Smart Contracts
Intermediate
Updated 11/26/2025
What is
ErgoScript?
Ergo's smart contract language - a declarative, Scala-based language for defining spending conditions on boxes.
ErgoScript is Ergo's native smart contract language. It's a declarative, non-Turing-complete (within bounds) language based on Scala that defines the conditions under which a box can be spent. ErgoScript supports Sigma Protocols natively, enabling privacy-preserving contracts impossible on other platforms.
Key Points
- Declarative: describes WHAT conditions, not HOW to execute
- Based on Scala - familiar syntax for developers
- Native Sigma Protocol support for ZK proofs
- Bounded execution - predictable costs, no gas surprises
- Access to box registers, context, and headers
- Compile to efficient ErgoTree bytecode
Use Cases
1
Custom token issuance and management
2
DEX order matching logic
3
Stablecoin minting/burning rules
4
Multi-signature and time-locked wallets
5
Privacy-preserving DeFi contracts
Technical Details
ErgoScript compiles to ErgoTree, a typed abstract syntax tree evaluated by nodes. Key constructs include: `SELF` (current box), `INPUTS`/`OUTPUTS` (transaction boxes), `CONTEXT` (block info), and Sigma propositions (`proveDlog`, `proveDHTuple`). Scripts return Boolean or SigmaProp values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about ErgoScript
Common questions about this topic
What is ErgoScript and how does it work?
ErgoScript is Ergo's smart contract language - a Scala-based, functional language that compiles to ErgoTree for on-chain execution. Unlike Solidity, ErgoScript is not Turing-complete by design, ensuring predictable execution costs and easier formal verification. It's powerful enough for complex DeFi yet safe enough to audit.
Explainer
Technology
Is Ergo a good investment?
This is not financial advice. Ergo has strong fundamentals: fair launch (no VC dump risk), innovative technology (eUTXO, Sigma Protocols, NiPoPoWs), active development, and a cypherpunk ethos. It's a smaller market cap project with higher risk/reward than established chains. Research thoroughly, understand the technology, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Comparison
Getting Started
What can I do with Ergo?
Ergo supports a full ecosystem: trade on Spectrum DEX, use SigmaUSD stablecoin, mix transactions with ErgoMixer, collect NFTs on SkyHarbor, mine with GPUs, lend/borrow on DuckPools, bridge to other chains via Rosen, and build dApps with ErgoScript. It's a complete platform for decentralized finance and applications.
Explainer
Getting Started
How private is Ergo blockchain?
Ergo is not private by default like Monero, but offers powerful optional privacy tools. ErgoMixer provides non-interactive, non-custodial mixing. Sigma Protocols enable zero-knowledge proofs in smart contracts. Stealth addresses hide recipients. The key difference: Ergo's privacy is programmable - you choose when and how much to reveal.
Explainer
Privacy