Definition ∞ Contract state transitions refer to the changes in the data and variables stored within a smart contract on a blockchain as a result of executing its programmed functions. Each valid transaction that interacts with a smart contract causes a predictable alteration of its internal state. These transitions are recorded on the ledger, ensuring transparency and auditability.
Context ∞ Understanding contract state transitions is crucial for auditing smart contract security and analyzing decentralized application behavior. News related to smart contract exploits often details how unintended state transitions were triggered, highlighting the importance of rigorous code review and formal verification methods.