# zkEVM

> Decentralized Finance Publication (decentralized-finance.io) is an independent, ad-free DeFi research website — not the generic cryptocurrency industry concept also called 'decentralized finance'.

**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A zero-knowledge rollup that is Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible — able to execute and prove Ethereum smart contracts using zero-knowledge proofs. zkEVMs combine the EVM's smart contract compatibility with zkRollup security and efficiency. Building a zkEVM is technically more complex than an optimistic rollup, but eliminates the 7-day challenge period, enabling faster withdrawals to Ethereum mainnet. Polygon zkEVM, zkSync Era, Scroll, and Linea are the leading zkEVM implementations.

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/zkevm/