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Code Immutability

Definition ∞ Code immutability describes the characteristic of smart contracts or blockchain protocols that prevents their alteration once deployed to a distributed ledger. This means the underlying programming cannot be changed, deleted, or modified. It ensures the consistent and predictable execution of predefined rules. This property forms a fundamental security and trust mechanism in many decentralized systems.
Context ∞ The state of code immutability often presents a trade-off between security and adaptability in blockchain development. While it guarantees reliability, it also complicates bug fixes or feature upgrades, sometimes necessitating entirely new contract deployments. A key debate involves balancing the benefits of unchangeable code with the practical need for iterative improvement and response to unforeseen issues.

$A multifaceted blue crystalline structure with sharp facets and internal light refraction is partially encircled by a smooth white torus. This visual metaphor represents the complex and often abstract nature of decentralized finance and digital asset ecosystems. The crystalline form suggests the intricate architecture of blockchain ledgers and smart contract execution, while the torus symbolizes the continuous flow and interconnectedness of crypto assets within a distributed network. The interplay of light and shadow within the blue structure hints at the transparency and security inherent in cryptographic protocols, emphasizing the underlying technological framework of cryptocurrencies.$

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→Ethereum Standards

→Code Immutability

Formal Specification Refinement Enables Safe, Verifiable Smart Contract Evolution

New refinement framework shifts to a "specification is law" paradigm, enabling safe, formally verified contract upgrades while preserving essential properties.