In a positive development for the Hedera blockchain, a researcher from the DLT Science Foundation (DSF), Walter Hernández, proposed an enhancement for validating and verifying the source code of deployed smart contracts. This week, this proposal has been implemented, significantly improving the way developers and users interact with smart contracts on Hedera.

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Significance of the Proposal

Smart contracts rely on multiple types of code: A higher-level, human-readable language (like Solidity) that is then broken down into lower-level, machine-readable instructions: bytecode and opcode. Although developers read and write in the higher-level language, what is actually deployed is the bytecode, which is not human-readable. This creates a problem of verification: those who seek to interact with a smart contract find it difficult to corroborate that the smart contract is worth interacting with.

This is an issue across multiple second and third-generation DLT explorers, like Ethereum’s. Some Ethereum explorers, like Etherscan and Polygonscan, introduced a smart-contract verification service within their interface. However, this is a closed-source mechanism, although sometimes using open source solutions such as Sourcify. This means that if users seek to build a different explorer, they will have to develop their own closed-source solution replicating what other explorers have done. Hernández's proposal resolves this challenge in an open manner, meaning that every Hedera community node explorer is able to implement this functionality (not just HashScan.io, the first one implementing it). This intensifies the relative decentralisation of the Hedera ecosystem.

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Implementation in Hedera's Mirror Node Explorer

Hernandez suggested that developers submit their source code to verify their deployed smart contracts, such that the human-readable smart contract would be readable in the explorer, and a checkmark would be placed in verified smart contracts. This provides a mechanism for developers to understand and interact with deployed smart contracts more effectively. Additionally, it offers a way for users to scrutinise the code of smart contracts, such as DEXs, NFTs, tokens, bridges, etc., for bugs and security issues before engaging with them. This initiative significantly boosts transparency and security within the Hedera ecosystem.

The suggestion for improvement was specifically targeted at Hedera's mirror node explorer. The successful implementation means that every community node explorer within the Hedera network has the potential to adopt this functionality. As of now, this feature is primarily available on HashScan.io, marking a significant step towards widespread adoption across the Hedera platform.

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Impact on the Hedera Community

This enhancement is a game-changer for the Hedera community. It empowers developers with the tools to seamlessly integrate and interact with existing smart contracts. Moreover, it provides users with the confidence to verify the authenticity and security of smart contracts they wish to engage with. The DSF's contribution, through Hernández's proposal, underscores the importance of community-driven innovations in advancing blockchain technology. 

This implementation is a testament to the collaborative and innovative spirit of the blockchain community. This feature not only enhances the security and functionality of the Hedera network but also sets a precedent for other blockchain ecosystems to follow. The Hedera community can now look forward to a more transparent, secure, and user-friendly environment for smart contract interactions.

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