Virtual Machine
computing · blockchain
A deterministic execution environment that runs smart contract code the same way across validating nodes.
A blockchain virtual machine defines how contract bytecode executes, how state changes, what opcodes exist, and how resource costs are measured. Determinism is essential because every validating node must reach the same result.
Virtual machines restrict programs so they can be safely replicated across a network. Gas limits, opcode pricing, and sandboxing prevent contracts from consuming unlimited resources.
Related terms
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
→The EVM is the deterministic runtime that executes smart contract bytecode on Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks.
eth · platform · smart contract
Opcode
→An encoded instruction interpreted by a virtual machine or transaction script engine.
technical · scripting
Gas
→The metered unit of computational work on EVM chains, paid in the native token to run transfers and smart contracts.
eth · fee
Smart Contract
→Blockchain-enforced program or script logic that controls how assets or state may change.
blockchain · scripting