Gas Optimization for Smart Contracts: A Survey

Song Shuwei; Ni Xiaoze; Chen Ting

doi:10.7544/issn1000-1239.202220887

Journal of Computer Research and Development > 2023 > 60(2): 311-325. > DOI: 10.7544/issn1000-1239.202220887 CSTR: 32373.14.issn1000-1239.202220887

Song Shuwei, Ni Xiaoze, Chen Ting. Gas Optimization for Smart Contracts: A Survey[J]. Journal of Computer Research and Development, 2023, 60(2): 311-325. DOI: 10.7544/issn1000-1239.202220887

Citation:

Song Shuwei, Ni Xiaoze, Chen Ting. Gas Optimization for Smart Contracts: A Survey[J]. Journal of Computer Research and Development, 2023, 60(2): 311-325. DOI: 10.7544/issn1000-1239.202220887

Citation:

Song Shuwei, Ni Xiaoze, Chen Ting. Gas Optimization for Smart Contracts: A Survey[J]. Journal of Computer Research and Development, 2023, 60(2): 311-325. DOI: 10.7544/issn1000-1239.202220887

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Gas Optimization for Smart Contracts: A Survey

School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731

Funds: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (61872057, U19A2066) and the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province (2022NSFSC0871).

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Received Date: October 20, 2022
Revised Date: December 20, 2022
Available Online: February 10, 2023
Published Date: October 20, 2022

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

The most significant feature of Blockchain 2.0 is the introduction of support for smart contracts, which enables the blockchain to run various applications. The smart contract is a type of computer software that runs automatically according to pre-defined code logic. Distinguished from traditional software, smart contracts are empowered by blockchain technology with the ability to execute correctly on mutually untrusted nodes without relying on a trusted central authority, making them widely used in areas such as digital payments and the sharing economy. To prevent the waste of computing resources caused by the abuse of smart contracts, blockchains such as Ethereum charges Gas fees for two activities, deployment and execution of smart contracts. The computing resource consumed by smart contracts is the factor that determines the cost. Smart contracts with inefficient code are wasteful of resources and vulnerable to attacks, and the developers and users of them suffer unnecessary costs. Therefore, optimizing smart contracts to save resources has become a critical issue for developers and researchers. This survey first analyzes the main challenges of Gas optimization for smart contracts in detail, and then reviews and summarizes the various optimization techniques proposed in recent years. Finally, we discuss future work, which provides references for developers and researchers who explore smart contracts.
- blockchain,
- smart contract,
- Gas optimization,
- code efficiency,
- software analysis

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References (62)

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