Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
The EVM is the deterministic runtime that executes smart contract bytecode on Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks.
- Acronym
- EVM
- Also known as
- EVM
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the execution environment for Ethereum smart contracts. Every node must compute the same result from the same transaction, so EVM execution is deterministic.
The EVM uses a stack-based instruction set with temporary memory, persistent contract storage, logs, and access to limited blockchain context. It is sandboxed from the host computer's file system and network.
EVM operations consume gas, which accounts for computation, data, memory expansion, storage access, and state changes. A transaction supplies a gas limit, so execution is bounded: a loop can exist in code, but execution runs out of gas and reverts if it exceeds the available amount.
EVM compatibility lets other networks run similar bytecode and use Ethereum tooling, wallets, and development libraries. Compatibility does not mean identical security, decentralization, fees, or bridge risk.
Related terms
Explore connected entries beyond the alphabetical index.
Ethereum (ETH)
→Ethereum is a proof-of-stake smart contract blockchain; ETH is its native asset used for gas, staking, and settlement.
Decentralized Exchange
→A decentralized exchange (DEX) lets users trade digital assets from their wallets through smart contracts or peer-to-peer settlement.