The hottest Smart Contracts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Atia’s Lab Log Entry #1

The Lunacian • 1012 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. A major new dungeon boss tied to core lore is being added, and original weapons have been revamped with new basic attacks and stronger ultimates while several new weapons remain work-in-progress and need bug fixes.
  2. Combat is shifting to solo axie play to increase skill and depth, adding mechanics like Dash, enabling internal PvP testing, and experimenting with a high-risk mode where losing items or your Axie on death is possible.
  3. The bonded AXS (bAXS) token and staking system are under security audit and heavy testing, with minting, bAXS→AXS swap logic, staking flows, and tier progression being finalized before user-facing visuals are prioritized.

Boost Your Crypto Security With Gnosis Safe Smart Contract Wallet

DeFi Education • 479 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Using the Gnosis Safe multi-signature wallet can help keep your crypto secure, especially for large amounts. It's designed for Ethereum-compatible blockchains.
  2. This wallet requires multiple approvals for transactions, which adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
  3. While there may be some gas fees and complexity involved, the protection Gnosis Safe offers can be worth it for serious crypto holders.

Why Rollups Are Not Shards: Deconstructing the Logical Fallacies

Dan Hughes • 139 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Rollups and sharding are not the same. Rollups are like mini blockchains that still rely on Ethereum, while sharding would integrate more seamlessly and effectively.
  2. The rollup approach adds more complexity to the Ethereum system, causing challenges for developers in terms of security and performance.
  3. A single, unified execution environment would be more beneficial for scaling, rather than having multiple rollups with different rules and complexities.

Why Synchronous Atomic Composability Matters

Dan Hughes • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Atomic composability is about ensuring that all parts of a transaction either succeed together or fail together. This means if one part has a problem, the whole transaction fails to prevent inconsistencies.
  2. The commitment aspect is crucial because it locks in the changes made by a transaction on the blockchain. If this step is overlooked, users can face issues like wrong states or unfinalized transactions.
  3. Synchronous atomic commitment is important because it allows all transaction participants to agree and act in real-time. This avoids complications that arise when actions are taken independently and can lead to errors or hanging states.

AI in DeFi

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) are making it easier for people without coding skills to interact with the DeFi space. Now, you can ask questions and get quick responses without needing to be a tech expert.
  2. AI can help enhance the security of DeFi by automating smart contract audits and identifying vulnerabilities. This means it can make DeFi safer, but there’s also a risk that hackers might use AI for malicious purposes.
  3. LLMs can streamline tasks like monitoring Discord communities by filtering out spam and detecting issues. This could make managing online crypto communities much more efficient.
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Decentralized Finance - the High Level Basics

DeFi Education • 5115 implied HN points • 20 Jun 21
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Decentralized finance (DeFi) allows people to lend or borrow using their crypto assets without relying on banks. This means you can use your Bitcoin as collateral to get a loan without selling it.
  2. Smart contracts are essential in DeFi, replacing middlemen with code to streamline financial transactions. This makes processes like taking out loans or trading assets easier and cheaper.
  3. DeFi aims to remove inefficient centralized systems, allowing for 24/7 trading and more access to financial opportunities. This could change how we invest, like through NFTs and other digital assets.

DeFi Lives to Fight Another Day

DeFi Education • 699 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. DeFi is trying to replace traditional banks with software, helping avoid the risky loans and bailouts associated with banks. It offers more transparency since anyone can see a DeFi bank's financial activities.
  2. Smart contracts are working well, allowing for borrowing, lending, and trading without the need for trust in government or banks. This makes it easier for people to control their assets, especially in emergencies.
  3. There are both opportunities and challenges within DeFi. While it has potential for profits and security advancements are improving, issues like software security and human behavior still need attention.

No More Sandwiches

DeFi Education • 779 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. MEV, or Maximum Extractable Value, allows bots to profit by reordering transactions on the Ethereum network. This means they can buy what you want to buy before you, and then sell it back to you at a higher price.
  2. Sandwich attacks are when these bots place their transactions around yours, making them 'sandwich' your transaction and causing you to pay more. They monitor your trade and act quickly to exploit pricing changes.
  3. To protect yourself from these attacks, use decentralized exchanges (DEX) that have RFQ technology or aggregators. They help you get the best price without being targeted by these bots.

