Security Guidelines in 2023 for Writing Smart Contracts

Juliana Bryant
3 min readJul 28, 2021

Smart Contract development is just as complex as constructing an aircraft control scheme. Indeed, there are too many weak spots and risks associated with Blockchain that developers basically forget about. In this article, let’s consider following security advice while writing Smart Contracts from Blockchain Smart Contract developer for your future actions.

Know the types of Smart Contracts

Since the conditions of a Smart Contract agreement are fixed directly within the program, Smart Contracts can steadily transfer data or funds among parties to a contract without need of mutual trust. The association of intermediaries and regulators is also avoidable. For this to operate, a Smart Contract must be 100% protected and ensure zero bugs presence in code. On the other hand, these contracts are employed within Blockchains and consequently possess functionalities of same:

  • Distributed- Like usual dealings over a Blockchain, Smart Contracts can be authenticated (or blocked) by anyone in this category.
  • Immutable- Intentionally, Smart Contracts are invented to be impossible to alter or reorganize after release.

Three proven tips on refining Smart Contract security

As Smart Contracts are fundamentally just very explicit programs, the ultimate goal of designers is to guarantee the security and accuracy of their code. Let’s learn best performs for Smart Contract development.

1. Beware of extra functionality

The feature-rich Smart Contract is the major reason for the popularity of platforms like EOS and Ethereum. This concept, however, varies based on the worth of security.

When functioning with protocols that maintain complex, multifaceted Smart Contracts, you should observe the best practices of the related Blockchain mediums. Otherwise, you bring about serious vulnerabilities to your contract.

Certain networks, like Cardano and Zilliqa, help designers advance the security of their program by placing more constraints to Smart Contracts. And when these limits may lessen contract functionality, the added control increases contract security. Moreover, when running with these networks, you can generate automatic authentication tools contracts to acquire 100% guarantees of your Smart Contract security.

2. Select your programming language sensibly

If you get an option, choose a programming language for writing Smart Contracts as per security guidelines. Popular technologies like C++ and JavaScript offer you with almost unlimited openings for forming complex, extremely practical contracts. And this is where some leading threats for the safety of your Smart Contracts reside.

Irrespective of language you prefer and avoid vulnerabilities, consider some best practices for Ethereum Smart Contracts listed below:

Documentation and Procedures

When dispatching an Ethereum Smart Contract that will require substantial resources or is vital to be development critical, it is significant to design proper records.

Status

  • Where exactly preferred code is installed
  • Compiler description, flags utilised, and steps for validating the installed bytecode equals the source code
  • Assessing compiler versions and standards that will be experienced for the various phases of developments.
  • Recent status of installed code (comprising unresolved problems, performance stats, others.)

3. Experience other testing tools

Added testing can’t degrade your Smart Contracts. As every Blockchain network has its specific set of definite tools, let’s go through some examples of the highly preferred ones for Ethereum to improve security.

  • Test coverage detectors- In Ethereum, developers can adopt solidity-coverage for code coverage and testing of contracts coded in Solidity.
  • Prescribed authentication- K Framework is a tool that Blockchain Smart Contract development services can practise for officially validating Smart Contracts on various platforms, comprising Cardano and Ethereum.
  • Symbolic implementation- Tools similar to Manticore can be chosen for testing your Smart Contracts against any possible bugs and exposures in program logic.

Final words

Smart Contracts are a widespread technology with lots of assistance: they’re dependable, precise, and more cost-efficient than old-style legal agreements. But just like any other platform, a Smart Contract is liable to code slips and hidden dangers that developers need to resolve on.

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Juliana Bryant
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Juliana Bryant is a professional writer, having a deep understanding of the latest technology. She has been writing insightful content for the last 5 years.