A message call requires several parameters for execution, which are listed as follows: The sender The transaction originator Recipient The account whose code is to be executed (usually same as the recipient) Available gas Value Gas price Arbitrary length byte array Input data of the call Current depth of the message call/contract creation stack Message calls result in a state transition.
The message calls also produce output data, which is not used if transactions are executed.
From Initiation to Immutable Confirmation (Part 2)
In cases where message calls are triggered by VM code, the output produced by the transaction execution is used.
As defined in the yellow paper, message call is the act of passing a message from one account to another.
If the destination account has an associated EVM code, then the virtual machine will start, upon the receipt of the message to perform the required operations.
If the message sender is an autonomous object (external actor), then the call passes back any data returned from the EVM operation.
These are created by external factors and are signed and then broadcasted to the Ethereum network.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
Understanding Message call transaction is not just an academic exercise — it has real-world implications for how blockchain systems are designed, deployed, and secured. Whether you are a developer building decentralized applications, a business leader evaluating blockchain adoption, or a curious learner exploring the technology, this knowledge provides a critical foundation.
Key Points to Remember
- The message calls also produce output data, which is not used if transactions are executed.
- In cases where message calls are triggered by VM code, the output produced by the transaction execution is used.
- As defined in the yellow paper, message call is the act of passing a message from one account to another.
- If the destination account has an associated EVM code, then the virtual machine will start, upon the receipt of the message to perform the required operations.
Conclusion
Message call transaction represents one of the many innovative layers that make blockchain technology so powerful and transformative. As distributed systems continue to evolve, a solid understanding of these core concepts becomes increasingly valuable — not just for developers, but for anyone building, investing in, or working alongside blockchain-powered systems.
Whether you are just starting your blockchain journey or deepening existing expertise, mastering these fundamentals gives you the tools to think clearly about decentralized systems and make smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving space.