Overview
The EVM is the 'global computer' of the Ethereum network. It is a sandboxed, virtual stack machine that is embedded within every Ethereum node. It is responsible for executing the logic of smart contracts and updating the state of the blockchain.
Key Characteristics
- Deterministic: Given the same input, the EVM will always produce the same output on every node in the network.
- Turing Complete: It can perform any calculation that a regular computer can, provided there is enough 'gas' to pay for it.
- Isolated: Code running inside the EVM has no access to the network, file system, or other processes on the host machine.
EVM Compatibility
Many other blockchains (like Polygon, Avalanche, and BNB Chain) are 'EVM-compatible,' meaning they can run the same smart contracts and use the same tools (like MetaMask) as Ethereum.