How Does This Pattern Relate to the Concept of Atomic Transactions in Blockchains?
Atomic transactions in blockchains mean that a transaction either completes fully or fails entirely; there are no partial executions. The Checks-Effects-Interactions pattern operates within this atomic context.
While the entire function call is atomic, the order of operations inside it is crucial. A reentrancy attack exploits this internal ordering before the transaction is finalized.
The pattern ensures that the critical state changes are committed internally before any external interaction can hijack the execution flow, thus preserving the intended atomicity of the contract's logic.
Glossar
Atomic Transactions
Execution ⎊ Atomic transactions, within cryptocurrency systems, represent indivisible operations ensuring either all components of a transfer succeed, or none do, preventing partial state changes and maintaining data consistency.
Blockchains
Architecture ⎊ A blockchain represents a distributed, immutable ledger structured as a chain of cryptographically linked data blocks, validated and maintained by a decentralized network of nodes.
Order of Operations
Precedence ⎊ In cryptocurrency, options, and derivatives, order of operations dictates the sequential evaluation of contractual terms and market events impacting valuation and execution.
Reentrancy Attack
Exploit ⎊ The reentrancy attack, a critical vulnerability in smart contracts and financial systems, leverages recursive function calls to circumvent intended security protocols.