Overview
Bytecode is the low-level executable code of a smart contract that the virtual machine runs. It is compiled from languages like Solidity. Users deploy and interact with contracts through their bytecode and ABI.
How It Works
A compiler converts high-level contract source into bytecode, a series of opcodes the EVM interprets. The bytecode is deployed on-chain and executed deterministically. Its ABI defines how external callers interact with it.
Why It Matters
Bytecode is what actually runs on-chain, and understanding it helps with debugging and verification. Contract verification compares source to bytecode to prove what is deployed. It is the executable layer of smart contracts.
Related Concepts
Bytecode relates to the EVM, Smart Contracts, and ABI. It is the executable form of contract logic.