A survey on automation approaches of smart contract generation

In the blockchain environment, smart contracts are computer programs that run on the blockchain platform. However, the development of smart contracts is a major challenge for developers, since blockchain platforms are still evolving. Owing to the inherited nature of blockchain, developing smart contracts without introducing vulnerabilities is not an easy task, as the deployed code is immutable and can be invoked by anyone with access to the network. Smart contracts have proved to be error-prone in practice due to the complexity of programming. Additionally, non-functional requirements, such as service cost, security, performance, authorization, and authentication, should be well implemented and defined in computer systems. In this paper, we aim to present a systematic literature review to outline in detail different approaches of smart contracts generation. Furthermore, we present a comparison of the existing approaches based on a classification according to automation paradigm and a set of defined criteria. Finally, we discuss the gaps in the literature, as well as identify a set of potential challenges which can significantly strengthen the existing work. The study shows that the examined works focused only on a limited number of specific features, such as authorization, asset control, and security. Additionally, formal verification of smart contracts and data privacy are poorly addressed.

Automated summary

This paper presents a systematic literature review of different approaches to smart contract generation and compares them based on automation paradigm and defined criteria. The paper also identifies gaps and potential challenges in the literature, strengthening the existing work. The study shows that existing works mainly focus on limited features such as authorization, asset control, and security, with inadequate attention to formal verification of smart contracts and data privacy.