Ethereum Virtual Machine
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a decentralized, Turing-complete virtual machine that executes smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. It provides a runtime environment where code written in languages like Solidity is compiled into bytecode and processed by nodes across the network. The EVM ensures deterministic execution and state consistency, enabling decentralized applications (dApps) to run without centralized control.
Developers should learn the EVM to build and deploy smart contracts for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other blockchain-based applications on Ethereum and its Layer 2 solutions. It is essential for roles in Web3 development, as understanding the EVM's gas model, opcodes, and execution environment helps optimize contract performance and security. Use cases include creating automated agreements, token systems, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).