zkEVM

Definition ∞ A zkEVM is a type of Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) that incorporates zero-knowledge proofs for transaction verification. It aims to provide EVM compatibility while leveraging the scalability and privacy benefits of ZK-rollup technology. This allows existing Ethereum smart contracts and dApps to run on a zkEVM with minimal modifications, thereby offering a path to higher transaction throughput and lower fees. zkEVMs are designed to bridge the gap between the established Ethereum ecosystem and the advancements in zero-knowledge cryptography.
Context ∞ The development and deployment of zkEVMs are currently a major focus in the blockchain scaling landscape, with numerous projects competing to offer the most performant and compatible solutions. Discussions frequently address the technical challenges of achieving full EVM equivalence while maintaining the efficiency of zero-knowledge proofs. News often reports on the progress of different zkEVM implementations and their integration into existing Layer 2 networks. The maturation of zkEVM technology is considered pivotal for the future scalability and adoption of Ethereum-based decentralized applications.