Introduction
Ontology's technical team embarked on developing an EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) integration earlier this year, building upon its existing multi-VM architecture (NeoVM, Native, and Wasm). This strategic move aims to create seamless interoperability between Ontology and Ethereum platforms, delivering a developer-friendly and user-centric experience.
Celebrating Ontology's third mainnet anniversary, we're proud to announce the completion of Ontology EVM. The new version introduces:
- Ethereum account system
- Ethereum transaction types
- Web3 API integration
- Virtual machine layer optimizations
- Transaction pool enhancements
- Synchronized blockchain explorer updates
01 Understanding EVM
What Is EVM?
According to Ethereum's official definition, EVM is "the computer that processes transactions." As developer @endorphin explained in May 2021:
"The EVM's physical instance exists as a single entity maintained by thousands of connected computers running Ethereum clients. Ethereum protocol exists solely to keep this state machine running continuously, providing the environment where all accounts and smart contracts exist."
Ontology EVM Overview
Ontology EVM is an Ethereum-compatible virtual machine that:
- Uses native asset (ONG) for gas fees
- Offers significantly lower transaction costs
- Achieves full Ethereum ecosystem compatibility
02 Design and Development Framework
Core Objectives
Ontology's smart contract system pioneered multi-VM support since mid-2020. Adding EVM support serves two key purposes:
- Leveraging Ethereum's robust ecosystem for developer convenience
- Maintaining platform consistency while minimizing migration costs
Development Process
After intensive research, our technical team achieved platform interoperability through:
- 1+ month of focused development
- 1 version iteration
Key functional implementations:
- Ethereum account system support
- RPC implementation
- Web3 interface expansion
Technical Enhancements
| Area | Improvement | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ledger Layer | Dedicated storage for Ethereum accounts | Maintains Ontology compatibility |
| Virtual Machine | EVM instruction support (95% identical to Ethereum) | Enables seamless contract migration |
| Transaction Structure | EIP-155 transaction support | Compatible with Ethereum wallets |
| Transaction Pool | Nonce-ordered transaction processing | Ensures Ethereum-style execution |
| Web3 API | Adapter layer development | Supports Truffle/Remix/MetaMask |
03 Key Advantages
For Users:
- Single-wallet access to Ethereum applications
- Lower transaction fees using ONG
For Developers:
- Full compatibility with Ethereum tools (Truffle, Remix)
- Multi-VM support (NeoVM/Native/Wasm/EVM)
- Excellent Wasm performance
👉 Discover how Ontology EVM enhances blockchain interoperability
04 Future Roadmap
Ontology's technical team will focus on:
- Enhanced Ethereum toolchain compatibility
- Improved data trust verification
- Broader business scenario support
As stated in our 2020 Multi-VM announcement: "Our goal is to create the most versatile smart contract execution environment with high efficiency and low gas fees." Ontology EVM represents a significant milestone toward this vision.
FAQ
What makes Ontology EVM different from Ethereum's EVM?
While maintaining 95% instruction compatibility, Ontology EVM uses ONG for gas fees and includes optimizations for cross-VM operations.
Can I use MetaMask with Ontology EVM?
Yes! Our Web3 API adapter layer supports MetaMask and other Ethereum wallets.
How does transaction cost compare between the platforms?
Ontology EVM transactions typically cost significantly less than Ethereum's, using ONG instead of ETH.
👉 Learn about Ontology's multi-chain ecosystem
Will existing Ontology smart contracts work with EVM?
Current NeoVM/Wasm contracts can call EVM functions, though cross-VM calls from EVM aren't yet supported.
What's next for Ontology EVM development?
We're focusing on expanded toolchain support and enhanced developer experience features.