smart-contract-reading-guide

Explain smart contract code from block explorers for risk assessment.

5|Updated May 2, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/nirholas/three-ui --skill smart-contract-reading-guide-nirholas
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: smart-contract-reading-guide
Source: https://github.com/nirholas/three-ui/tree/main/data/skills/development/smart-contract-reading-guide
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/nirholas/three-ui --skill smart-contract-reading-guide-nirholas

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This guide helps you understand what a smart contract actually does so you can assess risk, avoid scams, and make informed on-chain decisions without needing to be a Solidity developer.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Find verified contract source: Locate the correct code on major explorers and avoid the major risk of interacting with unverified contracts.
  • Read core Solidity structure: Interpret interfaces, contracts, state variables, modifiers (e.g., onlyOwner), view vs state-changing functions, and events.
  • Decode transactions and events: Translate raw transaction input data into human-readable function calls and parameters, then validate outcomes via event logs.
  • Spot common DeFi patterns: Identify typical behaviors across ERC-20 tokens, lending protocols, DEXes, and stablecoin mechanisms.
  • Review security-critical owner/proxy controls: Check mint/pause/blacklist/fee functionality and understand upgradeability via proxies and timelocks.

Quick Start

Ask the AI to walk you through reading a verified contract at a given address, summarizing the key owner controls, mint/fee mechanisms, proxy upgrade risks, and what the latest transaction likely called.

Frequently Asked Questions about smart-contract-reading-guide

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I read and interpret smart contract source code on Etherscan?

Decoding transaction input data involves translating raw transaction input into human-readable function calls and parameters, then validating the actual execution outcomes by analyzing the emitted event logs on block explorers.

How do I identify proxy upgrade risks in DeFi smart contracts?

Identifying proxy upgrade risks requires checking for proxy patterns within the contract code, analyzing owner and privileged functions, and understanding upgradeability controls like timelocks to assess potential malicious modifications.

What do modifiers like onlyOwner mean when analyzing Solidity contracts?

Modifiers like onlyOwner are Solidity constructs that restrict function execution to privileged users, serving as security-critical owner controls that you must review to understand who can mint, pause, blacklist, or alter fees.

Can I assess DeFi security risks without being a Solidity developer?

You can assess DeFi security risks without being a Solidity developer by learning to spot common DeFi patterns across ERC-20 tokens and DEXes, and reviewing owner controls and proxy upgrade mechanisms on block explorers.

How do I spot common DeFi mechanisms in verified contract source code?

Spotting common DeFi mechanisms involves reading the verified contract source code to identify typical behaviors across ERC-20 tokens, lending protocols, DEXes, and stablecoin mechanisms by analyzing state-changing functions and events.