A zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) is a type of virtual machine that requires zero-knowledge proof to verify a program. A zero-knowledge proof or zero-knowledge protocol is a method by which a person can convince another party that a particular claim is true, without any additional information.
zkEVMs run on top of the Ethereum network. They process transactions, stack them up and relay them back to Ethereum’s layer 1 mainnet. These roll-ups significantly relieve the ETH blockchain network. This results in cheaper and faster transactions.
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is not one piece of hardware or software. Instead, it is a combination of rules, standards and software packages. When a large number of computers run similar software, this set of standards results in a network.
Early ZK rollups were limited to simple token exchanges and payments because they couldn’t execute smart contracts. ZK rollups are now starting to support Ethereum dApps thanks to innovation previously thought to be years away.
Ethereum Virtual Machine: Equivalent vs Compatible
Being EVM equivalent means that the experience of developing in the system is the same as developing on the Ethereum network. Developers have the same tools and structure as the ETH mainnet.
On the other hand, EVM compliant means the experience is not the same as the ETH network. The same tools and frameworks may not be available as those on the ETH blockchain. But nevertheless, the programs can run on the EVM.
Polygon recently launched its zkEVM and claimed it was EVM equivalent. However, users complained that the experience was not identical to the Ethereum blockchain and therefore should not be called EVM compatible.
Why is a zkEVM important?
There are several advantages of a fully functional zkEVM.
First, it ensures secure scalability. Ethereum’s throughput issues can be solved using EVM-compatible ZK rollups without compromising network security. The limitations of the Ethereum consensus mechanism do not apply to ZK rollups. Thus, it leads to higher execution speeds.
Second, zkEVMs will reduce transaction costs. Since the correctness of state transitions is already guaranteed by proofs of validity, ZK rollups can afford to post less information to Ethereum.
In addition, zkEVMs provide faster finality and capital efficiency.
make use of the network effects is the main motivation for creating EVM compatible zkVMs. Ethereum, the largest smart contract platform in the world, offers a sizable ecosystem that benefits developers and projects alike.
Developers have access to a wealth of tooling, documentation, and code libraries that have been thoroughly tested and verified. Ethereum’s network effects cannot be leveraged by projects or development teams if a new zkVM is built that is not compatible with Ethereum’s infrastructure.