Source: veDAO

On September 12th, the blockchain wallet MetaMask released a beta feature called Snaps, which allows third-party developers to customize wallet features and mechanisms. This enables the MetaMask wallet to seamlessly operate assets on non-EVM (Non-EVM) blockchains. This version can be seen as another step towards complete unconditional and decentralized MetaMask. Another noteworthy point is that MetaMask has also started to be compatible with non-EVM. This article will analyze the differences between EVM and non-EVM to further understand the similarities and differences between these two blockchain virtual machines.

EVM and Non-EVM

Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the first virtual machine created for the blockchain industry. It is an abstraction layer between physical machines (nodes) and smart contract code. It can isolate programs running on it from each other and separate them from the main chain of Ethereum. Simply put, it is a chain made based on the ecology that depends on the Ethereum ecosystem, allowing for rapid development and iteration. This reduces development workload and avoids starting from scratch. Each Ethereum node runs an instance of the EVM, which works together to form a network or global decentralized computer. As Vitalik Buterin said, Ethereum is even called the "world computer".

EVM is the heart and soul of the Ethereum network, and it is also the platform for deploying and executing smart contracts. The physical instantiation of EVM cannot be described in the same way as clouds or waves, but it does exist as an entity maintained by thousands of connected computers running Ethereum clients. *EVM is Turing complete, which means that it will find an answer if there is a problem. Users can create smart contracts using Ethereum's programming language Solidity and send them to EVM for interpretation and execution. Simply put, the advantage of EVM is that it makes it easier to achieve interoperability with the Ethereum ecosystem. It inherits existing dApps on the Ethereum chain, but the disadvantage is obvious, which is constrained by the Ethereum roadmap, which may interfere with the project's plans and must follow the pace of Ethereum.

Non-EVM Virtual Machine

Other blockchain projects have chosen a different path from EVM compatibility, known as non-EVM blockchains. Non-EVM means a blockchain virtual machine that is completely independent of Ethereum's ecosystem, rebuilt by developers and project teams. This means that non-EVM is independent of Ethereum's roadmap, so it will have lower costs and faster speeds than Ethereum. However, it also faces many obstacles, as developers and users must enter a new ecosystem, which has a higher learning curve. Nevertheless, it is clear that non-EVM chains have greater innovation space and can be completely unrestricted by Ethereum's limitations.

The difference between EVM and non-EVM

EVM chain dominance and market capitalization (data source: defillama)

EVM is compatible with Ethereum, while non-EVM is not compatible with Ethereum. For example, the two are like two different smartphone operating systems. For instance, the Android system in our phones is EVM, while the Apple system is non-EVM. Therefore, all applications developed based on the Android system can be used on Android phones, which we collectively refer to as EVM. However, software developed based on the Apple system cannot be installed and used on Android systems, which we collectively refer to as non-EVM.

Well-known EVM chains include Ethereum, Bsc, Arbitrum, Polygon, Avalanche, etc. Non-EVM chains include Solana, Mixin, DefiChain, Osmosis, EOS, etc.

Non-EVM chain proportion and market value (data source: defillama)

Currently, most of the top ten blockchains are compatible with EVM, and EVM remains the market leader in public chains. However, the growth rate of emerging non-EVM blockchains is also very rapid.

EVM and Non-EVM Functions

The function of EVM and non-EVM (referred to as blockchain virtual machines below) is to determine and track the state of each network block. Although it sounds like a monitoring tool, it actually refers to state changes, which are signals or causes of actions in various computer systems. For example, when certain content is opened or closed, activated or deactivated, sent or received, or when files or documents are moved, state changes occur. These state changes result in modifications to the data structure of the computing system.

The blockchain virtual machine can inspect the changes in the network and dApp states, allowing the public chain and its on-chain dApps to work in a decentralized manner while addressing issues such as network saturation or operation priority. In this way, the blockchain virtual machine allows any developer to run code in an ecosystem that does not rely on third-party trust, and the execution and interaction of the software are guaranteed and predictable.

EVM and Non-EVM Debate

For a long time, there has been a debate between EVM chains and non-EVM chains. Although the EVM virtual machine seems to be the obvious winner, non-EVM chains such as Solana make this battle worth paying attention to. EVM compatibility is the primary requirement for evaluating public chain platforms.

