Contract-Call Primitive

Definition ∞ A contract-call primitive is a fundamental operation within a blockchain’s virtual machine that enables one smart contract to interact with another. This basic function permits contracts to execute logic, send value, or request data from other deployed contracts. It forms the foundational layer for building complex decentralized applications and inter-contract communication.
Context ∞ The efficiency and security of contract-call primitives are paramount for the robustness of decentralized finance and other blockchain applications. News often reports on optimizations or vulnerabilities related to these primitives, impacting gas costs or security audits. Developments in cross-chain communication protocols also frequently depend on enhancements to these underlying interaction mechanisms.