Definition
In blockchain and crypto, an intent is a high-level, declarative specification of a desired outcome that a user or agent wants to achieve on-chain, without prescribing the exact sequence of low-level transactions or calls. It formalizes what state change or result is acceptable, typically including constraints, preferences, and validity conditions, which can later be satisfied by one or more concrete transaction realizations.
In Simple Terms
An intent is a precise statement of what result a user wants on a blockchain, without spelling out the detailed steps. It describes the target outcome and the limits or conditions that must be respected, leaving the actual transaction construction to other components or actors in the system.
Context and Usage
The term intent appears in discussions about more expressive transaction models, programmable user actions, and separation between desired outcomes and transaction execution. It is commonly referenced in research on intent-based architectures, routing and settlement layers, and designs where off-chain or on-chain components interpret user-defined objectives and translate them into executable interactions with blockchain state and smart contracts.