What Is a VM or Virtual Machine?
The EVM in Web 3.0 stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine. In my previous work experience, I dealt with program management involving the successful deployment of client applications in local user environments. Simply put, a local user’s system must have all the client applications required to execute their respective work roles. So, how is this "deployment" achieved? A virtual machine (VM) is one of the widely used solutions in practice.
The purpose of a VM is to virtualize a version of a client host or server and deploy that version to a remote user’s system with the help of a software program. Deployment is possible regardless of the remote user’s operating system (OS) or hardware. In other words, the software or application running inside the VM does not interfere with the remote user’s OS and remains independent.
In a successful deployment scenario, the remote user only needs to log into the VM on their computer and access the client applications (web-based and desktop-based) with proper authentication. This enables remote users (e.g., those taking on outsourced work) to perform all required duties and ensures uninterrupted service delivery to end clients. VMs make applications and software portable across servers or hosts. Future requirements—such as adding more applications or software to the VM (for automation purposes)—are feasible because VMs support distributing multiple virtual servers across users.
EVM / Ethereum Virtual Machine
Decentralized and Secure Virtual Machine
This brings us to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). You may already know Ether—the cryptocurrency of Ethereum, the second-largest blockchain network. But Ethereum is much more than its native currency, ETH. Its slogan, "World Computer," exists for a reason. With the rise of virtual machines, remote desktops, and today’s cloud/edge computing, accessing third-party applications and digital utilities from anywhere in the world via a phone or laptop is effortless—but not without cost.
One such cost is that these utilities are controlled by third parties, making your personal information vulnerable to reckless misuse. Your privacy, security, and creativity are, more or less, in the hands of these intermediaries. This is where open-source technologies like blockchain come into play, applying the same VM concept in a decentralized manner.
With EVM, the idea is to randomly distribute workloads across multiple unrelated nodes—those unaffected or uncontrolled by a central entity. To influence any activity inside the EVM, a bad actor would need control over 51% of the network, which is highly unlikely. This is because any activity or transaction is processed only after achieving consensus among at least 50% of validating nodes. To complicate matters for malicious actors, every activity is cryptographically recorded and chronologically appended to Web 3 technologies (e.g., blockchain), making it immutable. Privacy is also optimized, rendering intermediaries incapable of abusing it.
Executing Logical Thinking in a Virtual Machine
Whether VM or EVM, developers play a crucial role in developing/maintaining software programs or code to operate use cases across billions of devices. Here, a software program can be considered a set of instructions, and nodes can be seen as individuals verifying/completing tasks by following those instructions. For EVM-related opportunities, proficiency in Solidity and JavaScript is essential.
It’s important to note that programs aren’t just developed to keep the network running but to execute logical steps for computational functionality. While all phones have basic calling features, a logical function—such as "facial unlock"—demonstrates deployed execution. Similarly, EVM has long proven its ability to automate logic via revolutionary "smart contracts." The focus now is on virtualizing and automating cross-user/device use cases that were previously unattainable. Some smart contract use cases:
👉 What Makes Smart Contracts Revolutionary?
World Computer (Globally Connected)
In reality, Ethereum isn’t merely a decentralized ledger holding account and balance data. Instead, it houses complete state data for countless scalable applications and blockchains. This is why even Layer 1 blockchains like Shardeum are building EVM-compatible, infinitely scalable networks. Without scalability, projects cannot support the billions of users entering Web 3.0 soon.
Let me clarify: Ethereum needs no promotion. This blog merely highlights why EVM-powered networks have become the "World Computer," enabling projects to launch platforms and ideas in a scalable, decentralized, and secure manner. Isn’t this the original goal of an open-source internet—to inspire inclusivity? Open-source blockchains are achieving this, with more networks joining Ethereum and crafting unique smart contracts.
FAQs
What is the primary function of EVM?
The EVM executes smart contracts and processes transactions on the Ethereum blockchain in a decentralized manner, ensuring security and immutability.
Why is EVM called the "World Computer"?
EVM enables global, permissionless access to decentralized applications (dApps), making it a foundational layer for Web 3.0—akin to a universally accessible computer.
Which programming languages are used for EVM development?
Solidity (primary) and Vyper are used for writing smart contracts, while JavaScript is often used for front-end dApp integration.
👉 Explore EVM-Compatible Blockchains
Note: The views expressed here are the author’s alone and do not reflect the official stance of any affiliated organizations.
### Keywords Identified:
1. Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
2. Smart Contracts
3. Decentralized
4. Web 3.0
5. Solidity
6. Scalability
7. World Computer
8. Blockchain
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