Definition ∞ Protocol invariants are fundamental properties or conditions that must consistently hold true within a blockchain protocol, regardless of its operational state or specific transactions. These are critical rules designed to maintain the system’s security, integrity, and intended behavior. Violations of invariants often indicate a critical bug or an exploit, leading to system failures or asset loss.
Context ∞ Formal verification and rigorous auditing procedures in blockchain development primarily focus on ensuring that protocol invariants are upheld under all circumstances. News reports on smart contract exploits or protocol vulnerabilities often highlight the failure to maintain specific invariants, underscoring their importance for system reliability and user confidence.
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