Ethereum Virtual Machine: Everything to Know

Overview

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a programmable machine that processes smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, an action that enables decentralized applications (dapps). The EVM updates the data on the blockchain as each block is added.

The point of the EVM is to enable the storage of data for the blockchain and allow more interaction on it. The code and data for the EVM is within the software like Geth and Nevermind that a validator uses to run a node on Ethereum. The nodes retain copies of data on transactions. The EVM processes these to ensure that the ledger of the blockchain is accurate.

A Brief History

Computer programmer Vitalik Buterin introduced the concept of the EVM in late 2013. He envisioned it as a platform to allow the development and execution of dapps on the Ethereum blockchain. Buterin wanted to create a larger financial ecosystem with the EVM, which would encourage decentralization. The Ethereum blockchain launched in 2015. Since then, the EVM has gained more nodes and offered more potential for users and developers.

Ethereum Virtual Machine: Everything to Know

Operates using a stack data structure. The term "stack" here refers to a method of processing data. The EVM has its own instruction set, including various operations such as arithmetic, bitwise operations and cryptographic functions. These instructions can be combined to create complex smart contracts with sophisticated logic and functionality.

Use of gas mechanism. Gas is a unit of measurement that represents the computational effort required to execute an operation or contract. Each operation in the EVM consumes a certain amount of gas. A transaction's overall gas consumption determines the cost of executing a smart contract. Gas prevents infinite loops and allocates computational resources fairly among participants.

Includes a memory space where smart contracts can store and manipulate data during execution. This memory is organized as a byte array. A user can access it with EVM instructions. The size of the memory adjusts dynamically based on the needs of the executing contract.

Capability to store data is a persistent and long-term solution for smart contracts. In other systems, memory is temporary and cleared after contract execution. On the Ethereum blockchain, each contract has its own storage space. This can be modified and read during execution.

Operates based on the concept of "state," which represents the current state of the Ethereum network . This includes account balances and contract storage contents. The EVM executes every transaction that modifies the state. This ensures consistency across the blockchain. It also maintains a unified view among all network nodes.

Designed to be deterministic. The term "deterministic" means that the EVM produces the same outputs given the same inputs and state. This property is crucial for achieving consensus within the network. It is also necessary to ensure consistent contract execution across all nodes.

Getting Started

• Processes smart contracts. Smart contracts are written in programming languages like Solidity. They are compiled into bytecode for the EVM to execute.
• Utilizes the computing power of nodes. The EVM runs on Ethereum network participants' computers, called nodes. The nodes must download software such as Geth that allows them to become part of the EVM.
• Ensures consistent contract execution across all nodes . This is true regardless of hardware or operating system.

Unique Aspects

Turing completeness . The EVM is a Turing complete machine. This means it is able to compute anything computable if it has enough resources. The fact that the EVM is Turing complete allows Ethereum to engage in complex applications.

Uses stack-based architecture . A machine that uses stack-based architecture stores and manipulates data that is in a stack. The machine supports various data types like integers, booleans and strings. Stack-based architecture simplifies contract execution by managing data efficiently.

Uses a gas mechanism. Each operation consumes gas. Users pay for the gas used. This mechanism prevents inefficient or malicious code from overwhelming the network. The mechanism also ensures efficient resource usage.

Ability to interact with external contracts and access data from the Ethereum blockchain. Smart contracts on Ethereum can call other contracts and retrieve information. This enables complex dapps that interact with each other. The dapps can access a wide range of data and functionality.