Internal Transaction
Internal Transaction Key Points
- An internal transaction, also known as a message call, is a type of transaction that is not initiated directly by an external party but instead by a smart contract within the Ethereum blockchain.
- These transactions are not included in the main blockchain, but they affect the state of the blockchain and are recorded.
- Internal transactions involve the transfer of Ether (ETH) between addresses, but they can also involve contract interactions and data updates.
- Unlike normal transactions, internal transactions don’t consume gas because they are not included in the main blockchain.
Internal Transaction Definition
An internal transaction, also known as a message call, refers to a type of transaction within the Ethereum blockchain that is triggered by a smart contract, rather than an external actor. Although not recorded on the main blockchain, these transactions do affect the blockchain’s state and are documented.
What is an Internal Transaction?
An internal transaction is a type of transaction that occurs within the Ethereum blockchain. Unlike regular transactions, which are initiated by an external entity, internal transactions are triggered by smart contracts.
These transactions, while not included in the main blockchain, influence the state of the blockchain and are tracked.
Internal transactions might involve the transfer of Ether (ETH), the execution of contract interactions, or the updating of data.
Who Uses Internal Transactions?
Internal transactions are primarily used by smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Developers who create these smart contracts will often use internal transactions to automatically initiate actions or transfers of ETH.
Users of decentralized applications (DApps) might indirectly trigger these internal transactions when interacting with smart contracts.
When are Internal Transactions Used?
Internal transactions are used whenever a smart contract needs to carry out an action that involves transferring ETH, interacting with another contract, or updating data.
This can happen at any time, and is automatically triggered by the smart contract’s code.
Where are Internal Transactions Recorded?
While internal transactions are not included in the main blockchain, they are still recorded. Each internal transaction affects the state of the Ethereum blockchain.
These transactions can be seen on blockchain explorers that support the viewing of internal transactions.
Why are Internal Transactions Important?
Internal transactions are important because they allow for more complex interactions within the Ethereum blockchain. They allow smart contracts to interact with each other and with users in a more sophisticated and automated way.
They also contribute to the transparency of the blockchain, as all internal transactions are recorded and can be viewed by anyone.
How are Internal Transactions Initiated?
Internal transactions are initiated by the execution of smart contract code. When certain conditions defined in the smart contract are met, the contract will automatically trigger an internal transaction.
These transactions do not consume gas because they are not included in the main blockchain, but the actions they perform, such as transferring ETH, do consume gas.