Smart contracts are tamper-proof programs that operate on blockchain networks, executing tasks when predefined conditions are met, and are often immutable, making them transparent and reliable. To understand how a smart contract functions, one can explore NFT projects like Doodles on platforms such as OpenSea and Etherscan, where the contract's address can be found and verified. If verified, Etherscan allows users to read the contract's code in a human-readable format, which may include multiple files due to imported contracts for enhanced functionality. Users can interact with smart contracts using Etherscan, with "Read Contract" and "Write Contract" tabs providing access to functions, although writing requires gas and sometimes additional permissions. The transparency of smart contracts enables users to verify their operations independently, reducing reliance on developers, but a basic understanding of Solidity is recommended for deeper insights. Further learning resources are available through platforms like Chainlink, which offers educational materials and community engagement opportunities on blockchain topics.