Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Glossary

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Deterministic

Pronunciation
[dee-tur-muh-nis-tik]
Analogy
Deterministic execution is like a calculator: given the same numbers and operations, it always returns the same result.
Definition
Property of smart contract execution where the same inputs always produce the same outputs, ensuring consistent state across all nodes.
Key Points Intro
Determinism is critical for blockchains because:
Key Points

Consensus safety: All nodes reach identical states.

Replayability: Transactions can be re‑executed for verification.

No side effects: Execution cannot depend on external nondeterministic data.

Gas accounting: Predictable resource usage per operation.

Example
An ERC‑20 transfer function always deducts and credits the same amounts given identical inputs, regardless of which node executes it.
Technical Deep Dive
EVM opcodes are defined to produce deterministic results. Block data (timestamp, difficulty) is the only external input. No floating‑point or system calls are allowed. Any nondeterministic operation (e.g., reading block.timestamp) is consensus‑defined.
Security Warning
Relying on block.timestamp for randomness is insecure; use verifiable randomness oracles.
Caveat
Determinism can limit functionality (e.g., no true randomness); workarounds add complexity.
Related Terms
EVM
Gas Optimization
Self-Executing Contract
Smart Contract Audit
Ricardian Contract

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