> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theblockchainlibrary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# zkEVM

> A zero-knowledge execution environment designed to prove EVM-compatible computation using validity proofs.

# zkEVM

A zero-knowledge execution environment designed to prove EVM-compatible computation using validity proofs.

## Definition

A zero-knowledge execution environment designed to prove EVM-compatible computation using validity proofs.

## Why it matters

Zero-knowledge systems enable verification of claims or computation while minimizing disclosure of underlying information.

## How it works

It mimics the execution environment of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) within a zero-knowledge circuit. As the EVM processes a transaction, the zkEVM generates a proof showing that the EVM rules were followed correctly. This proof is then submitted to Ethereum, allowing it to verify the result without doing the calculation itself.

## Real-world example

Polygon zkEVM and Linea are leading networks utilizing this technology to achieve high Ethereum compatibility.

## Advantages

* Native support for existing dApps
* High security via ZK-proofs
* Seamless developer migration

## Limitations

* Extremely high computational prover costs
* Technical complexity in development
* Relatively new and evolving technology

## Common misconceptions

* People think all rollups are zkEVMs, but many are not EVM-compatible at the opcode level.
* Some assume zkEVMs offer the same speed as traditional databases, but they remain limited by proof generation time.

## Related knowledge

* [Cryptography](/categories/cryptography) — term
* [Prover](/generated/v2/glossary/prover) — term
* [Verifier](/generated/v2/glossary/verifier) — term
* [Zero-Knowledge Proof](/generated/v2/glossary/zero-knowledge-proof) — term

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**Canonical knowledge ID:** `glossary:zkevm`