Definition
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the execution environment that runs smart contract bytecode on Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains. It defines the low-level instruction set, state model, and rules for computation and storage that nodes follow when processing transactions. As a deterministic virtual machine, it ensures that all participating nodes arrive at the same resulting state from the same inputs.
In Simple Terms
The EVM is the core software engine inside Ethereum that runs smart contracts. It takes transactions, processes the contract code, and updates blockchain data in a predictable way on every node. Because all nodes use the same EVM rules, they keep an identical view of what smart contracts store and how they behave.
Context and Usage
EVM is discussed when describing Ethereum’s core architecture, the behavior of smart contracts, and compatibility across different blockchains that implement the same execution semantics. It is central to how gas fees are calculated for contract operations and how external data is incorporated through oracles. EVM design also underlies approaches to account abstraction and intent-based transaction models.