EVM & Gas Mechanics

Ethereum isn't just a ledger; it's a decentralized computer! This "computer" is called the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

Think of the EVM as a global, single-instance computer that runs all smart contracts and updates the state of the blockchain.

Every node in the Ethereum network runs the EVM, ensuring everyone agrees on the exact state of the network.

The EVM is a deterministic state machine. This means that given the same starting state and the same transaction, it will always produce the same output state.

It processes transactions, executes smart contract code, and updates the blockchain's state (account balances, contract storage, etc.) accordingly.

This determinism is crucial for a decentralized network, as it allows all participants to independently verify the blockchain's integrity.