State Machine

Definition ∞ A State Machine is a computational model that defines the behavior of a system through a finite number of states and transitions between those states. In blockchain, smart contracts often operate as state machines, where transactions trigger specific state changes on the ledger. Each state represents a configuration of the system’s data, and valid inputs cause a deterministic shift to a new state. This model ensures predictable and auditable execution of decentralized applications.
Context ∞ The state of State Machine concepts is fundamental to the design and verification of blockchain protocols and smart contracts. Discussions often focus on ensuring the correctness and security of state transitions to prevent vulnerabilities. A critical future development involves more advanced tools for formal verification of state machine logic in complex decentralized applications. This area is crucial for building reliable and secure distributed systems.