability and security. The goal should be gas-efficient yet easily auditable code following security guidelines.

Before deploying a smart contract to the live Ethereum mainnet, it is highly recommended to first deploy it on a public Ethereum testnet. Popular testnets like Ropsten provide a sandbox environment for experimentation using test ETH instead of real ETH. After thorough testing and stability are achieved locally, developers can deploy the contract on a testnet using test ETH from a faucet to simulate mainnet conditions.

On the testnet, comprehensively verify that the smart contract functions correctly as intended by interacting with all its methods. Test gas costs, execute edge cases, and ensure proper behavior is exhibited on the blockchain. The testnet provides an additional layer of testing on public infrastructure before the mainnet launch. Fix any issues that may arise on the testnet before proceeding further.

Once confidence is gained through testnet deployment, plans can be made for deployment on the live Ethereum mainnet. Smart contract development frameworks like Truffle make the process easier through scripted deployments. First, create a new Ethereum account on MetaMask with strong security practices. Fund this account with enough ETH to pay for all the gas fees and initial transactions required for launching the contract.

Carefully initiate the deployment through the framework, and verify successful deployment by checking the contract address on Etherscan. Thoroughly test interacting with all the contract functions through MetaMask to validate correct behavior on the mainnet. If all operations work as expected with no bugs, the deployed contract address can be shared publicly for others to integrate and build.

Mainnet deployment marks the stable release of the smart contract for external consumption. Hence thorough testing on public testnets followed by careful mainnet deployment steps are critical to ensure a successful production release.

Plan for smart contract management after mainnet deployment. Monitor for new vulnerabilities by keeping abreast of updates in tools like Slither, MythX, etc. Fix important bugs by planning contract upgrades and migrations. Manage keys and access controls securely. Watch gas costs and optimize further if needed.

Consider the use of oracles, libraries, and other patterns that minimize the need to upgrade contract code. Have a deprecation plan and transition path before any major updates. Document processes clearly for users, API consumers, partners, etc. By planning smart contract lifecycle management, applications can evolve securely on Ethereum.

With Ethereums dominance in decentralized applications, mastering smart contract programming is a key blockchain developer skill. Follow best practices around security, testing, gas optimization, and post-deployment management. Leverage the wealth of resources Ethereums vibrant community provides, like learning materials, development frameworks, infrastructure, and support forums. Start developing on testnets to gain proficiency before mainnet deployment. With an incremental approach, deep expertise in Solidity, and rigorous testing, quality Ethereum smart contracts can be built to power the next generation of decentralized apps.

Andrew is a blockchain developer who developed his interest in cryptocurrencies while his post-graduation. He is a keen observer of details and shares his passion for writing along with being a developer. His backend knowledge about blockchain helps him give a unique perspective to his writing

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How Smart Contracts Helps To Unlock the Potential of DAOs – The Coin Republic

Utilizing smart contracts built on blockchain technology, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are introducing a fresh epoch of decentralized governance and collaborative processes. DAOs rely on smart contracts to enable trustless, transparent, and automated operations without centralized hierarchies.

At their core, smart contracts encode the parameters that allow DAOs to function self-governing. They translate rules, ownership rights, decision procedures, and controls into self-executing programmatic code. This establishes a transparent ruleset for asset custody, voting, proposal management, and other operations autonomously driven by the DAOs distributed members.

By automating organizational activities through blockchain-based logic, DAOs present a paradigm shift in how groups coordinate, govern, and create value. Smart contracts are the fundamental technical building blocks that provide the automation and decentralization underpinning this revolutionary governance concept. Their role in powering DAO operations offers a glimpse into the future decentralization of todays organizational constructs.

At their core, smart contracts allow for the encoding of rules and agreements that facilitate decentralized, automated decision-making and operations within DAOs. By translating governance processes directly into self-executing code, DAOs are pioneering radically transparent and permissionless organizational models that leverage trustless automation to coordinate and manage shared resources

DAOs function through smart contracts on protocols like Ethereum, enabling:

By automating governance, decision rights shift from hierarchies to diffuse, decentralized stakeholders. Member interests align around collectively owned and controlled assets.

Lets explore the intricacies of how smart contracts empower the functioning of DAOs and redefine the landscape of decentralized governance.

A core capability provided by smart contracts is the automation of governance and operations within decentralized autonomous organizations. Through their deterministic, self-executing logic, smart contracts allow the hard coding of an organizations rules, controls, and processes in a way that is transparent yet independent of subjective human intervention.

This trustless programmability enables DAOs to make collective decisions and manage shared assets based on predefined rules and incentives aligned with the interests of all network participants. By directly translating agreements into immutable code rather than relying on fallible centralized authorities, smart contracts allow the establishment of decentralized governance frameworks that provide a fair and level playing field.

Underpinning DAO operations are smart contracts immutable code running deterministically on blockchains like Ethereum. They enable:

With complex agreements directly translated into code, smart contracts allow for collectively managing resources at scale.

A core capability provided by smart contracts is the trustless execution of agreements, enabled by the decentralized security of underlying blockchains. Rather than relying on intermediaries, DAO transactions and rules encoded into smart contracts are autonomously validated and processed across decentralized networks. This disintermediation ensures governance decisions and operations occur with cryptographic security and transparency.

Additionally, immutability guarantees that once deployed, contracts cannot be maliciously modified, providing resilience against tampering with coded DAO rules and processes. Together, trustless execution and immutability allow DAOs to coordinate in a self-sovereign manner according to consistent, transparent, and incorruptible programmed logic.

An important capability provided by smart contracts is enabling equitable participation within decentralized autonomous organizations. By directly encoding transparent governance rules and procedures into immutable code, smart contracts ensure every member is treated fairly according to consistent, predefined agreements.

