Ethereum Virtual Machine

Ethereum virtual machine (EVM) is a virtual platform in the Ethereum blockchain that enables network maintenance and execution of smart contracts. The primary objective of this machine is to create a decentralized sandbox environment that runs on code.

Developers utilize Ethereum virtual machine architecture to create decentralized apps (dApps) and projects. Here, EVM combines the computational power of the cloud machines to operate the network. Thus, it runs isolated and independent from other system parts. However, the high data storage cost in the EVM leads to expensive gas fees.

• Ethereum virtual machine is a sandbox environment used for the execution of smart contracts. It runs on a single code programmed in the Solidity language. 
• It is an integral part of the Ethereum blockchain that is isolated and decentralized from other system parts. Plus, EVM is also compatible with other blockchain networks. 
• The transactions get executed via smart contracts, which are then stored in the Merkle Patricia Trie (data structures). 
• If the gas limit provided falls, the EVM rejects or exits the transaction. 

Ethereum virtual machine refers to the core element of the Ethereum chain that governs the entire network. It works on the single code written in the Solidity language. This Ethereum virtual machine code creates a sandbox or virtual environment for the execution of smart contracts. These smart contracts further help traders to perform transactions on the platform. In short, it acts as the brain of the Ethereum body.

The Ethereum virtual machine architecture operates in two parts, namely EVM and uncle blocks. It runs on a single code to govern the entire network, and the other part enables the execution of smart contracts. It solely depends on the Solidity code that allows crypto contracts to exist. Thus, the EVM participates in validating and adding transactions to the blocks. However, this action is performed by network nodes running on software.

As transactions get verified, this virtual machine stores the data via blocks. The transaction data is then formatted in bytecode and interpreted in Opcodes, which are low machine-level instructions. And to settle data into bytecode, Solidity language gets used. Besides, it uses Low-Level Virtual Machine (LLVM) to compile the code. So, if the conditions match, the EVM creates smart contracts. These conditions depend on the gas fee offered. If it is below the limit, the program exits the function. However, Opcodes can retrieve data stored in the contract address from the contract memory.

This stack machine holds a bit size of 256 bits (1024 stack) for storing transaction data. The EVM then creates states for transactions as they move from one block to another during block creation. These states are further stored in the Merkle Patricia Trie. This Merkle tree-like structure contains all the transaction-type data. In contrast, the wallet balances get stored as Ephemeral data, which is changeable.

There are many layers and protocols present in the EVM. However, each has different characteristics. Let us look at them.

#1 - Turing complete machine

The primary feature of EVM that distinguishes it from others is the type. It works on a quasi-Turing completeness machine named after computer scientist Alan Turing. It enables computation on a single code, set of conditions, and instructions. Also, it depends on the amount of gas provided. There are 256 Opcodes for storage, but the EVM only utilizes 140 Opcodes.

#2 - Solidity based code

This virtual machine relies on the Solidity code to execute its smart contracts. It helps developers use this EVM code to create various apps.

#3 - Isolated environment

Apart from the above features, the EVM operates in an isolated environment. It acts independently to ensure a safe atmosphere for contract execution. Thus, any upgrades in the virtual machine cannot influence other programs and data present in the node.

#4 - Deterministic result

As the name suggests, code execution is deterministic in its way. It means any input will always result in an equal amount of output. Here, opcodes provide the same computation result for security and reliability.

#5 - Terminable contracts

It states that the smart contracts executed via the Ethereum virtual machine in the blockchain are terminable. The EVM may reject the transaction if certain conditions are unmet or the gas limit falls below the threshold. As a result, it will not be added to the block.

#6 - Transactions

There are two types of transaction instructions in Ethereum: message calls and contract creation. Message call instructions are used for sending Ether funds from one wallet to another. In contrast, the latter instructs for new or fresh smart contracts.

Let us look at some examples to comprehend the concept better.

Example #1

Let us consider John, an experienced Ethereum trader with three years of experience. John incurs transaction fees in his regular trading activities with other wallet users. For instance, he recently sent 200 ETH coins to Lutin, and this transaction was processed by a smart contract powered by the EVM. To ensure the swift validation and inclusion of this transaction in a block, John attached a gas fee of 8 gwei. As the transaction was confirmed, specific instructions were generated to manage its state within the blockchain. This transaction state was then securely stored in the Merkle Patricia Trie.

However, it is important to note that if John had not provided an adequate gas fee, the transaction might have failed to be added to a block, even if the computation needed to be repeated. Gas fees are critical for prioritizing and ensuring the timely processing of Ethereum transactions on the network.

Example #2

Experts are looking for ways to improve Ethereum's virtual computer (EVM). While layer-2 rollups have been in the spotlight, developers are looking to boost the EVM's efficiency within the execution layer. At the Permissionless II Conference, valuable insights were shared.

Monad Labs' Kevin Galler highlighted that many of the EVM's limitations are rooted in its historical backend design. He suggested that introducing parallelism while ensuring backward compatibility could be a promising solution.

Raul Jordan from Offchain Labs acknowledged that while the EVM can be slow in its current state, he posed questions on how to empower developers to achieve even more incredible feats.

There are enormous benefits of the EVM on the Ethereum blockchain. Let us look at them:

1. dApp development: EVM is a foundational platform for developers to create decentralized applications (dApps). This versatile virtual machine enables the execution of intricate smart contracts across various environments.
2. Secure execution: Users can confidently execute code, even if it is untrusted or unfamiliar, without compromising security. The EVM ensures complete anonymity during code deployment, safeguarding system files during installation.
3. Distributed consensus: Despite running on diverse systems, the EVM facilitates the attainment of distributed consensus for significant upgrades. This robust mechanism ensures equitable consensus distribution among nodes operating across multiple networks.
4. Enhanced network compatibility: EVMs find extensive utility in various applications, including ERC20 token management, non-fungible token (NFT) minting, and dApps. Additionally, they exhibit compatibility with other blockchain networks in the Ethereum ecosystem, such as Binance, Polygon, Cardano, Avalanche, and more.

In contrast to the above advantages, certain risks are associated with the EVMs. Let us look at them:

1. Storing data within the EVM's data structures can incur significant costs, leading to higher gas fees. Gas fees are the charges users pay for computational and storage operations on the Ethereum network, and they can escalate with the complexity of data storage and processing.
2. EVMs operate within predefined computational limits; each transaction is assigned a gas limit. Transactions demanding more computational resources (gas) than the allocated limit may face rejection by the network. This limitation necessitates careful consideration when designing and executing smart contracts.
3. Ethereum's blockchain is not optimized for real-time data retrieval. The consensus mechanism and block validation processes introduce delays. External data sources, known as oracles, obtain real-time data for smart contracts. Oracles serve as trusted providers of off-chain information to the blockchain.

This article has been a guide to what is Ethereum Virtual Machine. Here, we explain it with its characteristics, examples, benefits, and risks. You may also find some useful articles here -

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