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What is the EVM? Ethereum Virtual Machine
Technically, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a decentralized cloud computer that is operated collectively by all the nodes participating in the Ethereum network. Unlike a traditional centralized server or a single computer located in one place, the EVM is the combined power of thousands of computers (or nodes) spread across the globe. Each of these nodes works together to maintain, validate, and synchronize the entire Ethereum blockchain, ensuring its integrity and security.
In practice, every computer (or node) on the Ethereum network runs a piece of specialized software that processes and computes the output of smart contract transactions. Smart contracts are self-executing agreements with code that runs exactly as programmed without the possibility of downtime, fraud, or third-party interference. The EVM takes this smart contract code — written in languages like Solidity — and executes it in a secure and deterministic way.
This means that whenever a smart contract interaction happens, every participating node processes the transaction, ensuring consensus across the entire network. The EVM acts as a universal processor, making decentralized applications (dApps) possible. It is the backbone of Ethereum’s ability to run complex decentralized logic, and it powers countless DeFi platforms, NFT projects, DAOs, and more.
📌 Definition:
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the decentralized computer that runs on the Ethereum network. It’s responsible for executing smart contracts and keeping the Ethereum blockchain running consistently across thousands of nodes worldwide.
In simple terms: The EVM is the brain of Ethereum — it processes every transaction, contract, and app on the network.
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🧠 What Does the EVM Do?
• Executes smart contracts
• Maintains the state of the Ethereum blockchain
• Ensures every node gets the same result when running the same contract
• Acts as a global runtime environment for decentralized apps (dApps)
⚙️ How It Works (Simplified):
1. You write a smart contract in Solidity.
2. The code is compiled into EVM bytecode.
3. The bytecode is deployed to the blockchain.
4. When a user interacts with the contract, the EVM executes the code, processes logic, updates state, and uses gas.
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💡 What is Gas in EVM?
• Every operation (math, storing data, calling functions) costs gas
• Gas prevents spamming the network and keeps execution efficient
• Users pay gas fees in ETH when interacting with contracts
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🌍 EVM Compatibility:
The EVM is so widely adopted that other blockchains have created EVM-compatible environments, meaning they can also run Ethereum smart contracts.
✅ Examples:
• Polygon
• Avalanche (C-Chain)
• BNB Chain
• Arbitrum / Optimism (Layer 2)
• Fantom
• Base (by Coinbase)
This makes Ethereum apps easily portable across other chains.