# Design a Gradual Path Towards Immutability

Achieving perfect, bug-free smart contracts at launch is nearly impossible. Instead, treat **immutability** as a **gradual process**, building resilience through extensive testing, community review, and real-world use.

By starting with upgradeable contracts and gradually transitioning key components to immutability, you can ensure a balance between security and adaptability as your system matures.

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## Why Gradual Immutability?

* **Flexibility:** Allows for fixes and improvements in the early stages.
* **Risk Mitigation:** Reduces the impact of unforeseen vulnerabilities.
* **Progressive Security:** Confidence in the code grows over time as it is battle-tested.

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## Staged Approach to Immutability

1. **Start with Upgradeable Contracts**
   * Design most contracts to be upgradeable at launch, especially those with:
     * Complex or novel logic.
     * Dependencies on other upgradeable components.
     * Frequent interactions with external systems.
2. **Identify Candidates for Immutability**
   * Mature contracts with:
     * Simple, self-contained logic.
     * Code derived from trusted libraries.
     * Extensive audits and real-world use.
3. **Transition Gradually**
   * As confidence builds, evaluate contracts for immutability using these factors:
     * **Code Maturity:** Proven stability over time.
     * **Usage:** Widespread adoption and testing by the community.
     * **Isolation:** Minimal interaction with upgradeable components.

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## Examples

### 1. **Good Candidate for Immutability**

* **Token Contracts:** Based on trusted libraries like OpenZeppelin and with self-contained logic.

### 2. **Better Suited for Upgradeability**

* **New AMM Models:** Complex or experimental algorithms that may require adjustments post-deployment.

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## Best Practices

* **Leverage a Security Council:** Regularly assess which components are ready to transition to immutability.
* **Audit Thoroughly:** Ensure each contract has undergone rigorous testing and review before making it immutable.
* **Document the Process:** Maintain a clear record of which components are upgradeable and which are immutable.