Etherscan Code Reader: A New Tool to Understand Smart Contracts
#Etherscan the preeminent block explorer and analytics platform for Ethereum, has launched a new feature called Code Reader. This tool allows users to query OpenAI's large language model ( #LLM ) to research Solidity smart contracts.
Code Reader is a valuable tool for developers and other interested parties who want to better understand the code of a smart contract. It can be used to get a list of smart contract functions, interact directly with the smart contract, and learn how to integrate a given smart contract with other decentralized apps.
For example, Code Reader can be used to understand the token contract for the recently-in-vogue #memecoins PEPE. The contract is "ownable," meaning an account (owner) can be "granted exclusive access to specific functions." These functions include transferring ownership of the contract, setting rules for token transfers, adding or removing addresses from a blacklist, and renouncing ownership of the contract.
Code Reader can also be used to determine if ownership of a contract has been renounced. In the case of #pepe ownership has been renounced, which means that no one can modify the blacklist or perform administrative actions. This means that users can freely send $PEPE back and forth without the risk of censorship.
It is important to note that Code Reader is still in beta and should not be relied upon in a vacuum. The answers provided by #OpenAI LLM are not always perfect, and it is important to do your own research to ensure that you understand the code of a smart contract before interacting with it.
Overall, Code Reader is a valuable tool for developers and other interested parties who want to better understand the code of smart contracts. It is easy to use and provides a wealth of information, but it is important to be aware of its limitations.
How to Use Code Reader
To use Code Reader, simply visit the Etherscan website and click on the "Code Reader" tab. Then, enter the address of the smart contract you want to research. Code Reader will then provide you with a list of the contract's functions, as well as a brief explanation of each function.
You can also interact directly with the smart contract by clicking on the "Interact" button. This will open a new window where you can send transactions to the contract.
Limitations of Code Reader
Code Reader is still in beta, so it is important to be aware of its limitations. The answers provided by OpenAI's LLM are not always perfect, and it is important to do your own research to ensure that you understand the code of a smart contract before interacting with it.
Additionally, Code Reader is not able to provide information about the security of a smart contract. If you are concerned about the security of a smart contract, you should consult with a security expert.