Smart contracts are a type of computer protocol that allow people to digitally and securely transfer and store information. They are a form of digital ledger technology that is used to record and execute agreements between two or more parties without the need for a third party. Smart contracts are self-executing, meaning that once a certain set of criteria is met, the contract automatically executes the agreement without any manual intervention. They are also immutable, meaning that the terms and conditions of the contract cannot be altered unless both parties agree to do so. Smart contracts are used in a variety of industries, from finance to healthcare, and can help streamline and secure many transactions.