What is a smart contract platform? Top smart contract platforms 2023

• Smart contracts refer to computer programs specifically designed to automate the execution of contract-related actions between two parties, thereby reducing the need for human intervention and potentially minimizing the associated risks of errors and fraudulent activities.
• Smart contracts are digital protocols that operate on blockchain technology and are designed to execute actions automatically based on predetermined conditions rather than relying on complex legal language, contractual terms, or agreements. In other words, smart contracts are constructed using activated code when specific criteria are met, making them efficient, secure, and transparent tools for managing transactions and enforcing agreements.
• In 1998, Nick Szabo, an esteemed American computer scientist, created a virtual currency known as “Bit Gold” and later defined “smart contracts” as computerized protocols that precisely execute the pre-established terms of a contract.

How do smart contracts work?

Smart contracts are computer protocols or code snippets that constitute a fundamental technological component, as previously stated. They define all the agreement terms established between parties to the blockchain transaction. Once these conditions have been met, the smart contract will execute the transaction automatically.

Utilizing blockchain technology, a system can diminish intermediaries and superfluous documents by relying on a public ledger in which every party involved can authenticate all transactions. The principal aspect of this system is to delineate all agreement terms using mathematical regulations and appropriate programming languages.

The blockchain is characterized as a system that embodies a network of dispersed nodes, wherein every node retains information about all transactions. To reverse a transaction or execute an act of double-spending, one must acquire control over 50% of the nodes.

To commence a smart contract, an individual must first acquire specific software and generate a public key posted within the system. Afterward, an initiation message must be dispatched for the nodes to receive. When the event dictated by the smart contract comes to fruition, the codes will carry out their function.

An analogy can be drawn between vending machines and smart contracts as both operate by executing a pre-defined set of conditions; for instance, a vending machine dispenses a purchased item when the buyer meets specified requirements, such as tendering the exact amount. Similarly, a smart contract performs the intended task once the agreed-upon conditions are satisfied.

In addition to fund transfers, there exist several alternative use cases.

• Digital identity: It removes counterfeits and provides individual identity to digital assets.
• Financial security: They are perfect for liability management, automatic payments, or stock splits.
• Trading activities: Smart contracts provide a great way to automate trading operations. Also, cross-border payments and international trades become more manageable with their help.
• Clinical trial: It provides cross-institutional visibility, facilitates and automates data share, and strengthens confidentiality.
• Government: Smart contracts can improve the transparency and efficiency of voting.

Smart contracts use cases are variable and cover numerous opportunities. Potentially, they can become a powerful tool in many fields of human activities.

List of Top 10 Smart Contract Platforms 2023

This part will explore the top 10 blockchain-based smart contract platforms projected to be of utmost significance in 2023. These platforms have been chosen based on their simplicity and comprehensibility, making them highly accessible for beginners.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a cutting-edge technology that enables users to develop applications and organizations, hold assets, perform transactions, and communicate in a decentralized manner – without relying on any central authority. When using Ethereum, individuals are not required to submit their data, as they retain full control over their information and can decide what to share with others. This technology has its digital currency, ether, leveraged for certain actions executed on the network. Ethereum is founded on the core principles of Bitcoin but with some notable differences, and it provides a programmable platform that allows people to deploy decentralized applications on its system. Bitcoin and Ethereum permit users to transact in digital currencies without needing payment service providers or banks, but Ethereum distinguishes itself through its robust smart contract infrastructure.

The programmability of Ethereum enables the development of applications that leverage the smart contract blockchain for data storage and application feature management, producing a multipurpose blockchain that is programmable to perform any action. Given the infinite potential of Ethereum, it fosters substantial innovation on its platform.

Cardano

The Cardano platform is a blockchain solution that equips capable individuals with the necessary tools and technologies to promote change, further innovative ideas, and advance visionary outlooks. Its objective is to provide opportunities for the affluent and the masses, thereby facilitating a positive influence on a global scale. Working on the proof-of-stake blockchain method, Cardano is the first platform that utilizes evidence-based mechanisms that leverage robust peer review processes. By merging pioneering technologies, Cardano provides comprehensive sustainability and protection to decentralized systems, applications, and societies. The platform’s leading team of engineers aims to shift power from unaccountable structures to the marginalized, thus enabling positive change and progress.

Binance (Bnb)

BNB is the fundamental cryptocurrency of the Binance Chain ecosystem, widely recognized as one of the most popular utility tokens worldwide. Apart from trading BNB like other cryptocurrencies, it can also be used in multiple applications and use cases, making it a versatile asset.

The BNB coin, issued by Binance exchange in July 2017 through an ICO, is constructed on the Blockchain platform of the Ethereum token with the ERC-20 standard. It is utilized in the Binance ecosystem, and Binance Chain (BEP-2), and its history has been volatile. Since 2020, BNB has been developed on the virtual system of Ethereum, the Binance Smart Chain, focusing on the operation and growth of BSC (BEP-20) instead of the previous Binance Chain (BEP-2). Binance and CZ have collaborated on launching the BNB Chain to promote Metafi, a Blockchain platform that utilizes BNB as the gas fee. On February 15th, 20At present, Binance replaced the original BNB (Binance coin) token with BNB (Build and Build) to separate it from the BSC ecosystem and expand its development opportunities beyond being just a coin for the Binance exchange.

Cosmos

The Cosmos ecosystem has experienced significant growth within the past year, largely attributed to its pioneering strategy in attaining interoperability with security and efficiency. Every newly developed blockchain integrated into the Cosmos network is anchored to the Cosmos hub (the first blockchain established on the network), functioning in the manner of a hub and spoke model. Notable blockchain platforms such as Osmosis, Akash, and Persistence have found their basis in Cosmos. Owing to its widespread acclaim, multiple blockchains are now establishing bridges, enabling external entities to interact with the Cosmos ecosystem

Hyperledger

Hyperledger was created by the Linux Foundation and launched in 2015 by top industry leaders such as IBM and JP Morgan. In contrast to Ethereum, Hyperledger operates as a permissioned blockchain, requiring authorized user login to access the network.

This makes it really lucrative for enterprise use cases and helps it become GDPR compliant.

Hyperledger is founded upon trust, secrecy, and security as fundamental tenets. Custom channels are available to platform users to restrict access to only chosen participants. This mechanism for access control is analogous to building it on top of the blockchain technology.