Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a virtual machine that is an integral part of the Ethereum blockchain. It is responsible for executing smart contracts, which are self-executing computer programs that are stored on the blockchain.
How does EVM work?
EVM, or Ethereum Virtual Machine, is a virtual computing space that functions like a decentralized computer. This system processes and executes programs known as smart contracts within the Ethereum network. The EVM serves as a key element for maintaining the operation and security of these contracts in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Also, this technology provides a set of instructions that determine how calculations occur. Each EVM instruction has its own set of parameters that control what it does.
When EVM receives a new smart contract, it first loads it into its bytecode, which is binary code that represents a sequence of EVM instructions. Then, it begins to execute the bytecode, following the instructions. Each of the 140 EVM instructions performs some action, such as adding data to the stack, removing data from the stack, or performing an arithmetic or logical computation.
When EVM reaches the end of the bytecode, the smart contract is complete.
Ethereum Virtual Machine state
EVM state is a set of data that is stored in the blockchain. EVM state includes the following data:
- Accounts, which are addresses that can be used to store data or perform transactions.
- Balances, which are the amount of ETH stored on each account.
- Data, which can be stored in the blockchain.
- Smart contract state, which is the state of each smart contract in the blockchain.
EVM uses state to execute smart contracts. For example, when a smart contract performs an ETH transfer operation, it uses state to access the balance of the sender and recipient.
EVM is key to what makes Ethereum unique. Thanks to EVM, Ethereum can support smart contracts that can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Here are some examples of EVM applications:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Financial Applications | Decentralized exchanges (DEXs), decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and payment systems |
| Real Estate | Decentralized real estate registries and smart contracts for renting |
| Healthcare | Smart contracts for storing medical records and decentralized research platforms |
| Games | Open-source decentralized games |
EVM is still under development, and new EVM applications are being developed all the time. EVM is a powerful virtual machine that is the foundation of the Ethereum blockchain. Thanks to EVM, Ethereum can support smart contracts that can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
