# Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) An EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) chain refers to a blockchain network that uses the Ethereum Virtual Machine to execute smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). The Ethereum Virtual Machine is a runtime environment that enables the execution of smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. This allows developers to create and deploy DApps that can run on both Ethereum and these EVM-compatible chains, fostering interoperability within the broader blockchain space. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://tech-app.gitbook.io/par4/glossary/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.