What is Solidity programming and how is it used in smart contracts?

Solidity is a smart contract programming language native to Ethereum. It has been a buzzword for quite some time now thanks to its ability to implement smart contracts on blockchains. Solidity programming tackles real-world solutions with a simplistic approach using a language that is similar to C and JavaScript.

Currently, Solidity programming can generate smart contracts for various uses, including blind auctions, voting, crowdfunding, and multi-signature wallets. Let’s see how it works.

What are smart contracts?

The term smart contract was first introduced in 1994 and refers to recording contracts in the form of computer code. When preset conditions are met, the contract is automatically triggered.

Smart contracts enable self-executed transactions, with no need for intermediaries like banks or other institutions. 25 years ago, the idea was too forward-thinking to be put into practice as there was no technology available to support this type of code.

Thanks to the development of blockchain technology, smart contracts are possible on Ethereum and other blockchains. More than its ETH cryptocurrency, Ethereum is a blockchain-based developer platform that allows other blockchain-based applications to be built on it using smart contracts.

What do smart contracts involve?

• Two parties (individuals or organisations) reach an agreement using computer code
• With Solidity programming, the agreement runs on the Ethereum blockchain, which means all the details of the contract are stored on a public ledger
• No party can change the terms of the contract alone
• All actions that result from the smart contract are automatic and occur with no intermediary
• All transactions are recorded on the blockchain and are irreversible
• When preset conditions are not met, transactions do not occur

Smart contracts are possible thanks to blockchain technology’s ability to remember everything, and parties don’t experience trust issues. The people involved don’t even need to trust each other since the contracts are executed only when pre-agreed terms are met.

What is Solidity programming?

Solidity is a relatively new coding language released with Ethereum in 2015 and is designed for blockchain developers. Solidity programming allows developers to write and implement smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, which is still the most popular platform for smart contracts.

It was developed by Gavin Wood, a co-founder and former CTO of Ethereum. Ethereum programmers Alex Beregszaszi, Christian Reitwiessner, Liana Husikyan, and Yoichi Hirai were also part of the team.

Solidity runs on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which enables the development of smart contract systems.

Ethereum’s coding language allows a contract to interrelate with other contracts and update terms when necessary. Since smart contracts are self-executing, programmers should pay extra attention to the data they input in the code. Any bug or error in a smart contract can cause unthinkable damage, such as with the DAO hack in 2016.

Solidity programming enables contracts to execute literally, so any ambiguity can block transactions. With traditional contracts, parties can work together and reach an agreement. But this doesn’t happen on a blockchain where transactions are irreversible.

Solidity programming isn’t for beginners. You should already be familiar with C++, JavaScript, or Python to write smart contracts and build blockchain applications on Ethereum.

Are smart contracts legally binding?

As long as the smart contract has all the binding elements of a signed paper contract, then yes, they are legally binding. While they don’t substitute contractual agreements, smart contracts can automate parts of traditional arrangements, especially when it comes to payments.

Here are the binding elements you need to consider:

• An offer should support the contract – one of the parties must offer goods or services to the other. Both parties should be aware of the details of this offer.
• The contract should mention an exchange of value between the parties, not necessarily money.
• Both parties should have the competence to enter a legal agreement. Moreover, they should also show a clear intention to create a legal relation.

What are smart contracts being used for?

Solidity programming wasn’t created to transform the future. Smart contracts are part of the present, with many industries implementing them for increased efficiency.

Insurance companies and even governments are using smart contracts to automate payments and reduce costs. They’re also used in business management, the healthcare industry, and ICOs.

More industries will surely begin to adopt smart contracts as they minimise the risks of fraud and scams. At the same time, using software to automate contracts can eliminate intermediaries, cut down costs, and speed up transactions.

The takeaway

Solidity programming is the primary code language currently used for implementing smart contracts. Developed on the Ethereum platform, Solidity allows programmers to write smart contracts and blockchain dApps.

This programming language isn’t simple and developers need to pay extra attention to what they put in the contract since smart contracts are self-executing, and any error could lead to incorrect transactions.