Program Execution Integrity

Definition ∞ Program Execution Integrity is the assurance that a computational program has run exactly as specified, without any unauthorized modifications, errors, or tampering. In blockchain and verifiable computation, this means proving that a smart contract or an off-chain computation produced a specific output based on its defined logic and inputs. This property is critical for establishing trust in decentralized systems where execution environments may not be fully trusted. It guarantees the faithful operation of digital logic.
Context ∞ News often highlights the importance of program execution integrity in the context of smart contract security, decentralized application reliability, and zero-knowledge proofs. Vulnerabilities or attacks that compromise this integrity can lead to significant financial losses or system failures. Advanced cryptographic techniques, such as verifiable computation, aim to provide strong guarantees of program execution integrity. This concept is fundamental to the trustworthiness and widespread adoption of blockchain technology.