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Ethereum Virtual Machine: Explained

發佈時間: Jul 1, 2024
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摘要

Discover the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): its workings, significance, and effect on smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Ethereum Virtual Machine: Explained

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a critical component of the Ethereum blockchain. EVM acts as the decentralized computer that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) to function. Understanding EVM is essential for anyone interested in Ethereum development, blockchain technology, or decentralized finance (DeFi). This article provides a high-level overview of EVM, how it works, and why it is important.

Before We Continue

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What is the Ethereum Virtual Machine?

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a sophisticated, decentralized computational environment that forms the core of the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. As a Turing-complete, software-based virtual machine, EVM serves as the runtime environment for smart contracts. EVM effectively functions as a vast, distributed computer that executes code across a network of nodes.

Operating as a closed system, EVM can only access and modify its state. This ensures isolation that guarantees security and determinism in contract execution. This design is important for maintaining the integrity of a blockchain-based world computer.

EVM's primary function is to execute smart contracts consistently and securely across all Ethereum nodes. EVM uses a concept called "gas" to measure and allocate computational resources, promoting efficiency and safeguarding the network against potential attacks or resource exhaustion.

Beyond cryptocurrency transactions, Ethereum's power lies in its ability to support complex smart contracts. This functionality transforms Ethereum from a distributed ledger into a distributed state machine. The Ethereum state is a comprehensive data structure that tracks accounts and maintains a machine state capable of changing from block to block, according to predefined rules.

This machine state can execute arbitrary code. EVM defines the specific rules for state changes between blocks. This design enables Ethereum to function as a global, decentralized computer, capable of running complex applications and enabling a wide range of innovative use cases beyond simple value transfer.

How EVM Works

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To understand how EVM works, it's important to break down its key components and processes:

Bytecode Execution

EVM operates on a stack-based architecture with a 256-bit word size, enabling efficient native hashing and elliptic curve operations for secure fund management. It supports various programming languages, with Solidity being the most popular for smart contracts. These high-level languages are compiled into bytecode, which is stored on-chain as runtime bytecode. EVM then converts this bytecode into opcodes, which it interprets and executes to perform a smart contract's functions. This process enables complex smart contracts to run securely and consistently across the Ethereum network.

Gas and Computation

Every operation in EVM consumes a predetermined amount of "gas," which is a measure of computational effort. Gas serves two primary purposes:

State Management

EVM maintains the global state of the Ethereum network, which includes all account balances, contract codes, and storage. Every transaction modifies this state, and EVM ensures that all nodes in the network reach a consensus on the new state after each block of transactions.

Memory and Storage

EVM uses different types of memory:

Message Calls

Contracts can communicate with each other through message calls. These calls can transfer Ether, pass data, and even execute code in other contracts, enabling complex, interconnected systems of smart contracts.

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Why is EVM Important?

EVM and Ethereum Wallets

While EVM operates at the core of Ethereum, most users interact with the network through Ethereum wallets. These wallets serve as the interface between users and EVM, enabling for several key functions:

How to Buy Ethereum (ETH) Using Trust Wallet

You can buy crypto, including Ethereum, using Trust Wallet, via our trusted partners. Here’s how:

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Remember that in addition to ETH, Trust Wallet lets you manage and interact with 10M+ crypto assets across 100+ blockchains. You can also send ETH to your Ethereum wallet.

Conclusion

The Ethereum Virtual Machine stands as a testament to the power of decentralized computing. By providing a standardized environment for executing smart contracts, EVM has enabled a new era of blockchain applications and financial instruments. As Ethereum continues to evolve, EVM will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of decentralized technologies.

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Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes and not investment advice. Web3 and crypto come with risk. Please do your own research with respect to interacting with any Web3 applications or crypto assets. View our terms of service.

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Note: Any cited numbers, figures, or illustrations are reported at the time of writing, and are subject to change.