Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), is a run time environment for executing smart contracts in a secure and decentralized manner across the Ethereum network. In essence it is an abstract layer between a physical machine (a node) and the smart contract code itself, allowing a platform for developers to build on Ethereum.
EVM-compatible blockchains are those that can run smart contracts and Decentralized Applications (dApps) that are designed for the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This compatibility means they can execute the same code written to Ethereum, allowing for interoperability of dApps across different blockchain platforms.
Non-EVM chains, are blockchains that do not adhere to the standards and specifications set by Ethereum's EVM for smart contracts and decentralized applications. They use different programming languages, consensus mechanisms or architecture.
PAW Chain started as a L1 - L2 - L3 system, however our development evolution has now architected the L3 to incorporate everything that the L1/L2 does within a single component. As a result, PAW Chain is not an EVM chain by design, the deployment and management of smart contracts will be executed differently long-term. Our PAW Chain developers are coding a custom contract deployer for the L3, to be released later this year, enabling smart contract deployment, dApp creation, and other utilities to be developed directly on the L3. In the interim, PAW Chain's EVM-based L1 will be the smart contract deployment mechanism and uses bi-directional communication flows with the L3 to establish the token data within the L3 triple-ledger system.
The L3 comprises our bespoke ledger system which operates outside the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) framework. This means it isn't bound by EVM's constraints. Nonetheless, it's engineered to be EVM-compatible, enabling us to link with EVM chains and support quick, effective, and scalable cross-chain interoperability.