Autonomous Operation

Definition ∞ Autonomous Operation describes a system or protocol functioning without continuous human intervention. These systems execute predetermined rules and processes independently, responding to environmental changes automatically. In digital assets, this often relates to smart contracts or decentralized applications that run code without central authority. Such self-governance underpins the trustless nature of many blockchain systems.
Context ∞ Autonomous Operation is a central concept in the evolution of decentralized finance and Web3 infrastructure. News often reports on the successes and challenges of fully autonomous decentralized organizations, including governance debates and smart contract security audits. The ongoing discussion centers on achieving true autonomy while ensuring upgradeability and responsible error handling. Its further development is critical for scaling decentralized systems and reducing reliance on intermediaries.