Contract Upgrade

Definition ∞ A contract upgrade involves modifying the code or logic of an existing smart contract on a blockchain. This process allows for improvements, bug fixes, or the addition of new features without deploying an entirely new contract. It typically requires specific architectural patterns, such as proxy contracts, to retain the original contract’s address and state. Successful upgrades are essential for the long-term viability and adaptability of decentralized applications.
Context ∞ Reports frequently cover contract upgrades as critical events for decentralized applications and protocols. These upgrades can introduce significant changes, impacting security, functionality, and token economics. Community governance mechanisms often play a central role in approving and implementing these technical revisions, reflecting ongoing development efforts within the blockchain ecosystem.