Skip to main content

Virtual Machine Architecture

Definition

Virtual machine architecture defines the design and operational principles of a software-based emulation of a computer system. This architecture specifies how a virtual machine executes code, manages memory, and interacts with its environment, abstracting the underlying hardware. In blockchain contexts, virtual machines, such as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), are critical for executing smart contracts in a deterministic and isolated manner. They provide a consistent execution environment across different nodes in a decentralized network. This design ensures that computations yield identical results regardless of the physical machine.