BNB Chain is advancing its blockchain technology with the revmc initiative, which focuses on enhancing the execution performance of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This project aims to transition from the conventional interpretation method to a combination of Just-in-Time (JIT) and Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation, promising substantial improvements in computational efficiency.
The traditional EVM interpretation model encounters limitations stemming from dispatch and emulation overheads, which hinder performance. While the reth client, built on Rust, has optimized its execution to become one of the swiftest EVM interpreters available, it remains constrained by the so-called “Interpreter”s Performance Ceiling.” This ceiling restricts further enhancements, rendering the current model less effective for demanding computational tasks.
The revmc initiative proposes a transformative approach by compiling EVM bytecode directly into native machine code, thereby eliminating the reliance on an interpreter”s dispatch loop. This shift is anticipated to result in considerable performance enhancements, particularly for workloads that require heavy computation. By substituting emulated operations with native CPU instructions, revmc aims to deliver execution speeds that are nearly indistinguishable from native performance.
At the core of the revmc system is a sophisticated architecture that incorporates a bridge for state communication, a dual JIT/AOT compiler engine, and the LLVM compiler backend. This design facilitates efficient interactions between compiled EVM code and the state management systems of the revm host, leading to significant speed improvements for computation-intensive operations. Benchmark tests indicate that revmc can achieve performance enhancements of up to 6.9 times compared to traditional interpreters for tasks that demand substantial computational resources. However, it is important to note that the performance gains are less significant for state-heavy tasks due to the overhead associated with crossing the state bridge.
Looking to the future, BNB Chain envisions an “AOT-as-a-Service” model that could precompile frequently used contracts, further minimizing execution latency. This innovative service would empower developers to harness the computational capabilities of native execution while retaining the adaptability offered by JIT compilation. The revmc project represents a pivotal advancement for BNB Chain, introducing a novel execution model with the potential to reshape the development and execution of smart contracts. As this technology evolves, it may significantly influence the cost dynamics between computation and storage within the blockchain landscape.
