Definition ∞ Formal verification of smart contracts is a rigorous process that mathematically proves the correctness of a contract’s code. It uses logical reasoning and symbolic analysis to confirm that the contract behaves exactly as intended, free from bugs or unintended consequences. This method offers a higher assurance of security than traditional testing alone.
Context ∞ The adoption of formal verification for smart contracts is a growing trend, particularly for high-value applications in decentralized finance and digital asset management. Discussions in the crypto news often revolve around the effectiveness of various verification tools and methodologies in preventing exploits and ensuring the reliability of on-chain code. As the complexity of smart contracts increases, the demand for such assurances is escalating.