Uniswap v4 at a Glance (+Vitalik Post)

DeFi Education • 659 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Uniswap v4 introduces new features like programmable 'hooks' that allow developers to customize trading pools. This means more flexibility for creating unique trading tools within the platform.
  2. The transition to smart contract wallets could improve security for users, making it easier to manage funds without relying on centralized services.
  3. There's a growing concern in the crypto community about moving away from open-source projects, which might limit innovation and user freedom in the decentralized finance space.

Worldcoin - Aadhaar 2.0?

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Worldcoin is being launched globally, except in the U.S. because of regulatory issues. This makes its rollout more complicated in the U.S. market.
  2. The project is compared to India's Aadhaar, which is a large biometric identity program. Both systems aim to provide a digital identity, but their approaches might differ.
  3. There are concerns about privacy and security related to biometric data in both Worldcoin and Aadhaar. People are worried about how their personal data will be used.

Introduction to crvUSD

DeFi Education • 459 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Curve Finance is a platform that helps users swap cryptocurrencies, especially stablecoins, and has launched a new stablecoin called crvUSD. This stablecoin is in beta testing and has gained over $100 million in total value locked.
  2. crvUSD introduces a unique 'soft liquidation' process that gradually adjusts collateral value instead of sudden sell-offs, which can protect users from significant losses when market conditions change.
  3. The crvUSD stablecoin will aim to maintain its value peg through smart contracts called PegKeepers and a dynamic borrowing rate system, but comes with inherent risks due to its newness and experimental nature.

What is Ethereum for?

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Ethereum is a programmable blockchain, allowing for more than just currency transactions. It's unique because it can create smart contracts that automatically enforce agreed terms.
  2. It’s useful especially when contracts can be clearly defined and don’t require constant human input. Things like online services or products that are fully digital fit this well.
  3. Ethereum has potential for improving access to banking for underserved communities, like in Africa. Its ability to facilitate transactions without traditional banking could help many people who lack basic financial services.

What Does It Mean to Decentralise a Rollup?

Cryptocurrency and Friends • 235 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Decentralization in rollups is about prioritizing one honest party over a majority of validators.
  2. Rollups use a trusted third party like a smart contract instead of an honest majority to determine truth.
  3. The goal of decentralization in rollups is to empower one honest party to make decisions for the entire system in critical moments.

Competitive Advantages in Crypto

DeFi Education • 979 implied HN points • 07 May 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Bitcoin created a public ledger that anyone can check, making it secure and decentralized. This means anyone can verify transactions without needing to trust a central authority.
  2. Ethereum improved on Bitcoin by allowing developers to create smart contracts. These contracts are automatic and can be used for many applications on the blockchain.
  3. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum showcase the importance of open-source technology in crypto, encouraging innovation and collaboration in the space.

The DeFi Roundup (October 1, 2022)

DeFi Education • 699 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Ethereum is moving from miners to validators with the new proof-of-stake system. This change affects how transactions are processed and who earns transaction fees.
  2. There are new opportunities for value extraction in this system, known as MEV. It's important for users to understand how this impacts their transactions.
  3. Staying updated with weekly roundups can help investors keep track of major events in the decentralized finance (DeFi) market. This can save time and provide valuable insights.

Decoding Curve's $70M Hack

Daily Digest • 176 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. DeFi protocols like Curve Finance were exploited in a $70 million hack due to reentrancy attacks.
  2. Vyper is a secure programming language for Ethereum, used for writing smart contracts.
  3. Stable Pools in DeFi facilitate efficient trading between stable assets with minimal price slippage.

Digital Asset Industry Standards

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Regulating DeFi should avoid censorship of the blockchain. The foundation of blockchain technology is about freedom and allowing anyone to use it without restrictions.
  2. Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols need to ensure transparency and honesty in marketing just like traditional finance, but regulation shouldn't stifle innovation.
  3. Bug bounties for hackers who find vulnerabilities are important. Both the community and protocol should share the responsibility for keeping systems secure and incentivize good behavior.

