Polygon zkEVM: Addressing Confusion and Clarifying EVM-Equivalence

Understanding Polygon's zkEVM

Polygon's zkEVM has been at the center of discussions regarding its EVM-equivalence. Sandeep Nailwal, Polygon's co-founder, addressed the misunderstandings surrounding this topic through a series of tweets, aiming to clarify the platform's stance and technological capabilities.

Key Debates and Clarifications

A significant debate unfolded between Toghrul Maharramov, a researcher from the EVM-Equivalent zk-Rollup, Scroll, and Polygon representatives. Maharramov previously claimed that Polygon's zkEVM was not truly EVM-equivalent. However, following comments from Brendan Farmer, another Polygon co-founder, Maharramov revisited his stance. Farmer provided a detailed explanation of how the zkEVM processes transactions similarly to Ethereum's EVM, supporting the claim of equivalence.

The EVM-Equivalence Definition

EVM-equivalence refers to the ability of zkEVMs to handle transactions like the Ethereum Virtual Machine, ensuring compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and code. This equivalence allows developers to deploy Solidity code without additional complications, enhancing the platform's usability.

Evolution of zkEVM Classification

The classification of zkEVM types was introduced by Ethereum's founder, Vitalik Buterin. This new framework has influenced how zkEVMs are evaluated and discussed in the blockchain community. Maharramov, after reviewing these definitions, acknowledged Polygon's application of the term, albeit with some caveats.

Conclusion

The discourse around Polygon's zkEVM highlights the importance of clear definitions and consistent terminology in the blockchain sector. Nailwal expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the debate, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and rectifying misunderstandings to advance technological innovation. This episode underscores the dynamic nature of blockchain technology and the ongoing dialogue required to refine and understand its applications.