EVM Sidechain

Definition ∞ An EVM sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs parallel to the Ethereum mainnet and is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It allows developers to deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts and decentralized applications with potentially lower transaction fees and higher throughput. These sidechains often have their own consensus mechanisms and security models.
Context ∞ News reports frequently cover the growth and adoption of various EVM sidechains as solutions to Ethereum’s scalability challenges. Their interoperability with the mainnet and their specific security assumptions are key topics of discussion. The selection of an EVM sidechain for a project often depends on its trade-offs regarding decentralization, cost, and transaction speed.