Definition ∞ A contract specification formally defines the expected behavior, functions, and parameters of a smart contract. This document details the contract’s logic, its inputs, outputs, and how it interacts with other contracts or external data sources. A precise specification serves as a blueprint for developers, guiding implementation and enabling thorough security audits. It is a critical component for ensuring the reliability and predictability of decentralized applications.
Context ∞ The quality of contract specifications is a key determinant of smart contract security and functionality, directly impacting trust in decentralized applications. Discussions in crypto news often center on the clarity and completeness of these specifications, particularly following security incidents where ambiguities may have been exploited. Industry efforts focus on developing standardized specification languages and best practices to reduce errors and enhance verifiability.