Learning about cryptographic applications in blockchain systems

Learning about cryptographic applications in blockchain systems

Key Glossary

Blockchain: A distributed database that records transaction data in chronological order and uses cryptography to ensure its security and immutability.

Smart Contract: A piece of code stored on the blockchain that is automatically executed when preset conditions are met.

Cryptodelegate: A function hook in a smart contract virtual machine that is used to call a cryptographic applet (Cryptlet) outside the smart contract.

Cryptlet: A cryptographic applet outside the blockchain that can be called by a smart contract to provide extended functions or data.

Utility Cryptlet: A cryptographic applet that performs common functions, such as encryption, time event publishing, access to external data, etc.

Contract Cryptlet: Bound to a specific smart contract instance, used to host complex logic, improve performance and scalability.

Cryptlet Container: A container that contains a cryptographic applet and its runtime environment (such as an operating system).

Cryptlet Container Service: Provides services for finding, verifying, and managing cryptlet containers.

Attested Host: A verified secure execution environment, such as a protected enclave.

Short Answer Question

How does the Bitcoin system ensure the ownership of Bitcoin?

What are the advantages of smart contracts over traditional contracts?

Briefly describe how smart contracts work in blockchain systems?

What is the role of cryptlets? How is it different from smart contracts?

What is the difference between practical cryptlets and contract-based cryptlets?

What is a crypto agent? What role does it play in the invocation of cryptlets?

What is the function of the cryptlet container service?

What is a trusted environment? Why is a trusted environment needed?

Briefly describe the security mechanism of cryptlets in blockchain systems.

How do cryptlets interact with external systems?

Short Answer Question Answer

The Bitcoin system uses blockchain technology to ensure the ownership of Bitcoin. The transaction history of each Bitcoin is recorded on the blockchain, forming an immutable ledger. Ownership is verified by pairing public and private keys, and only those who have the corresponding private key can use the Bitcoin.

The advantages of smart contracts over traditional contracts include: automated execution, decentralization, transparency, security, and immutability.

Smart contracts are stored on the blockchain and automatically executed when preset conditions are met. When a transaction triggers a smart contract, all nodes in the network execute the contract code and record the results on the blockchain to ensure the consistency and credibility of the results.

Crypto applet is a program outside the blockchain that can be called by smart contracts to provide extended functions or data. Unlike smart contracts, crypto applet is not stored on the blockchain, which can provide higher flexibility and performance.

Utility crypto applet provides general functions and can be called by different smart contracts; while contract-based crypto applet is bound to a specific smart contract instance and is used to host complex logic.

Crypto agent is a function hook in the smart contract virtual machine that is used to securely call crypto applet outside the smart contract. It is responsible for verifying the identity and signature of the crypto applet and establishing a secure communication channel.

The crypto applet container service is responsible for finding, verifying, and managing crypto applet containers. It maintains information about registered crypto applet and provides a secure channel interface for crypto agent calls.

A trusted environment is a verified secure execution environment, such as a protected enclave, that guarantees the confidentiality and integrity of code and data.

The security mechanisms of cryptographic applets include: using digital signatures to verify identity, establishing secure communication channels through cryptographic agents, and executing code in a trusted environment.

Cryptographic applets can interact with external systems through cryptographic agents, such as accessing external data sources and calling external APIs. Cryptographic agents verify the identity and permissions of external systems and ensure the security of communications.