Function Boundaries

Definition ∞ Function boundaries delineate the scope and responsibilities of individual functions or modules within a software program or smart contract. These boundaries define what data a function can access, what operations it can perform, and which other functions it can call. Establishing clear function boundaries is essential for modular design, reducing complexity, and enhancing the security and maintainability of code. This principle promotes robust software construction.
Context ∞ In smart contract development, precisely defining function boundaries is paramount for preventing unauthorized access and mitigating security vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks. Poorly defined boundaries can allow malicious actors to exploit unintended interactions between contract components, leading to asset loss. Rigorous auditing and formal verification methods are applied to ensure that function boundaries operate as intended, securing decentralized applications. Security reports often highlight issues related to improper function boundary handling.