Definition ∞ Source code integrity refers to the assurance that a software program’s underlying code remains unaltered, authentic, and free from unauthorized modifications or malicious insertions. Maintaining this integrity is critical for the security and reliability of any application, particularly for smart contracts and blockchain protocols. Verification methods include cryptographic hashing, digital signatures, and rigorous code review processes. Any compromise to source code integrity can lead to system vulnerabilities and potential exploitation.
Context ∞ The integrity of source code is a foundational security principle, especially vital in the transparent and trust-minimized environment of blockchain technology. News frequently highlights the severe consequences of compromised code, from protocol exploits to loss of user funds. The industry is continually improving practices for secure development, version control, and verifiable deployment to ensure that the code running on decentralized networks is precisely what developers intended.