What is the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)?

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a core component of the Ethereum platform, serving as the execution environment for smart contracts on Ethereum. EVM is a decentralized computing engine that allows smart contracts to run in a secure manner and isolated from the rest of the network, providing a foundation for Ethereum to run decentralized applications (dApps).

In simple terms, EVM can be understood as a global 'machine' that executes program code in a decentralized manner. Every node in the Ethereum network runs EVM, ensuring that every operation performed on each node is identical and synchronous.

In this way, EVM enables a secure and controlled environment where smart contracts are written in a specialized programming language such as Solidity, then translated into bytecode that can be executed by the EVM. This allows developers to create applications that not only run on top of the Ethereum blockchain, but are also protected from network failures and malicious actions.

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