Clear DefinitionsBytecode
1 min read
Pronunciation
[byt-kohd]
Analogy
Bytecode is like Java bytecode or .NET IL—a universal instruction set that runs in a VM.
Definition
The low‑level, platform‑independent code produced by smart contract compilers, executed by the blockchain virtual machine.
Key Points Intro
Smart contract bytecode features:
Key Points
Opcode sequence: Series of VM instructions.
Immutable: Deployed bytecode cannot be changed.
Size limit: Block gas limits constrain contract size.
Link references: Placeholder slots for library addresses.
Example
Technical Deep Dive
Bytecode consists of opcodes (0x00–0xff) and data. The init code runs once to initialize storage and returns runtime bytecode. Bytecode can include metadata hash and swarm link. Library linking replaces placeholders with actual addresses before deployment.
Security Warning
Decompiled bytecode is hard to audit; always verify source‑bytecode match via on‑chain metadata.
Caveat
Bytecode size limits can force developers to split logic across multiple contracts.
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