Definition ∞ Stateful machine execution refers to a computational process where the outcome of an operation depends not only on the current inputs but also on the prior sequence of operations and the system’s stored condition. In blockchain, this applies to smart contracts, where the state of the contract changes with each transaction, and subsequent actions depend on these accumulated changes. It implies memory and persistent data storage between operations.
Context ∞ Stateful machine execution is fundamental to how smart contracts function on platforms like Ethereum, enabling complex decentralized applications. News often discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with managing state efficiently and securely on a distributed ledger. Optimizing state storage and access is a key area of research for improving blockchain scalability and reducing computational overhead.
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