How to Read Smart Contracts Part 1

DeFi Education • 859 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. This post gives an overview of how to read smart contracts, focusing on Uniswap v2's structure. It's meant for those interested in understanding the basics of smart contracts.
  2. The author introduces key terminologies related to smart contracts, which will help readers grasp the concepts better.
  3. In the next part, the author will break down the code line by line, making it easier to understand what each part does.

The Disruptive Potential of On-chain Reputations (Part 2)

DeFi Education • 299 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. On-chain reputation systems could create a new standard for assessing credibility, similar to credit scores in finance. If one system becomes widely adopted, it could make life easier for everyone involved.
  2. Different uses and needs could lead to multiple reputation systems thriving at the same time. Some might focus on specific skills or experiences, while others could center on financial history.
  3. Interoperability among systems can help share reputation data across platforms. However, not having just one dominant system might actually allow for more competition and innovation in the space.

Transaction Bumping

Bram’s Thoughts • 137 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Smart Contracts
  1. Transaction bumping is a form of attack in the Bitcoin network involving fee manipulation.
  2. In Chia network, conventional mempool behavior is already defending well against transaction bumping attacks.
  3. There are practical difficulties and complexities involved in executing transaction bumping attacks in practice.

What Rising TradFi Rates Means for DeFi and Avoiding Rugpulls

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Rising interest rates in traditional finance (TradFi) are making crypto investments less attractive, leading to a shift of funds back to safer, more stable options like US treasuries.
  2. MakerDAO is taking a risky approach by investing their USDC reserves with Coinbase, which could yield low returns compared to safer investment alternatives.
  3. New scams are emerging in the DeFi space, and investors should be careful to check transaction details to avoid losing money to these tricks.

Aptos: Solana 2.0 or Something More?

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 02 Aug 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Aptos is created by the original team behind Facebook's Diem project, using some of the same technology. This suggests they have a strong background in developing blockchain solutions.
  2. There are discussions about whether Aptos is similar to Solana or something entirely different. Understanding its unique features could be key for those interested in blockchain.
  3. The closure of Diem shows that major tech companies face challenges in the crypto space. Aptos can learn from these experiences as it develops its platform.

DeFi Will Expand Beyond The Current Financial System

DeFi Education • 699 implied HN points • 23 Feb 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. DeFi can offer better loan rates and options because it connects borrowers and lenders globally. This means you can find better deals without the hassle of going through several banks.
  2. Smart contracts in DeFi allow for more flexible loan agreements, where terms can change based on various factors. This could create new ways to pay off loans that aren't just copies of traditional banking methods.
  3. There are still big issues in DeFi, like confusing systems and over-centralization. Improving user experience and providing clearer information about projects can help more people safely use DeFi platforms.

Introducing ERC-8109 Diamonds, a Standard for Simpler Diamond Contracts

EIP-2535 Diamonds • 7 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Diamond contracts reduce on-chain complexity by exposing lots of functionality through a single address and breaking large systems into small, purpose-built facets that are easier to test, audit, and evolve.
  2. ERC-8109 simplifies and standardizes diamonds by clarifying terminology, requiring just two introspection functions, replacing the monolithic DiamondCut event with per-function events, and adding an optional, consistent upgrade function plus a clear upgrade path for existing diamonds.
  3. Compose is a practical library and tooling ecosystem that implements ERC-8109 ideas, providing reusable on-chain facets and deployment/testing tools to make building modular diamond systems straightforward for developers.

Can You Decentralize USDC?

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 28 May 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Decentralization can make USDC more resilient and secure. It could reduce the risks linked to central authorities managing it.
  2. The idea is to explore how USDC could be transformed to operate effectively in a decentralized environment.
  3. Discussion and research in decentralized finance (DeFi) could spark new ways to innovate existing systems like USDC.

Decentralizing the Insurance Industry

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 23 Sep 21
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Smart contracts can make insurance claims faster and cheaper by cutting out unnecessary overhead costs.
  2. The insurance industry has huge operational costs estimated around $900 billion, and smart contracts could reduce these significantly.
  3. Decentralizing insurance through technology is still new, which means there's a big opportunity for growth and change in the market.

