Cairo Contract Classes and Instances

Overview

Clarify what a contract class is, how instances are deployed, and how class hashes relate to code and ABI.

Quick Use

• Read references/contract-classes.md before answering.
• Distinguish class (code + ABI) from instance (storage + address).
• Mention class hash and contract address derivation when deployment is discussed.

Response Checklist

• Use "class" for the compiled contract definition and "instance" for a deployed contract.
• Note that a class is immutable; upgrades require a proxy pattern.
• Mention declare vs deploy and when each step is required.

Example Requests

• "What is the difference between a class and a contract instance?"
• "How is a contract address computed?"
• "Why do I need to declare before deploying?"