Proof Carrying

Definition ∞ Proof carrying refers to a system where a piece of software or computation is accompanied by a formal, verifiable proof of its correctness or adherence to specific properties. This proof allows a verifier to ascertain the integrity and behavior of the code without needing to execute it or trust the original developer. It ensures that the software performs as intended, providing a high degree of assurance in critical applications. This concept is vital for enhancing security and reliability.
Context ∞ In the context of blockchain and smart contracts, proof carrying is a powerful concept for ensuring the security and trustworthiness of decentralized applications. It can be applied to verify the absence of bugs or malicious code in smart contracts before deployment, or to confirm the correct execution of off-chain computations. News often discusses the development of tools and languages that support proof-carrying code, aiming to reduce vulnerabilities and increase confidence in digital asset systems.