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Smart contracts are the bedrock of what makes Ethereum — and, nowadays, many other smart-contract enabled networks — so special. Rather than just a decentralized blockchain for recording a sequence of transactions, smart contract platforms like Ethereum allow virtually anyone to create and run computer programs that interact with their blockchain. These programs are known as smart contracts, and they run on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
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Transaction?
In this context, when we say 'transaction' we're referring to any point at which a smart contract needs to modify or update the state of the Ethereum network. Day-to-day, most of your transactions on Ethereum are likely to involve smart contracts. If you use MetaMask Swaps, for example, you'll be interacting with one.
Your failed smart contract transaction is more than likely an output from one of these programs (smart contracts) that mandates updating the state of your or others' accounts on the EVM.
Since the functions and design of smart contracts can vary enormously — Ethereum is 'Turing-complete', meaning it can perform any computable task — there are many different reasons why a transaction prompted by one could fail. Solidity, the programming language used for Ethereum smart contracts, also allows the authors to define custom error messages with any conditions they choose, further increasing the potential scope.
You can see the error message for your failed transaction by finding the transaction on Etherscan (or the appropriate block explorer for the network you're on) using its transaction hash/ID.
Although it's virtually impossible to exhaustively document smart contract errors, we have already documented many common ones. Simply type 'Error' in the search bar to see them, or just search more specifically for the one you're experiencing.
If you still need help, feel free to get in touch with Support via the 'start a Conversation' button on the homepage of this site. (If it doesn't appear, try turning off ad blockers or any other features that might interfere, such as a VPN.)
FAQs
If you use MetaMask Swaps, for example, you'll be interacting with one. Your failed smart contract transaction is more than likely an output from one of these programs (smart contracts) that mandates updating the state of your or others' accounts on the EVM.
How to fix failed transaction MetaMask? ›
In this article, we will walk you through "how to fix failed transaction in metamask.">>Claim Your Free $100 Gift!
- Restart Your Device. ...
- Connect Your Wallet First. ...
- Re-Login Your MetaMask Wallet. ...
- Clear Your Browsing Data. ...
- Reinstall MetaMask. ...
- Contact MetaMask.
Interacting with Smart Contracts using Etherscan
- Step 1: Go to the Etherscan Sepolia Block Explorer.
- Step 2: Go to the contract page by searching the contract address. ...
- Step 3: On the contract's page, navigate to the Contract tab and click on Read Contract.
The party in breach may have to pay damages to place the other party in the position they would have been in had the code executed correctly. Exceptionally, the remedy of specific performance may be available if damages are inadequate.
What happens if a contract fails? ›
Breach of contract happens when one party to a valid contract fails to fulfill their side of the agreement. If a party doesn't do what the contract says they must do, the other party can sue.
What is the problem solved by smart contracts? ›
Smart contracts are typically used to automate the execution of an agreement so that all participants can be immediately certain of the outcome, without any intermediary's involvement or time loss. They can also automate a workflow, triggering the next action when predetermined conditions are met.
What are the four steps in executing a smart contract? ›
2 concisely depicts the lifecycle of a smart contract in four fundamental steps which are (1) agreement amongst the parties, (2) establishment of smart contract, (3) verification that the criteria are fulfilled and (4) execution of value transfer (e.g. money and energy ...
How do you enforce a smart contract? ›
"Smart contracts are enforced by the blockchain they are coded onto," Dzhidzhiyeshvili explains. "The blockchain interprets the function and enforces the contract."
What does it mean to interact with a smart contract? ›
Their name is somewhat misleading: when you interact with them, you're not signing up to a contract, but simply triggering a program to run. The virtually endless possibilities for smart contract functions are what makes Ethereum and web3 so powerful.
What are the three 3 most important remedies available for breach of contract? ›
6 Common Remedies for Breach of Contract in Business
- Compensatory Damages in Contract Law. ...
- Specific Performance as a Contract Remedy. ...
- Legal Injunctions in Contract Disputes. ...
- Rescission for Material Breach of Contract. ...
- Liquidated Damages in Contract Cases. ...
- Awarding Nominal Damages in Contract Violations.
Can Smart Contracts Be Reversed? Smart contracts, as programs, are irreversible once executed unless they have been programmed otherwise.
Can a smart contract be broken? ›
A smart contract — written on the “IF x, THEN y” pattern — executes itself. Smart contracts are immutable. Consequently, their execution cannot be interrupted either by the contract parties or a third party.
Are smart contracts legally enforceable? ›
"Smart contracts are a type of contract, and therefore they're enforced like all contracts in state and federal court systems," Marcushamer says. "However, with smart contracts, it's unlikely that enforcement will be needed because they automatically execute." But what happens if someone breaks a smart contract?
Can you destroy a smart contract? ›
Smart contracts are immutable, meaning the contract cannot be changed once deployed. So, if a bug or security flaw is found on the smart contract after deployment, it can not be fixed. Destroying the smart contract is the only viable option in this case.
Are smart contracts irreversible? ›
Once completed, the transactions are trackable and irreversible. The best way to envision a smart contract is to think of a vending machine—when you insert the correct amount of money and push an item's button, the program (the smart contract) activates the machine to dispense your chosen item.
