What Is EVM?

EVM stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine.

It is the execution environment that runs Ethereum blockchain transactions and smart contracts.

• EVM was originally created in 2014 and is old in blockchain architecture terms

• EVM is used by multiple chains outside Ethereum, like Avalanche and BNB Chain

• There exists multiple implementations of EVM in different programming languages: Go, Rust, Python, etc.

• Some transactions do not concern or touch EVM; for example beacon chain (staking) happens partially outside EVM domain

Due to age and limitations of EVM, there have been efforts to extend EVM for more functionality and faster transaction processing. Some efforts include

• Aurora - running EVM on more powerful NEAR blockchain

• Stylus - bring WebAssembly based smart contracts to Arbitrum layer two

See also

• EVM-Compatible

• Decentralised finance

• Ether