How to Read Smart Contracts Part 2

DeFi Education • 519 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Understanding smart contracts can be technical and may require some coding knowledge. It's important to build a foundation before diving into complex topics.
  2. Part 1 of the series offers a good introduction for beginners, while Part 2 is more suited for those with prior experience.
  3. Reading smart contracts is essential in the DeFi space, as it allows users to make informed decisions about their investments.

Sky Mavis Re-Lock & $RON Circulating Supply Update

Ronin’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Sky Mavis is making changes to the $RON token supply to make sure the circulating supply matches what's in their whitepaper. By January 27th, the number of $RON tokens that are considered in circulation will go up to 61.9%.
  2. They are moving unlocked $RON tokens from some wallets to new ones, which will help increase transparency. This means that more tokens will be available for use and tracking will be clearer.
  3. Sky Mavis is also re-locking about 75% of their tokens for two years, showing their confidence in the project. This way, they are ensuring stability and commitment to the future of the Ronin network.

Brainstorming a Framework for Avatar-Centered Design

skry • 58 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Smart Contracts
  1. Avatar-Centered Design is essential in the metaverse and web3 to understand avatars' significance and influence.
  2. The increasing importance of digital avatars is driven by trends like self-expression, NFTs, and avatar interoperability.
  3. For Avatar-Centered Design, it's crucial to consider questions about avatar interoperability, value sources, and point of transfer.

📚Crypto Untangled

Untangled with Charley Johnson • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Crypto industry needs to work on earning public trust and creating real value in the world
  2. To move forward, the crypto industry should focus on understanding how blockchains interact with social systems
  3. The e-book 'Crypto Untangled' aims to help people understand what's happening in the crypto world and encourage industry participants to address blindspots

DAOs with Humans

Crypto Good • 3 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Modern DAOs have become bloated human-driven bureaucracies where endless votes, politics, and unreliable contributors stall progress.
  2. Specialized AI agents can autonomously handle fundraising, research, vetting, and treasury tasks at scale, executing decisions faster and more efficiently than human committees.
  3. Humans should set the mission and ethical guardrails and then focus on community-building and on-the-ground work, while AI handles day-to-day execution; the real choice is to adopt AI agents or stay stuck in governance theater.

Big Bang 2.0

Net Interest • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. Tokenization is changing how we think about investments and financial markets. It can make trading faster and more accessible, allowing transactions that used to take days to happen in seconds.
  2. Smart contracts on Ethereum can automate and enforce agreements without needing middlemen. This makes financial processes cheaper and easier for everyone involved.
  3. Recent improvements in regulation and technology mean more institutions are starting to trust and use crypto. This could lead to a big shift in how traditional assets are handled in the future.

The Oasis NFT Bridge

Enshrine Computing • 19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Smart Contracts
  1. The Oasis NFT Bridge allows NFT collections from Emerald to migrate to Sapphire for new features and activity.
  2. The bridging process occurs in phases, giving NFT holders control and flexibility at each step.
  3. The Rose Portal is designed with a focus on safety and security using Trusted Execution Environments and smart contract mitigations.

The Katana V3 Upgrade is Coming Soon!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🔮 Crypto Smart Contracts
  1. The Katana V3 Upgrade will let users have more control over fees and reduce slippage. This is expected to happen by the end of November after a final review.
  2. Liquidity providers will be able to set specific price ranges for their assets in the new upgrade. This gives them better chances to earn rewards and helps traders get better prices.
  3. The upgrade aims to make the trading experience smoother and more efficient. It will also help support more token listings in the future.

Web3 - What is a Gas price, Smart Contracts?

The ZenMode • 42 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Smart Contracts
  1. Gas price on a blockchain is like a fee you pay for transactions to be processed faster.
  2. Smart contracts on a blockchain are like self-executing agreements that automate processes based on code.
  3. Smart contracts involve agreement between parties, coding in Solidity, execution on the Ethereum Virtual Machine, and inclusion in the blockchain by miners.