With the advantages of Ethereum, EVM-compatible public chains can quickly acquire customers and grow in the early stages, benefiting from developer friendliness, user experience, and ecosystem incentives. However, they must compete with many other chains in the Ethereum ecosystem. Non-EVM compatible chains are more likely to develop in trend areas and niche markets with new ideas emerging. At the same time, various public chains can succeed in areas such as NFT, GameFi, and payments.

Overall, it is difficult to say which is better between EVM chains and non-EVM chains. Attracting Ethereum traffic is the fastest way for new chains to grow, and EVM compatibility is the most convenient solution; while non-EVM chains can choose their development direction according to their needs, without being constrained by the main chain.

Let's take a look at their advantages and disadvantages respectively to understand the actual situation of EVM and non-EVM.

EVM and Non-EVM Advantages and Disadvantages

EVM

The advantages of EVM.

As mentioned in the previous section about EVM, anyone can develop decentralized applications without any security barriers or limitations. The scalability of EVM and the relatively simple process of migrating from the Ethereum ecosystem make it easier for users to access projects. Thanks to the convenience of EVM, NFT has become one of the popular contents in the crypto world.

The disadvantage of EVM.

Although decentralized, the EVM network is not completely decentralized. The vast majority of Ethereum nodes are hosted on centralized cloud servers provided by Amazon Web Services. If the operators of these services decide for any reason that they do not like Ethereum, nodes may be rejected, thereby harming the network.

During network congestion, Gas fees can be very high. This may cause serious inconvenience to Ethereum users, although those who send large transactions may not be affected, those who send small transactions may experience network access issues for a period of time. When many users interact with DApp smart contracts and execute a large number of transactions, if Gas fees are too high, it will bring many negative impacts to the project.

Due to the rigidity of its bytecode language and local functionality, the EVM is too complex and lacks sufficient virtual machine functionality to implement security design. In addition, due to the rules of Ethereum and EVM, designers need to implement many of the key parts of EVM's functionality and execution model themselves.

Non-EVM

Advantages of Non-EVM Blockchains

Non-EVM allows programmers to expand their user base and application scope. For example, projects like Raydium and Serum on the Solana chain are exclusive to Solana. Terra was once a unique public chain aimed at connecting on-chain and off-chain payments. In addition, platforms that are incompatible with EVM can provide fast transaction times and cheap transactions for end users.

These advantages make non-EVM blockchains a rising choice in specific use cases and markets, providing developers and users with more options and flexibility.

Disadvantages of Non-EVM Blockchains

High development costs: Chains that are incompatible with EVM may require additional development work to adapt to their unique ecosystem and rules, which can lead to increased development costs.

High barrier to entry: Non-EVM compatible chains may have a high barrier to entry for developers and users, as they need to adapt to new tools, technologies, and ecosystems.

Difficulty in project migration: Moving a project from an EVM-compatible chain to a non-EVM chain may face some challenges, including the need to rewrite smart contracts and adapt to a new ecosystem.

Due to the significant disadvantage in terms of project quantity for non-EVM compatible chains, developers tend to choose EVM compatible chains.

Because they can be quickly copied and deployed to new chains, which can help save time and costs.

Conclusion

Therefore, in the competition between EVM and non-EVM chains, who is the winner? There is no clear winner between the two, as each situation is unique and developers must choose a public chain that corresponds to the development path of their project. Different projects and use cases may be better suited to different chains, so there is no chain that can be absolutely chosen as superior to another; decisions should be based on specific needs and project goals. EVM compatibility can help developers attract traffic and expand the ecosystem, as Ethereum users can quickly migrate to new chains. At the same time, non-EVM compatibility undoubtedly allows developers to experiment and innovate.

In the blockchain industry, there is no single chain that can meet all needs. Therefore, developers and project teams must make choices based on their unique goals and use cases in order to achieve the best results. Therefore, in the long run, the future will not be dominated by EVM alone, but rather the coexistence of multiple chains is the direction of blockchain. After all, the diversity and constant evolution of the blockchain ecosystem is its essence.

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