Definition
Deployment in a blockchain context is the process of publishing code or configuration, such as a smart contract or protocol update, to a specific blockchain network. It marks the point at which the code becomes part of the network’s state and can be interacted with by nodes, applications, and users under the network’s consensus and fee rules.
In Simple Terms
Deployment is when blockchain code is officially put onto a blockchain network so it becomes active and usable. Before deployment, the code exists only in development environments; after deployment, it is recorded on the blockchain and can be called, referenced, and validated by the network’s participants.
Context and Usage
The term deployment is commonly used when moving smart contracts or other on-chain components from local development to a testnet or mainnet. It is discussed in relation to network configuration, node connectivity, and gas fee considerations. In technical documentation and tooling, deployment typically refers to the moment code is committed to the chain and assigned an on-chain address or identifier.