This standardization and automation of decision-making processes based on meritocratic incentives rather than subjective judgment fosters inclusivity. Individuals across diverse backgrounds and geographies can meaningfully contribute to and participate in the DAO on a level playing field. Smart contracts thus decentralize power and lower barriers that historically hindered permissionless innovation, allowing more voices to shape, govern, and benefit from collaborative ecosystems.

We are starting to see smart contract adoption across DAO models. Examples of DAO models include:

DAOs allow securely governing shared resources collectively through agreed-upon rules directly enforced via code rather than trusting individuals.

Uses of DAOs include:

However, limitations will always exist. The following are some of the challenges likely to arise:

Careful auditing, progressive decentralization, modular upgrading, intuitive interfaces, and maturing ecosystems will help overcome these.

Virtually any industry involving agreements, transactions, or governance can benefit from smart contracts and DAOs. Finance, supply chain management, healthcare, intellectual property rights, and energy are just a few examples. Their implementation can lead to streamlined processes, reduced fraud, and increased transparency.

Smart contracts are the driving force behind the operational functionality of DAOs, enabling autonomous governance, trustless execution, and equitable participation. The integration of smart contracts within DAOs revolutionizes decentralized governance by replacing centralized intermediaries with transparent and automated mechanisms.

As decentralized autonomous organizations continue to gain momentum, the capabilities unlocked by underpinning smart contracts stand to profoundly reshape a vast range of domains. Their trustless programmability promises to transform industries, communities, and economies by bringing decentralized, participatory decision-making into the mainstream.

DAO innovation foreshadows immense potential for recasting incentives and access based on transparency, collective rights, and automated governance. By codifying the rules of cooperation directly into unbiased software, this technology duo represents a momentous leap towards more transparent, inclusive, and collectively empowered organizational models across public and private spheres.

Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He is a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralisation, understanding the true potential of the blockchain.

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Citigroup Will Let Rich Clients Use Private Blockchain to Transfer Assets – Decrypt

Investment banking giant Citigroup today announced the launch of a digital token service for institutions.

The Citi Token Services product uses blockchain and smart contract technology to allow its institutional clients to send money across borders quickly, Citi said Monday. The technology will use a private blockchainnot a public one like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

It added that Citi Token Services will provide automated trade finance solutions on a 24/7 basis.

Digital asset technologies have the potential to upgrade the regulated financial system by applying new technologies to existing legal instruments and well-established regulatory frameworks, Citis global head of services Shahmir Khaliq said in a statement.

The idea, according to Citi, is to streamline the process of making large transactions by digitizing bank guarantees and letters of credit in the trade finance ecosystem.

The bank worked with integrated logistics company Maersk on a pilot to see how it would work in the shipping industry, Citis Monday statement said. The shipping industry can be a challenge for banks as collecting payments and processing transactions can be cumbersome and complex.

Citi claimed that the technology used in the pilot is expected to reduce transaction processing times from days to minutes.

Maersks regional treasury manager for the Americas Marie-Laure Martin added: We are pleased to have collaborated with Citi in the successful test pilots for the guarantee solution using digitized tokens and smart contracts.

Citi Token Services has also been applied to a global cash management pilot, enabling its institutional clients to transfer liquidity between Citi branches on a 24/7 basis, the bank added.

In a March report, Citi said that the digital asset world was nearing an inflection point and that crypto adoption will be powered primarily by the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the tokenization of real-world assets.

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Web3 is about solving business problems, not token prices: Google … – Cointelegraph

The crypto industry is far too focused on token prices rather than figuring out how smart contracts can be used to solve real-world business problems, according to Google Clouds Web3 lead.

In an interview with Cointelegraph, Google Clouds head of Web3, James Tromans, stressed the need to focus more on the business logic in the smart contract rather than the supply and demand dynamics of the token:

So I would like us to get away from all this talk about tokens and token speculation as if that is Web3 that is not Web3, Tromans added.

One of Google Clouds main blockchain services is its Blockchain Node Engine, offering users a self-hosted node to access blockchain data, conduct transactions, build smart contracts and run decentralized applications.

Tromans argued that blockchain and smart contracts can lead to innovation, lower operational costs and new revenue streams.

Despite the bear market, Tromans said Google Cloud has still seen strong demand from enterprises looking to integrate blockchain technology:

Most of this demand has come from the TradFi sector to solve basic finance and accounting problems, Tromans explained. But Google Cloud customers are increasingly looking at integrating blockchain-based solutions in digital identity and supply chain, he added.

Digital ID, in particular, has been a hot topic of debate in the Web3 world of late, with the recent launch of Worldcoin on July 24. The iris biometric cryptocurrency project was founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2019.

Tromans however argues that blockchain tech won't likely see mass adoption, at least until user experience improves.

If the average end-user, who isnt a computer scientist, who doesnt understand blockchain, has to know about their private keys weve got it wrong. They have to be abstracted away, he explained.

When you load the Web browser, you're using a bunch of high tech capabilities like TCP-IP and HTTPS. None of these protocols mean anything to most people, Tromans added, suggesting that Web3 should strive for the same thing.

Tromans said Web3 developers will need to build frictionless solutions to help users recover private keys and help take care of their data for them to have a fantastic user experience.

Related: Google Cloud broadens Web3 startup program with 11 blockchain firms

When user experience is optimized, blockchain technology will solve problems in a range of industries, he said.

When Web3 hits mass adoption, we won't call it Web3. We'll just call it the web again, he said.

Collect this article as an NFT to preserve this moment in history and show your support for independent journalism in the crypto space.

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