MindTheDApp: A Toolchain for Complex Network-Driven Structural Analysis of Ethereum-Based Decentralized Applications

7Citations
Citations of this article
14Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

This paper presents MindTheDApp, a toolchain designed specifically for the structural analysis of Ethereum-based Decentralized Applications (DApps), with a distinct focus on a complex network-driven approach. Unlike existing tools, our toolchain combines the power of ANTLR4 and Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) traversal techniques to transform the architecture and interactions within smart contracts into a specialized bipartite graph. This enables advanced network analytics to highlight operational efficiencies within the DApp's architecture. The bipartite graph generated by the proposed tool comprises two sets of nodes: one representing smart contracts, interfaces, and libraries, and the other including functions, events, and modifiers. Edges in the graph connect functions to smart contracts they interact with, offering a granular view of interdependencies and execution flow within the DApp. This network-centric approach allows researchers and practitioners to apply complex network theory in understanding the robustness, adaptability, and intricacies of decentralized systems. Our work contributes to the enhancement of security in smart contracts by allowing the visualisation of the network, and it provides a deep understanding of the architecture and operational logic within DApps. Given the growing importance of smart contracts in the blockchain ecosystem and the emerging application of complex network theory in technology, our toolchain offers a timely contribution to both academic research and practical applications in the field of blockchain technology.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Ibba, G., Aufiero, S., Bartolucci, S., Neykova, R., Ortu, M., Tonelli, R., & Destefanis, G. (2024). MindTheDApp: A Toolchain for Complex Network-Driven Structural Analysis of Ethereum-Based Decentralized Applications. IEEE Access, 12, 28382–28394. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3366069

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free