A protected function is a coding mechanism used primarily in smart contracts. It establishes rules for who can access certain functions within the contract. Typically, these functions are not open to the public and have restrictions based on ownership or specific permissions.When a function is marked as protected, only designated users, such as the contract owner or certain roles, can execute it. This is crucial for maintaining security and control over the contract’s operations. For example, a protected function might allow the owner to pause the contract or modify critical parameters.This design helps prevent unauthorized actions that could compromise the integrity of the contract. By limiting access, developers can safeguard sensitive functions and ensure that only trusted parties can interact with the more critical parts of the contract. Overall, protected functions play a vital role in enhancing the security and reliability of smart contracts, allowing developers to create higher levels of trust and control.