Clear DefinitionsView Function
1 min read
Pronunciation
[vyoo fungk-shun]
Analogy
A view function is like looking up a phone number in a directory—it retrieves data without changing any records.
Definition
A Solidity function modifier indicating the function does not modify state, allowing it to be executed locally without a transaction.
Key Points Intro
View functions optimize read‑only calls through:
Key Points
No state writes: Cannot use `SSTORE` or emit events.
Gas-free: Called off‑chain with no gas cost.
Can read state: Allowed `SLOAD` operations.
Constant alias: Legacy synonym for `view`.
Example
```
function balanceOf(address user) external view returns (uint256) {
return balances[user];
}
```
Technical Deep Dive
Security Warning
View functions can still consume gas when called within transactions; restrict heavy computation.
Caveat
Cannot be used to trigger on‑chain actions or events.
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