"Lesson 2.2: Execution Environment: Virtual Machines" dives into the heart of how smart contracts are processed and executed in a blockchain context, specifically focusing on Ethereum's Virtual Machine (EVM). This lesson offers a detailed examination of the virtual environments where smart contracts live and operate, highlighting the crucial role they play in ensuring consistent and secure execution across the network.
The lesson begins with an exploration of different types of execution environments, including virtual machines, containers, and native execution, emphasizing their implications for security and performance. It then delves into the specifics of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), the backbone of Ethereum's functionality, which allows for the decentralized execution of smart contracts. The EVM's architecture is described in depth, from its isolated operational nature to its gas system that meters computation to prevent network abuse.
Additionally, the lesson covers smart contract programming languages with a focus on Solidity, the primary language for Ethereum smart contracts. Students will learn about Solidity's features, its design aimed at enhancing contract security, and the process of writing, compiling, and deploying smart contracts.
To reinforce learning, practical activities include reading foundational materials, experimenting with smart contract deployment on Ethereum testnets using tools like Truffle or Remix IDE, and a step-by-step guide through the deployment process on a testnet. This hands-on approach ensures that students not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of execution environments but also gain practical skills in using them to deploy secure and functional smart contracts.
By the end of this lesson, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how smart contracts are executed within blockchain infrastructures and be equipped with the knowledge to begin developing their own smart contracts in an informed and secure manner.
This complete lesson can be found at our Discord | ZKM study club | Lessons | Lesson 2.2: Execution Environment
