Introduction to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a runtime environment for executing smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) on the Ethereum blockchain.

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the heart of the Ethereum blockchain, serving as the run-time environment for smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). The EVM is Turing-complete, meaning it can execute any computation represented as a program, making it a powerful tool for developers to create custom smart contracts and DApps.

In addition to its ability to run programs, the EVM also handles all transactions on the Ethereum blockchain and has access to all nodes in the network. The Ethereum protocol exists solely to ensure the continuous and immutable operation of the EVM, which defines the rules for transitioning from one valid state to another on the blockchain.

Overall, the EVM is a crucial component of the Ethereum ecosystem, enabling the creation and execution of decentralized applications.

"The EVM is the core component of the Ethereum network and is responsible for executing the instructions contained within smart contracts."        

How exactly does the EVM work?

To gain a deeper understanding of how the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) works, it is useful to examine the fundamental principles of computer program operation. Programs are typically written in programming languages such as Java, but CPUs cannot directly interpret these languages. Therefore, the code must be compiled into bytecode that the CPU can execute.

The Ethereum network is not powered by a single central processing unit (CPU) but rather consists of hundreds of CPUs running the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) concurrently. The EVM functions as a virtual CPU or "machine" that operates within the Go Ethereum (Geth) program. Developers can create decentralized applications (DApps) and develop smart contracts using Solidity, the programming language for Ethereum. This Solidity code is compiled into bytecode and distributed to every computer (node) running Geth on the network.

Upon the deployment of a smart contract, all nodes on the Ethereum network receive a copy of the contract and execute its bytecode, leading to a modification of the current state of the blockchain. This modification can only be performed with the agreement of all nodes on the network, ensuring the security and reliability of the Ethereum blockchain. The EVM records the alteration of the blockchain's state with each transaction, making it a distributed state machine.

EVM Bytecode

Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bytecode is a low-level code that is executed by the EVM when a contract is run. It is the machine-readable version of a smart contract that is produced when the contract's source code, written in a high-level programming language like Solidity, is compiled. The EVM is able to execute the bytecode by processing it and performing the operations specified in the code.

An example of what an EVM bytecode looks like

6080604052348015600f57600080fd5b5060878061001e6000396000f3fe6080604052348015600f57600080fd5b506004361060285760003560e01c8063037a417c14602d575b600080fd5b60336049565b6040518082815260200191505060405180910390f35b6000600190509056fea265627a7a7230582050d33093e20eb388eec760ca84ba30ec42dadbdeb8edf5cd8b261e89b8d4279264736f6c634300050a0032        

EVM Opcodes

Opcodes are derived from the EVM bytecode, as all Ethereum bytecode can be broken down into a series of opcodes. Opcodes (operation codes) are the low-level human-readable instructions of the program and are used to perform a wide range of operations when a smart contract is run.

Some examples of EVM opcodes include arithmetic operations, logical operations, and control flow operations. Opcodes are executed by the EVM when a contract is run and can modify the state of the Ethereum blockchain by changing the value of storage slots in the contract's storage area or by sending transactions.

Each opcode has a corresponding hexadecimal representation. For example; "SSTORE" is "0X55," "ADD" is "0x01"... etc. You can find more references to the solidity opcodes and their hexadecimal values in Ethereum Yellow Paper

EVM Compatible Blockchain

An EVM-compatible blockchain is a blockchain that is able to run smart contracts that have been compiled into EVM bytecode. This means that the blockchain has an implementation of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and is able to execute the bytecode produced by the EVM.

There are several blockchain platforms that are compatible with the EVM and can run smart contracts written in languages like Solidity. Some examples of EVM-compatible blockchains include:

• Tron
• Avalanche
• Polygon
• Binance Smart Chain
• Fantom

In conclusion, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a crucial component of the Ethereum blockchain that enables the execution of smart contracts. It is a virtual CPU that operates within the Go Ethereum (Geth) program and executes the basic instructions, known as opcodes, that form the building blocks of EVM bytecode. These opcodes allow the EVM to perform a wide range of operations, such as arithmetic and logical operations, when a contract is run.

The EVM is run by nodes on the Ethereum network and is responsible for executing and enforcing the terms of smart contracts, ensuring the security and integrity of the Ethereum blockchain. Many other blockchain platforms have also implemented the EVM and are compatible with it, enabling the development and deployment of smart contracts on these platforms as well.