Virtual Machine Standards

1 min read

Pronunciation

[ver-choo-uhl muh-sheen stan-derdz]

Analogy

Like standardizing car engine mounts so any engine fits any chassis regardless of manufacturer.

Definition

Specifications defining instruction sets, models, accounting, and integration interfaces for virtual machines (e.g., , eWASM) to ensure cross-client consistency.

Key Points Intro

VM standards ensure consistent behavior across implementations.

Key Points

Instruction set: defines opcodes and semantics

Gas model: specifies costs for each operation

State model: stack, memory, and storage layout

ABI compatibility: standardizes contract interfaces

Example

The Yellow Paper specifies the schedule, stack semantics, and opcode definitions that all client implementations must follow.

Technical Deep Dive

VM standards include word size (256 bits), endianness, stack-depth limits, memory expansion formulas, precompile addresses, and preimage cost functions. eWASM defines modules with custom -metering imports and host functions mirroring behavior.

Security Warning

Divergence in costs or opcode semantics between clients can lead to forks.

Caveat

Frequent revisions to standards can slow client upgrades and fragment ecosystem.

Related Terms

EVM

ABI

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