EVM Gas Limit

Definition ∞ The EVM gas limit specifies the maximum amount of computational effort a single block on the Ethereum Virtual Machine can consume. This limit restricts the complexity and number of transactions included in each block, acting as a critical parameter for network capacity and preventing denial-of-service attacks. Miners or validators set this value through network consensus.
Context ∞ The EVM gas limit is a constant subject of debate and adjustment within the Ethereum community, directly impacting transaction fees and network throughput. Changes to this limit are significant news, as they influence developer strategies for smart contract optimization and user experience during periods of high network congestion. Balancing scalability with decentralization remains a key consideration for its modification.