Traces

A trace is a partially ordered set of messages. This set includes all dependent messages. In other words, if message B was sent while message A was being processed, then both of these messages belong to exactly one trace. Strictly speaking, this set is partially ordered according to the causal relation “A is sent as a result of processing B.”

When drawing a trace, messages are usually drawn on the edges, and the addresses of the accounts to which the messages are sent are drawn at the vertices. Transactions that occurred on the account at that moment in time are also usually signed at the vertex.

Start of the trace

Most often, a trace begins with an external message. It is the first one, since there is no message that could generate an external-in. However, trace may be started not only by external messages but also by tick-tock transactions, commonly used within TON Blockchain system contracts. Traces can also start with split and merge transactions, but since they are not currently implemented, this will not occur in a real network.